PDP-12 on eBay

From: Kevin Handy <kth_at_srv.net>
Date: Mon Jan 13 14:05:00 2003

William Donzelli wrote:

>>Could it by chance have something to do with the size of the systems, and
>>the avaialability of the Operating Systems and software (and even
>>documentation)?
>>
>>
>
>Yes, certainly. DECs have mostly been run by bunches of grad students,
>nutty profs, wacko scientists, all natural packrats. IBMs, as well as the
>rest of the BUNCH, are run by suits. Very different cultures.
>
>
Also, early IBM was rented, not sold. When you were done with it,
it went back to IBM, not into storage. Fewer systems for hobbyests
to pick up.

>>For example, I pretty much always pick up any documentation I can find,
>>I've got probably 5-7 full size bookcases full of DEC documentation (that
>>doesn't include microfiche and electronic format). For IBM, I've got maybe
>>a third of one shelf. For DG, I've got a three-ring binder. Admitadly, I
>>look for DEC doc's, but still even more of it's found me, than I've found
>>of the other stuff.
>>
>>
>
>Docs do not seem to be the issue - DAC, IBM, DG, it all seems to have
>survived well. If you look for IBM docs, you can get just as overloaded.
>
>
>
>>OTOH, the first two pieces of my classic computer collection are IBM, a
>>hand-held card punch (still in almost prefect condition), and a wierd
>>magtape. I've had both for 20-30 years.
>>
>>
>
>What is the magtape?
>
>William Donzelli
>aw288_at_osfn.org
>
>
>
Received on Mon Jan 13 2003 - 14:05:00 GMT