However, even media degradation may not be the biggest problem in recovering data in a device after 50 years.

FORBES: Will You Remember Me When I am Gone: The Persistent Danger of Data Loss

Factory production figures out today suggest America's manufacturing industry is recovering, as does some data from the New York Fed.

BBC: Made in nostalgic America

Moreover, the German economy appears to be recovering faster than others, with data Tuesday showing that German manufacturing orders surged in March because of a pickup in demand from other countries that use the euro.

WSJ: DAX Hits New High

If nothing else, the NAHB data remind us that while the housing market is clearly recovering, the process will take time.

FORBES: U.S. Recovery Remains On Track With Modest Growth

The comments follow a series of data revealing that the economy, which in the autumn had looked set to begin recovering from its worst slump in 50 year, was hovering on the verge of recession.

BBC: Zero interest rates back on agenda