The very first personal computers - How many are left?

From: Erik S. Klein <classiccmp_at_vintage-computer.com>
Date: Thu Apr 10 20:08:00 2003

> I think the list posted is representative of a not so mature
collector.

I don't know if maturity has anything to do with it. I think the other
names mentioned are just more recognizable (or heralded, as you said).
Why? Because the machines mentioned had more of an impact on the
industry or they were more advertised or more common or all of the
above.

People collect what they are excited about and that usually doesn't
include more obscure machines.

I have hundreds of computer magazines from the seventies and eighties.
I rarely see an ad for HP 9830 but I see ads for IMSAI, Altair and other
mentioned machines a ton.

It's the recognition factor. Besides, the IMSAI starred in a movie! :)

Speaking of HPs, though, I just came across a small collection of ROM
drawers (82936A) and two RAM modules (82903A - 16k and 82907A - 32k) at
Weird Stuff. The ROM drawers all have at least one ROM in them and
several have multiples. Most have the "Advanced Prgm." ROM but there
are copies of "Mass Storage", "I/O", "Matrix 1 and 2" and "Plotter
Printer."

It might be time to pull out the 85 to play.

   Erik
Received on Thu Apr 10 2003 - 20:08:00 BST