Computer Antique|Vintage desktops http://www.computerantique.com Information on vintage desktop computers, classic laptops and other vintage computers. Links to classic computers for sale Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:19:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 What’s an Antique Computer? http://www.computerantique.com/whats-an-antique-computer http://www.computerantique.com/whats-an-antique-computer#comments Sat, 15 May 2010 02:55:22 +0000 admin http://richard.pandorawc.info/computerantique/?p=12 Antique ComputerDo you remember your first computer? Well, those of us who grew up at the start of the digital age, no doubt, have some nostalgic memories for our first home PC’s. Quite unlike the computers of today, the classic computers of the 70s and 80s had a personality. Despite the limited functionality, minimal memories and their looks, an antique computer is still somehow more interactive and fun.

But not every classic or old computer can be classified as a vintage computer. It needs to have a certain pizazz attached with it. If you own an Apple I in good condition you will be happy to know that its value has appreciated many times over.

The real value of a vintage desktop is historical. Two decades ago, when a computer was introduced, it was quite an event.   Most desktop computers these days come with far less fanfare.  Vintage computers recall the days when each new release meant an all-out marketing blitz in publications and on TV (since virtually no one was on the internet at that point).

The home computer started to become somewhat commonplace by the mid-1990s.  Many produced in the early and mid-90s were IBMs or IBM clones.  Those made prior to this era are considered vintage.  Of course, the older the better and those that broke new ground in terms of computer technology and development are especially valued.  Read some of the articles on Computer Antique and elsewhere to get a sense of what those are.  Most computer teachers would also be armed with the knowledge of what makes a computer vintage.

Many times, a classic computer is considered vintage because of its relationship to the gaming industry.  Retro gamers love to spend hours lost in arcade and console games of the past. Some of us might have grown up but there still are people out there who dig up old Atari 2600s or even Mattel’s Intellivision Consoles.

The beauty of collecting vintage computers is that it isn’t done for the money. At least that’s what most collectors and archivists of vintage computer memorabilia say.  Classic computers offer people a chance to experience the technology that got the whole computing revolution started. Atari’s and Commodores can tell an incredible tale of computer development. An antique computer represents everything that could have been in terms of design and functionality.

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Packard Bell Legend 760 Supreme Desktop Computer Boxed Packard Bell Legend 760 Supreme Desktop Computer Boxed Paypal US $500.00 3d 8h 54m
Phillips P2000C Desktop CP/M Advanced Portable Made in Austria Works!!! Phillips P2000C Desktop CP/M Advanced Portable Made in Austria Works!!! Paypal US $499.99 9h 14m
Columbia 1600-1 Desktop S# 2803 IBM Clone!!! Columbia 1600-1 Desktop S# 2803 IBM Clone!!! Paypal US $399.99 24d 21h 54m
Zenith ZWX-0248-62 286 MHz AT Desktop Zenith ZWX-0248-62 286 MHz AT Desktop Paypal US $339.65 6d 5h 21m
Jameco Computer IBM Compatible XT Desktop Jameco Computer IBM Compatible XT Desktop Paypal US $320.65 6d 4h 59m
Apple Macintosh SE Vintage Desktop Computer Dual 800K Floppy M5010 Apple Macintosh SE Vintage Desktop Computer Dual 800K Floppy M5010 Paypal US $284.99 18d 15h 33m
Supercom Turbo Beltron Desktop Computer - As Is Supercom Turbo Beltron Desktop Computer - As Is Paypal US $279.00 10d 8h 26m
IBM PS/1 386 PC 3865X Desktop Computer 2121-C42 IBM PS/1 386 PC 3865X Desktop Computer 2121-C42 Paypal US $249.99 11d 7h 9m
IBM 3174-61R Token Ring Desktop Terminal Controler IBM 3174-61R Token Ring Desktop Terminal Controler Paypal US $199.99 26d 23h 10m
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]]> http://www.computerantique.com/whats-an-antique-computer/feed 0 What are Antique Computers Worth? http://www.computerantique.com/what-are-antique-computers-worth http://www.computerantique.com/what-are-antique-computers-worth#comments Sat, 15 May 2010 02:53:34 +0000 admin http://richard.pandorawc.info/computerantique/?p=10 Antique Computers WorthAt one time they might have been given away to anyone willing to haul them off, but now many are asking what that old computer might be worth.

These days the power and speed of computers is growing at the speed of light; today’s technology is often tomorrow’s oversized paperweight.  Yet many people still love those older models.

Computers aren’t outdated anymore; they are vintage.  The growing number of collectors of vintage desktops and portables and those rediscovering their benefits are searching eBay to find out if they have any value.  The answer, many times, is yes.  Specific models tend to attract more bidders and buyers for a variety of different reasons.

The Altair 8800 was a kit computer from 1975. In those days it could have been bought for $500 but one surviving model recently sold for $1500.

Apple I was introduced in 1976 and was the first product of Apple computers. Today, it is considered the Holy Grail of vintage computing and every time one goes up for sale, buyers come running. It could have been bought originally for $666. In 2003 a mint condition Apple I was auctioned off for $16,000.  That might be the high end of the scale, of course, but rest assured if you’re looking for Apple or Altair PCs, you’ll find competition.

Of all the 1980s computers, Commodore 64’s (1982) and the Apple Lisa (1983) also command big bucks at sales and auctions.  The 1984 Apple MacIntosh is especially popular and vintage models with working parts and manuals often sell on eBay for hundreds of dollars.

The Apple II was mass-produced and a good piece can be found without much trouble. Even by the most flexible of estimates, it will fetch around $300.

Commodore 64 and 128 models and the Amiga system generally bring $100-300 in good shape.

Compaq desktops and portables are a little less expensive, usually running less than $100 (plus shipping, of course).

The trick to make money off 1980s computers is to choose a manufacturer and stick to it. Some people only collect Apples, Atari’s or Commodores. This is a good idea; otherwise getting into too many boats at a time can be financially disastrous. Besides, a vintage desktop need some looking after and unless you are a millionaire the handling and storage costs can run pretty high.

Value is a delicate issue. Getting your vintage desktop reviewed at eBay might not be a good idea.

EBay auction results show the price of a computer based on market demand and not the actual value of the object. Instead approach a professional appraiser with your vintage desktop. They base the value on many different variables. These include historical significance, condition, completeness and functionality of your computer. If you were wise enough to preserve the old packing and manuals as well, then expect a significant increase in the worth.

Have an old machine from the 80s lying around or see one dirt cheap at a garage sale?  It’s worth seeing what that vintage computer might be worth. It could be exactly what someone is looking for.  And yes, please beware of the spiders!

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DDE Dansk Data Elektronik SPC/1 Model 25 Very Rare Vintage Danish Computer 1979 DDE Dansk Data Elektronik SPC/1 Model 25 Very Rare Vintage Danish Computer 1979 Paypal US $25,000.00 27d 5h 36m
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Vintage Apple Lisa PC A6SB100 Vintage Apple Lisa PC A6SB100 Paypal US $10,000.00 23d 10h 35m
Very Rare HP 9100A Calculator/Computer (Will Ship WorldWide) Very Rare HP 9100A Calculator/Computer (Will Ship WorldWide) Paypal US $9,999.99 1d 23h 31m
Vintage Apple Computer PROTOTYPE eMate 300 Laptop, CLEAR CASE Newton/Macintosh Vintage Apple Computer PROTOTYPE eMate 300 Laptop, CLEAR CASE Newton/Macintosh Paypal US $8,499.99 25d 9h 4m
Vintage Microsoft Windows Version 1.0 1985 Sealed Software Vintage Microsoft Windows Version 1.0 1985 Sealed Software Paypal US $7,500.00 13d 16h 9m
Polymorphic 8813/2 w/manuals & Box Perfect Museum Item Polymorphic 8813/2 w/manuals & Box Perfect Museum Item Paypal US $6,999.99 8d 22h 23m
Very Rare Cromemco System CS-400 Computer in working condition!! Very Rare Cromemco System CS-400 Computer in working condition!! Paypal US $6,949.99 16d 6h 30m
IBM 5110 Portable Computer Works!!!! IBM 5110 Portable Computer Works!!!! Paypal US $5,999.99 8d 22h 23m
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]]> http://www.computerantique.com/what-are-antique-computers-worth/feed 0 What’s an Antique Computer Used for? http://www.computerantique.com/whats-an-antique-computer-used-for http://www.computerantique.com/whats-an-antique-computer-used-for#comments Sat, 15 May 2010 02:51:49 +0000 admin http://richard.pandorawc.info/computerantique/?p=8 What’s an Antique Computer Used forComputer lovers are passionately devoted to what many other people happily throw away. And of course, many people question the sanity of accumulating something so out of date and obsolete. Nostalgia is one obvious reason for gathering 1980s computers

But they are put to more use than you can imagine. Instead of simply letting old computers and computer parts gather dust, they’re being put to use in a variety of ways.

Of all the 1980s computers, the Commodore 64 was among the biggest successes. It was the first computer to pass the one million sales mark. Today, it is still respectably good at games. Many collectors spend their time playing word games and making utility programs.

At the time of its release Space Invaders was the cutting edge of graphics! It may seem ridiculous now but games like Pac man, Donkey Kong and Frogger were widely played and loved. These amazingly addictive games were made available when DOS was in its early stages. And after such remarkable development in computer gaming, these games still have some hardcore fans ready to dish out the dough for their favorite gaming console.

An interesting use for 1980s computers has been developed via the internet. Some websites are beginning to offer information push services for your vintage desktops. Designed for old computers that are able to run terminal emulators, this service can turn your vintage desktop into an information center. If you can handle hardware programming, you can enjoy your old computer displaying up to the minute weather, news and sports scores(don’t know how reliable these are)!

The 1990s computers were far more refined than their earlier counterparts. But many of us threw ours out the instant it got old.  Some buy 1990s PCs to savor the taste of Windows 3.

1990s computers also provide a thoughtful insight into how GUI actually developed into what we know today. Although not very old, 1990s computers mark the beginning of home computing as we know it today. Open license Linux, Windows NT and 98 all are important milestones and to understand them fully, the decade’s classic computers must be relished.

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Packard Bell Legend 760 Supreme Desktop Computer Boxed Packard Bell Legend 760 Supreme Desktop Computer Boxed Paypal US $500.00 3d 8h 54m
Phillips P2000C Desktop CP/M Advanced Portable Made in Austria Works!!! Phillips P2000C Desktop CP/M Advanced Portable Made in Austria Works!!! Paypal US $499.99 9h 14m
Columbia 1600-1 Desktop S# 2803 IBM Clone!!! Columbia 1600-1 Desktop S# 2803 IBM Clone!!! Paypal US $399.99 24d 21h 54m
Zenith ZWX-0248-62 286 MHz AT Desktop Zenith ZWX-0248-62 286 MHz AT Desktop Paypal US $339.65 6d 5h 21m
Jameco Computer IBM Compatible XT Desktop Jameco Computer IBM Compatible XT Desktop Paypal US $320.65 6d 4h 59m
Apple Macintosh SE Vintage Desktop Computer Dual 800K Floppy M5010 Apple Macintosh SE Vintage Desktop Computer Dual 800K Floppy M5010 Paypal US $284.99 18d 15h 33m
Supercom Turbo Beltron Desktop Computer - As Is Supercom Turbo Beltron Desktop Computer - As Is Paypal US $279.00 10d 8h 26m
IBM PS/1 386 PC 3865X Desktop Computer 2121-C42 IBM PS/1 386 PC 3865X Desktop Computer 2121-C42 Paypal US $249.99 11d 7h 9m
IBM 3174-61R Token Ring Desktop Terminal Controler IBM 3174-61R Token Ring Desktop Terminal Controler Paypal US $199.99 26d 23h 10m
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]]> http://www.computerantique.com/whats-an-antique-computer-used-for/feed 0 History of the PC http://www.computerantique.com/history-of-the-pc http://www.computerantique.com/history-of-the-pc#comments Sat, 15 May 2010 02:50:31 +0000 admin http://richard.pandorawc.info/computerantique/?p=6 History of the PCFrom the huge and antique computer, the 680 square-foot ENIAC, to the sleek, smart and compact palmtops, digital computers have come a long way in less than a century. The word ‘computer’ is a very wide term in itself.

From an ATM across the street to an ECG machine in the local hospital, every digital machine that is able to do some calculation or computation is a computer. There are several hundred kinds of computers and dozens of further classifications for them, differentiating according to their sizes, speed, uses, architecture or even the operating systems. But no matter what size or purpose, none has ever invaded the human life like the Personal Computer or PC. If you are reading this, then you are probably in front of one.

The History of the PC dates back to…well not so long ago, to be honest. Most of us born in the late 20th century witnessed the arrival of very the first computer to come to our houses (now antique computers!). Hence, the PC doesn’t have a very ancient history but it certainly is  a very lengthy and profound one.

During the 1930s and 40s, a lot of research was being carried out to reduce the cost and size of computers. There were a number of different companies as well as individuals working for this purpose simultaneously. The idea was to incorporate the computer’s efficiency to assist and help in everyday tasks.

Talking about the term ‘Personal Computer’, it is said to be coined by Ed Roberts, the inventor of MITS Altair 8800, in 1975. Although Altair 8800 is the first Intel8080 microprocessor based computer and also the first to run Microsoft software, it is not the ‘first’ PC really. Kenback-I was introduced in 1971, few years before Altair. Kenback-I architecture was based on TLL chips rather than the microprocessor but still it is considered as the actual first PC by most.

With a few more entries from different companies during the later years, MIS Altair managed a good market position until the introduction of Apple II in 1979. In the late 70s and early 80s, the computer market was hit by numerous home computers like Atari800 and Commodore 64; this led to a serious price war between the giants and eventually the market suffered from declining profits due to the lowering of prices.

In 1981, IBM introduced their IBM PC. Almost a decade after the actual first PC being introduced, the IBM PC was the first ever machine to be actually wearing the label of ‘PC’. With most of the competition gone bankrupt, there were only few players left in the PC market. IBM PC gained quick popularity and was followed by a number of clones. IBM PC remained a good competitor of Apple computers even after the introduction of Apple LISA in 1983.

History of the PCLISA was a microcomputer with a nice GUI but failed to take on the market due to high price and slow speed. A year later, Apple brought their revolutionary MACINTOSH or MAC which was the first successful mouse driven computer with an impressive WIMP GUI. Although MAC gained a slower popularity, it hailed a new era of advanced GUI based systems.

During mid 1980s, with the advent of 32 bit 80x86 systems, the market was flooded by PC clones with many manufacturers such as Dell, AMD, Compaq and Cyrix. The prices were now lower and the systems were faster.

Then came the 90s, with its desktop PCs and workstations, built-in CD ROMs and storage devices. The growth of IBM PC clones rocketed with Microsoft Windows 3.0 in 1990. PCs were now quickly becoming a household item. By the middle of the decade Dell had become the world largest PC manufacturers while Apple maintained its position by taking advantage of growing multimedia industry with their power MAC, introduced in 1994.

Microsoft Windows 95 sent Apple in a major setback. In 1997, MAC OS 8 saved the sinking ship of Apple and the company was again in the good position. The war was now fought on the software grounds. With so many other competitors entering the market the last decade saw a rapid improvement and introduction of new technology. Laptops and Palmtops are now a household item but the antique computers still maintain their charm.

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DDE Dansk Data Elektronik SPC/1 Model 25 Very Rare Vintage Danish Computer 1979 DDE Dansk Data Elektronik SPC/1 Model 25 Very Rare Vintage Danish Computer 1979 Paypal US $25,000.00 27d 5h 36m
RARE - BOXED APPLE LISA 1 COMPUTER SYSTEM - COMPLETE, RESTORED, & WORKING ! RARE - BOXED APPLE LISA 1 COMPUTER SYSTEM - COMPLETE, RESTORED, & WORKING ! Paypal US $24,995.00 3d 21h 59m
Vintage Apple Lisa PC A6SB100 Vintage Apple Lisa PC A6SB100 Paypal US $10,000.00 23d 10h 35m
Very Rare HP 9100A Calculator/Computer (Will Ship WorldWide) Very Rare HP 9100A Calculator/Computer (Will Ship WorldWide) Paypal US $9,999.99 1d 23h 31m
Vintage Apple Computer PROTOTYPE eMate 300 Laptop, CLEAR CASE Newton/Macintosh Vintage Apple Computer PROTOTYPE eMate 300 Laptop, CLEAR CASE Newton/Macintosh Paypal US $8,499.99 25d 9h 4m
Vintage Microsoft Windows Version 1.0 1985 Sealed Software Vintage Microsoft Windows Version 1.0 1985 Sealed Software Paypal US $7,500.00 13d 16h 9m
Polymorphic 8813/2 w/manuals & Box Perfect Museum Item Polymorphic 8813/2 w/manuals & Box Perfect Museum Item Paypal US $6,999.99 8d 22h 23m
Very Rare Cromemco System CS-400 Computer in working condition!! Very Rare Cromemco System CS-400 Computer in working condition!! Paypal US $6,949.99 16d 6h 30m
IBM 5110 Portable Computer Works!!!! IBM 5110 Portable Computer Works!!!! Paypal US $5,999.99 8d 22h 23m
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]]> http://www.computerantique.com/history-of-the-pc/feed 0 The Vintage Desktop http://www.computerantique.com/the-vintage-desktop http://www.computerantique.com/the-vintage-desktop#comments Sat, 15 May 2010 02:48:47 +0000 admin http://richard.pandorawc.info/computerantique/?p=4 The Vintage DesktopFor machines that have taken only 30 years to evolve into computing monsters, vintage desktop and personal computers seem to have a lot of history. Collecting classic computers from the 1960s, 70s and 80s is a way of learning and honoring the history of computing.

It is definitely a relief when the ground doesn’t shake when you start up your computer, or the room doesn’t smell of oil if the computers have been running too long.  But this is how things were before. Computers have at least looked decent since the 1960s when the first desktop was introduced.

Really, who can argue that the old machines were simply more fun? Vintage desktops were simpler and sometimes easier to understand despite the programming barriers.  They were also a lot less vulnerable to crashes.  Remember fatal blue screen in the 70s and 80s?  And of course today’s viruses and worms wouldn’t affect these pre-historic monsters at all!

The first commercially accessible computer hit the market in 1951. Since then, the desktop computer has grown by leaps and bounds. But the vintage desktop still retains the power to attract more than a geek or two. Only a decade ago, many classic computers were considered landfill and were discarded regularly as we acquired a newer, better, faster version. Today many scavenging collectors go through eBay, yard sales and flea markets looking for the biggest bargain on these old gems.

Yes, a vintage desktop is now a collector’s item; like stamps or 70s cars! Some classic computers now fetch higher prices than what was originally paid for them. These include Apple I, Apple II and of course the TRS-80, lovingly known as the Trash 80. It was nicknamed so because of the dreadful quality of its components. And it still fetches big bucks because was produced in limited numbers.  For many people, it was their first ever gaze into the computing world.

During the 1990s, laptops and notebooks started to appear in markets. But at 30 kg each, these weren’t any less cumbersome than desktops. Hence many people stuck to their vintage desktop for computing tasks.  In the beginning of that decade, Amiga and Atari ruled the Desktop world. But soon IBM PC was revealed and the world practically lost its mind! IBM PC boasted a lot better performance, storage capacity and RAM than all its predecessors. Other notables among the 1990s classic computers are Compaq and Apple.

Owning a vintage desktop is very similar to owning a time travel gadget;  it teleports us back in time to get a glimpse of what our ancestors’ vision of the future was. The history and people behind it is what really makes it a collector’s item.

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Packard Bell Legend 760 Supreme Desktop Computer Boxed Packard Bell Legend 760 Supreme Desktop Computer Boxed Paypal US $500.00 3d 8h 54m
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Columbia 1600-1 Desktop S# 2803 IBM Clone!!! Columbia 1600-1 Desktop S# 2803 IBM Clone!!! Paypal US $399.99 24d 21h 54m
Zenith ZWX-0248-62 286 MHz AT Desktop Zenith ZWX-0248-62 286 MHz AT Desktop Paypal US $339.65 6d 5h 21m
Jameco Computer IBM Compatible XT Desktop Jameco Computer IBM Compatible XT Desktop Paypal US $320.65 6d 4h 59m
Apple Macintosh SE Vintage Desktop Computer Dual 800K Floppy M5010 Apple Macintosh SE Vintage Desktop Computer Dual 800K Floppy M5010 Paypal US $284.99 18d 15h 33m
Supercom Turbo Beltron Desktop Computer - As Is Supercom Turbo Beltron Desktop Computer - As Is Paypal US $279.00 10d 8h 26m
IBM PS/1 386 PC 3865X Desktop Computer 2121-C42 IBM PS/1 386 PC 3865X Desktop Computer 2121-C42 Paypal US $249.99 11d 7h 9m
IBM 3174-61R Token Ring Desktop Terminal Controler IBM 3174-61R Token Ring Desktop Terminal Controler Paypal US $199.99 26d 23h 10m
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