I think that each of us has a vintage machine or two in their collection that they value over the rest. Even in a small collection one machine probably stands out.
If I were to name mine it would be one of two machines. Either my "original" IBM PC (64K motherboard, black power supply, original manuals including DOS 1.0) or one of my Altair 8800s.
The PC was the first computer that I ever owned. Although the example in my collection isn't actually my original machine, it's almost exactly like it. The manuals are the ones I bought in 1981 with the original machine.
The Altair is on my list both because of its historical significance and because of the fact that I'd always wanted one way back when.
As a funny aside, I used to attend the Trenton Computer Festival back in the early 1980s with a friend. This guy's plan was to pack his old station wagon full of as much crap as would fit and bring it to the show to sell (he usually split a vending booth with several other geeks). He would then use the proceeds to refill the car with new junk to bring home. On one trip I spotted an Altair 8800 with 2 8" drives and a terminal all put together into a nice rolling A/V style chassis, working and with manuals and software. The price was right (about $200, negotiable, as I recall) and I really wanted to buy it. Unfortunately, the wagon was already full and we couldn't figure how to get it home, so I had to pass. . .
Anyway, back on topic, what is your prized posession?
Erik
If I were to name mine it would be one of two machines. Either my "original" IBM PC (64K motherboard, black power supply, original manuals including DOS 1.0) or one of my Altair 8800s.
The PC was the first computer that I ever owned. Although the example in my collection isn't actually my original machine, it's almost exactly like it. The manuals are the ones I bought in 1981 with the original machine.
The Altair is on my list both because of its historical significance and because of the fact that I'd always wanted one way back when.
As a funny aside, I used to attend the Trenton Computer Festival back in the early 1980s with a friend. This guy's plan was to pack his old station wagon full of as much crap as would fit and bring it to the show to sell (he usually split a vending booth with several other geeks). He would then use the proceeds to refill the car with new junk to bring home. On one trip I spotted an Altair 8800 with 2 8" drives and a terminal all put together into a nice rolling A/V style chassis, working and with manuals and software. The price was right (about $200, negotiable, as I recall) and I really wanted to buy it. Unfortunately, the wagon was already full and we couldn't figure how to get it home, so I had to pass. . .
Anyway, back on topic, what is your prized posession?
Erik