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What's your vintage computer wishlist like?

L

linuxlove

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 11, 2009
Messages
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Location
Auburn, AL
i think it's interesting to make up these wishlists, so here i go...

:bomb:
Mac SE
IBM PC (5150)
Apple ][
A 286 machine
:bomb:

as you see, my list is pretty small. what's yours like?
 
I some computers on my seriously want list...

Esselte 100 blue version (Swedish school computer)
The Hungarian (or was ir Rumanian) version of Luxor ABC-80
Grundy Newbrain
Drean Commodore 128
Sinclair ZX80 in better condition
IBM PC 5150
Ohio Scientific Challenger 1P
Compukit UK101
Altair 8800
Imsai 8080

And linuxlove, I have two Mac SEs that I want to get rid of... But if you aren't in Sweden it would cost a bit to ship.
 
Luggables, Macs, Amigas and specifically

Commodore 64,
ZX Spectrum,
Apple ][,
Osborne I,
Timex Sinclair 2048/2068 (made in Timex Computer, Portugal)

and anything before 1995 I can get in Portugal (I'm still starting my collection and computers are hard to find)
 
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Most anything Tandy/RS but specifically:
COCO3
Drives and stuff for my COCO2
1000HX
Model 1,3 or 4

Would like to complete my Apple IIGS and C64 setups. (missing cables & drives and keyboards, etc).

A S100 or similar early business CPM system with a real terminal.

Not vintage but I like SGI stuff, and would love to get my hands on a Fuel or Tezro, or finally spend some time and $$ and get my octane fully decked out.
 
My primary list would be:
Dreamin':
Altair 8800
IBM 5100

Could happen:
Apple ][ (original, not e)
Apple Lisa 1 (may need to be on the dreamin' list)
Commodore Pet 2001
Amiga 600
Amiga 4000

If I was ridiculously rich:
Kenbak-1
Apple 1
Mark-8
Almost any analog computer

I dunno.. I pick things up here and there and I love almost any vintage computer so I stray from my list quite often.
 
Mine is full of fairly rare stuff including an Apple I, Scelbi 8 and a Micral.

I'm also on the hunt for a nice, complete Ithaca Intersystems DPS-1 and a few other odds and ends.
 
I'd be interested not only to see people's wish list but also read their reasons behind wanting the particular machines on that list.

For example, I still want...

1. A TRS-80 Model 3 or 4. An early vintage microcomputer where Tandy took the lessons learned from building the Model 1 implemented them. Too bad they introduced some incompatibilities along the way. Plus the all-in-one design looks cool...like the Commodore Pet. Popular in North America, and I also have a nostalgic attachment to the TRS90 Mod1/III/IV line through having the System 80 as my first computer.

2. Apple Lisa. Apple took Xerox's ideas and tried to make a GUI machine which they could exploit with all their marketing skill. A grand project but too expensive for the end user. It help spawn the idea of a lower cost version however, e.g. the Macintosh. The first GUI machine that was widely publicised.

3. Edixy Sorcerer. Perhaps one of earliest Z80/CPM machines in a modernish plastic case and where software could come on cartidges. Dick Smith (Aust/NZ electronics chain guru) sold them in his shops prior to the System 80.

Linuxlove, why do you want those particular machines you listed?

Tez
 
Mostly somewhat hard to find machines and rare upgrade cards/software (that I don't want to pay market rates for).

Examples: Mac II, Powermac 9150, Color Classic, HP 68k , Amiga 2000 video toaster/flyer, 5160 or 5170 IBM with IBM EGA monitor.

68030/50 w/fpu and special bracket for another PDS card for the SE/30
Full page greyscale monitor for mac
Adaptive solutions powershop DSP card
Radius IV 1600 Nubus video card
EISA and Nubus version of the Targa 2000

Apple A/UX 1.x and 2.x original media and manuals I am missing
 
My primary wishlist items are in my sig, but here's everything:

  • Ithaca Intersystems DPS-1 and 525/800
  • Northstar Horizon any config, prefer wood cabinet
  • General Automation Zebra (ran PICK OS)
  • Altair 8800 88-DCDD (Altair 8" floppy drive in MITS case with the updated 8800b style panel)
  • Smoke Signal Broadcasting Chieftain

Secondary items:
  • IMSAI 8080
  • ADM 3A or 31 or Televideo 910 terminal
  • Morrow Decision-1
  • Exidy Sorcerer
  • VAXstation 3000 or 4000 series
  • DG Aviion 300/310
  • Atari Falcon030

I'd consider almost any system that I don't already have that generally isn't PC/AT or clone.
 
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IBM stuff

IBM 5100 - rare, cool factor.
IBM 5150 - type A to replace current machine.
IBM 5150 - original expansion unit. (dreaming....)
IBM 5153 - to be paired with a 5160 or 5170.
IBM PS/1 - fill gap in collection.
IBM 9595 - just because I like how they look.

Apple stuff

Apple II or II+
Apple /// - Relive my first computer.

Other

Rhodime 10MB HD for Compaq Portable.
Computer Memories HD for 5170. (dreaming....)

Non-computer

IBM (ITR) timeclock
Vintage IBM typewriters (pre Selectric) Model A, Executive ect....

The ridiculous

An old IBM scoreboard. Any sport. (OK, I am joking a bit here, but it would have a certain, one of a kind, cool factor to it.) :D

Tom
 
Hi Tom,

An Apple /// was your first computer! Did you have any of the notorious issue with it like overheating etc.? Or was it the re-issued version?

Tez
 
tezza said:
Linuxlove, why do you want those particular machines you listed?
Tez
Click to expand...

Mac SE because those i think that was one of the most successful versions of Macintosh

IBM PC (5150) because it was the first IBM PC
Apple ][ because it was another one of the most popular computers
A 286 machine because i can :)
 
Wish List

Wish List

Hmm...
For me I guess it would be a;
Tandy 200
Epson NB3s
Zenith 386 SuperSport
Zenith SuperSport 286E?(The one with the battery mounted in the case above the keyboard)
Expansion Bay for a Zenith SuperSport

All doable with enough time and money I think.
cgrape2
 
That certainly is an interesting question on why these systems for folks. Some in my collection are just to fill gaps in collecting and because I haven't been able to play with them but I'll give a few quick replies.

Dreamin':
Altair 8800: First commercially successful computer. I would LOVE to learn the architecture enough to understand this system and program something via bit ML.

IBM 5100: Such an unusual system it's just unbelievable to me. Plus it did APL.. I mean.. it's a mainframe AND a PC. Pretty insane. Off topic (read: nutty interweb post) a person called into a late night paranormal show claiming to be from the future and tried to prove it with a few predictions. His main point of calling around was because he needed an IBM 5100 in the future to fix something that was so damn old they needed some debug feature in the APL library of the machine to fix. Quite entertaining albeit weird. It was prior to me being aware of this system.

Could happen:
Apple Lisa 1 (may need to be on the dreamin' list): First Macintosh. I see lots of Lisa2's on feebay but 1's are getting sparse.

If I was ridiculously rich:
Kenbak-1: First digital computer(?) Predates most things, neat system.. would like to try and understand the circuitry and preserve the history (just incase anyone has one they'd like to donate ;-)
Mark-8: Another system predating the Altair and almost understandable design.
Almost any analog computer: A true computer. Heavy as hell but is even more intriguing that you could compute things with electricity. Makes learning the basics even more basic and blows my mind.

Off topic of computer collecting: I'd love to understand how to build a minimal "computer" from parts/components like a few of our members here do. I'd love to build a calculator to understand how it works. I'd love to build a mechanical calculator to see if I could and how it was done prior to electronic age and to understand even deeper what electronics mimic and accomplish.

The kid in me still wants to talk to the processor itself and myself. I want to be the computer :)
 
I just have a few on my wish list.

I just have a few on my wish list.

Acorn BBC Master Compact - Aesthetics & a great BASIC
Acorn Electron - It just appeals to me.
Apple IIC Plus - because it has a 3.5 flop where my C has a 5.25.
Apple II Plus - I like the looks better than my IIe.
Apple IIGS - aesthetics mainly.
Atari 1200XL - like the cart slot & angled joyports.
Atari 400 - always wanted one from day 1.
Atari 800 - for when I tire of the 400 keyboard & I'd like plugging in the neat RAM packs.
Atarri 1450XLD (vapor) - because it didn't get to market & it would have been so cool.
Atari Falcon 030 - mights well have a rare one.
Atari Portfolio - cool little toy.
BBC Micro - Aesthetics & a great BASIC.
Coleco ADAM system - My brother had one & it'd be a fun kludge.
Color Computer 1 - Because I only have a CoCo 2 now.
Color Computer 3 - Because I only have a CoCo 2 now.
Commodore 116 - love the rubbery keyboard look.
Commodore 4032 - really like this breadbox!
Commodore PC10 HD40 - I used to oggle them at Toys R Us eons ago.
Commodore PC20 III - A more advanced Commodore to play with.
Compaq Portable - It's compact, has screen, has drives - everything!
Epson HX20 - It has this 'do all' look to it.
Epson PX8 - More 'do all'.
Exidy Sorcerer - who wouldn't want one of these?
HP 200LX - DOS in your pocket, why not!
HP V41CV Programmable - Love the programmable calcs.
HP85B - This goes beyond calculating, doesn't it?
IBM PC Convertible - Love the pop-up dual firing drives.
IBM PC Jr. - Such a classic!
IBM PC Portable - Well, it's luggable.
Kaypro - built like a mechanics toolbox, should last a while :)
KIM 1 - Fun little toy to push buttons on.
Laser 128 - Has a cool look and plays like an Apple IIc.
Laser 50 - Looks like a toy but has some nifty keys and BASIC.
Mattel Aquarius (expanded) - It just appeals to me.
NEC PC8201 - Like the arrow arrangement and beige color.
PET 2001 (blue bezel) - who wouldn't want this? Got to love the keys!
PSION Netbook - Now this is a handy tool.
Quasar HK2600TE - Always like Programmables that print too.
Radio Shack MC-10 - Got to be better than the crummy Timex 1000.
Radio Shack PC 2 Pocket printer - I have a PC2 now, but not the printer.
Rockwell AIM 65 - Another fun item to tinker with.
Sharp MZ700 - This looks very interesting and has a central printer.
Sharp MZ80 - Everything is like built right into this thing.
Sharp PC1210 Pocket - I had a Radio Shack PC1 when they first came out.
Sinclair ZX80 - Aesthetics, and it too is a classic.
SOL Processor Technology - Even looks like a kit.
Spectravideo SV328 - Aesthetics and that's about it.
Tandy 1000HX - Aesthetics, I just like the looks of this thing.
Tandy 1000TL - I also like the looks of this one too.
Tandy 200 - I have a 100, how about this 16 line screen for a change.
TI CC40 - I always wanted a giant calculator :)
TI59 & PC100C system - I cut my teeth on these two items.
TI74 Programmable - I have a priority on getting one of these soon!
TI994 (not A) & PEB - An investment & I could use the PEB with my other TI's.
Timex 2068 - Always liked their magazine ads for this thing - it seemed so POWERFUL!
Toshiba T1000 - I have a T1100, but I long for the T1000 too.
TRS80 Model 1 - My very first computer - and I want it back!
TRS80 Model 4 - Really love the looks of this all in one, very Space Age looking.
Video Genie System - Aesthetics, and I like the built-in tape unit.
Zenith Minisport HD - Nifty, tiny little machine.
 
I could easily make a looong list of things that gives me G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome). But I've decided it is a tie between two machines on the top of my list.

The DEC GT40, an awesome video terminal. It is awesome because it is a complete PDP-11 with a blinkenlights front panel and a workstation in one. Not to mention that you can play lunar lander on it.

http://www.brouhaha.com/~eric/retrocomputing/dec/gt40/photos/handbook.jpg
http://www.psych.usyd.edu.au/pdp-11/Images/gt40.jpeg

Next in line is the LINC-8. An incredibly rare machine (140 or so built) which is a complete LINC cpu _and_ PDP-8 CPU. Not to mention it has the second coolest front panel of all computers:

http://www.cca.org/photo/rcsri/linc-8.jpg

Both are made of unobtainium I'm afraid.
 
For me, my desires change almost daily! But today it's the Comx-35.

Why? Firstly, pure rarity - anyone ever even seen one? They were big (comparitively) in Holland, so I might look next time I'm there.

But secondly, and most importantly, I can point at it and say "did you know this machine has the same processor as the Voyager space probe?". It's a micro with a radition resistant RCA CPD-1802 - how cool is that?
 
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