Vintage computer

The personal computer has been around since approximately 1976. But in that time, numerous technological revolutions have left generations of obsolete computing equipment on the junk heap. Nevertheless, in that time, these otherwise useless computers have spawned a sub-culture of vintage computer collectors, who often spend large sums to acquire the rarest of these items, not only to display but restore to their fully functioning glory, including active software development and adaptation to modern uses. This often includes so-called hackers who add-on, update and create hybrid composites from new and old computers for uses for which they were otherwise never intended.

Apple Inc.
The earliest of the personal computers are among some of the most collectible. They are relatively easy to maintain in an operational state thanks to Apple's use of readily available over-the-counter parts.

Apple II
Including the Apple I and Apple III, the Apple II series of computers are some of the easiest to adapt, thanks to the original expansion architecture designed into them. New peripheral cards are still being designed by an avid community that still thrives, thanks to the longevity of this platform, manufactured from 1976 through 1993. Numerous websites exists to support not-only the legacy users, but new adoptees who weren't even born when the Apple II was discontinued by Apple.

Macintosh

Perhaps because of its friendly design and first commercially successful graphical user interface as well as its enduring Finder application that persists on the most current Macs, the Macintosh is one of the most collected and used of the vintage computers. With dozens of websites around the world, old Macintosh hardware and software is put into daily use. Many maintain vast collections of functional and non-functional systems, which are lovingly maintained and discussed on worldwide user forums.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu