Cryptic crossword clue
Old IT device in BASIC wordplay to check 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word KEYPUNCH

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
K
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Old IT device" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case old it device = keypunch.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does KEYPUNCH mean?

KEYPUNCH noun
  1. A mechanical device whose keys are pressed, individually or in combination, to punch holes in punched cards or paper tape that correspond to particular characters.
  2. An electric machine with a keyboard that has the same function.
KEYPUNCH verb
  1. To use such a device or machine

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