Vintage Computing Appeal
Why on earth would anyone be drawn to or interested in vintage computing? For sure, I cannot answer for everyone; but I think many are motivated like I am on this topic. When it comes to vintage computing, I think of my reasons for being drawn to it similar to vintage cars. There's something about seeing that 1950's white Thunderbird restored and running perfectly out on the road today! For a bunch of us, that's the same way it is with vintage computing.
Vintage computing, also known as retro computing, is popular and growing. A search on those terms will yield 5 million+ results. So, it is clear that all these searches would not be taking place if there was not an interest. Additionally, the whole interest in vintage computing seems to be growing. There are forums online covering nothing but vintage computing. Amazingly, there are even vintage computing festivals.
Vintage Computing Preservation
It appears that one of the primary purposes of vintage computing festivals is to provide a place for people with similar interests to gather with the intent of preserving these obsolete computers and software. Consequently, another big reason for vintage computing is so that the early models are not all lost. And vintage computing is not just about the computer, but everything that goes into making them up. There are original chips that have become quite rare and very pricey. Like just about anything, it's about supply and demand.
Museums dedicated to vintage computing have sprung up, too. This is a part of the whole preservation thing with the intent to not only show the history to future generations that have never seen early models, but to also preserve it. With a few of these museums, they collect stories from users of these vintage computing relics. It can be quite interesting to hear what was cutting edge technology just 30 years ago!
Vintage Computing Collectors
Interestingly, an entire new market has sprung up all around vintage computing -- and that's collecting. Not only do you have museums collecting these artifacts, but individuals have jumped in as collectors in a big way. Buying, selling, trading, bartering, and the auction all lend to collectors of vintage computing parts, components, and models.
Let me offer some tips about jumping into vintage computing collection. I strongly suggest you do business with people you either know or who comes recommended by someone you know and trust to have a good reputation. Like most anything nowadays, you've got to watch your back. Make sure there's a return option before you make a purchase. Do some comparison shopping online. It's as easy as ever with a simple search. Plus, you've got reputable companies like eBay who now have a vintage computing category. Businesses like this work hard to protect their reputation with rules that their sellers and buyers have to abide by.
Okay, have a laugh when you see one of these old commercials on one of the first color computers in the video below. That's a good idea of what we're talking about when we say vintage computing. Hey, do you remember your first computer?
80's Radio Shack Color Computer Commercial
For more on this topic, including further references and additional links, click on VINTAGE COMPUTING for Wikipedia's article.
