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Since no hard-core computer junkie would be complete without his or her very own computer
collection, I was compelled to have one myself. Seriously though, I owe a great deal to these machines
and they hold a special place for me and some, a significant place in computer history. Interestingly enough
the old 8-bits can still be found tooling around here and there and (yes it's true) they ALL can be
and are used currently to connect even to the internet! (Believe it or Not!)
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Commodore Computers: |
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Apple Computers: |
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Tandy Computers (Radio Shack): |
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Some Noteables: |
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Unix ONLY: |
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 Looks a lot like a Sparcstation (pizzabox) but case is completely made of metal. |
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Interesting Tidbits: |
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There are just a couple things I thought would be worth mentioning here, and the first is my admiration and compassion for anyone that shares the computer collecting hobby. I know the thrill of the hunt first-hand, however I also know the problems we encounter with space (where to put it after you get it home), and the ever recurring frustration of your loving spouse when you "tote more of that old junk into the house" :-) To be sure, it is an interesting hobby and well worth the effort - although my wife may politely disagree... |
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Care and feeding of Elderly Computers: |
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An interesting observation of mine is that most computers that reach my doorstep are in absolutely filthy condition. How do you clean them without damaging them? Good question! The answer I have found is to be VERY careful. I start with a paper towel and spray some Windex on it (never spray directly on the computer). After the initial layers of gunk have been removed, I carefully disassemble the computer and soak any plastic parts (cases, keycaps, etc) in very warm water and dish detergent for several hours. Clean contacts with alcohol and Q-tips (in severe cases, you might need a brillo pad). Clean circut boards with Q-tips, Canned Air, warm water (on Q-tip), and Alcohol (on Q-tip). Wipe clean and dry plastic parts, and re-assemble. If you HAVE to store them (see my opinion on this below) please make sure to pack them in their original container if you have it or bag them (inexpensively) in trash bags. If you use trash bags, do yourself a favor and use the black bags as the plastic on many of these old computers is highly UV sensitive and yellows easily. If you are planning on actually using them (Good For You!) also keep the UV alert in mind and keep them if at all possible in a dimly lit room away from sunlight and excessive heat. Be sure to check those old systems for chip creep, and remember that chip creep can also happen from large and prolonged room temperature fluctuations and not just power on/off component heating. |
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Accumulation and Protection of Media: |
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There isn't much to say on this topic except grab everything you can, put old software on new media if at all possible, and guard it with your life. Seriously though, your old computer doesn't do much but look pretty if you can't run any software on it. Many times your computer aquisition won't come with any software, so always be on the lookout. It's getting harder and harder to find the software and manuals for aging computer systems, and when it's gone, it's gone. Please get what you can, keep it working, and if your nice, help support other collectors with copies where applicable. As far as finding blank media, there isn't much to say. It is difficult but not impossible to find 360k 5.25" floppies - in fact I have found several boxes on clearance in Walmart. 720k 3.5" floppies are almost impossible to find (at least in my area of eastern PA). I don't need 8" floppies for any of my systems, but I understand that they are extremely hard to come by, however, I have seen them for sale a time or two on E-bay. Good Luck! |
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Computer Collecting: |
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I realize that this hobby has seen a boom lately - especially on e-bay where the hounds are selling anything and everything for incredible amounts of money (I personally can remember a Commodore 128 system selling for $500). You know when they are looking for some serious dough when the computer is preceeded by the words "RARE" or something of the sort. I do have a couple of personal gripes about some other "collectors". One thing that annoys me is seeing people with large quantities of the same computer type who are unwilling to part with any. These people are hoarders, and make it hard for legitimate collector/users to obtain a working model of that computer. An example I ran across lately is a person who has 30 some odd Commodore 64's. Another gripe I have is people who collect computers but don't use them. I have 26 systems listed above and use them all. In fact, I have plans to set up a retrocomputer lab to help teach youngsters about computing history, basic programming skills, and give them the opportunity to actually use interesting old computers. Let them know you can actually accomplish something without Microsoft Windows or a PeeCee. What is the point in having all those nifty old computers if you are going to keep them boxed/bagged up in a corner of your basement? Get them out and breathe a little life into them - show someone they are still useful. |
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Procurement Tips and Suggestions: |
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Just where do you find that old |
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My Geek Code: |
| GIT d? S:++ a C++++ UBLHC++++$ P+ L+++ E--- W+++ N+++ !o !K w--- O M-- V-> PS-- PE Y+ PGP- t+ !5 X+ !R tv+ b+ DI- D+ G++ e* h---- r++++ y+++ |