The History of Personal Computing

Episode 1 – The NEW History of Personal Computing – Grundy NewBrain

Jeff and David — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 11:38:42 +0000

Grundy NewBrain AD

Welcome back everybody! The History of Personal Computing podcast has been rebooted to continue educating everyone (including your hosts) about the who, what, when, where, why, and how of personal computing.

In this new iteration, the ROM chip called David Greelish has been swapped with an FPGA configured replacement called Todd George. The other ROM chip in this computing platform, Jeff Salzman, is still here, but he’s old and made of ceramic, so he’s a bit more fragile.

http://historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/HofPC-001-Grundy-NewBrain.mp3

Since recording this episode, we finally settled on a catchy new series title…

The NEW History of Personal Computing

Nifty, eh? And it only cost $5000 for our contracted ad agency, Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe, to come up with that name!

In this series, Jeff and Todd are focusing on more obscure systems that were used for personal computing. Very little will be discussed in future episodes about more popular computing systems, except in passing, for reference, or unless we uncover interesting information about those systems.

Starting off the new series is the UK creation called the Grundy Newbrain, which not only happens to be a full computing platform comparable to others of the day, but is also portable.

So sit back, or drive along, or sit back and drive along while listening to the new host, along with the old medicine infused re-tread who just happened to be going through a bout of the flu at recording time.

Links, citations, eBay auctions mentioned or used in the show:

Listener Submitted Pictures

Photo courtesy of Georgios Giannakidis

Theme music for The NEW History of Personal Computing is called, “Start Up”, by Decktonic, used with permission under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US)

Episode 59 – Android

Jeff and David — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 00:05:21 +0000

On today’s show, we’re looking at the smartphone after the iPhone, that changed everything… the Android phone. It, as well as the iPhone, define all smartphones to this day, as well as the third tier. This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/HofPC-59.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: T-Mobile G1 – White (T-Mobile) Smartphone HTC Dream DREA100 Clean ESN Working
David’s auction: HTC Google G1 DREAM (Rogers) Black
Jeff’s auction: Nexus 7 (1st Generation) 8GB, Wi-Fi, 7in – Black
David’s auction: T-Mobile HTC myTouch 3G SAPP300 White Cellphone With Bag,books,ear buds BUNDLE
Jeff’s auction: Sony BRAVIA 32″ LCD TV – 720p – KDL-32BX330
David’s auction: Nexus One – Black (Unlocked) Smartphone
Jeff’s random auction: GPS Navi Android 6.0 4G WIFI 6.2″Double 2 DIN Car Radio Stereo DVD Player+Camera
David’s random auction: Samsung Galaxy S (1st Generation) SGH-1897 AT&T

Visit Jeff’s page at vintagevolts.com

Visit David’s page at classiccomputing.com

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Episode 58 – Apple iPhone

David and Jeff — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 21:36:06 +0000

On today’s show, we’re looking at the smartphone that changed everything, the iPhone. Its influence went on to define all smartphones, as well as the third tier. This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: Apple iPhone 1st Generation – 8GB – Black Smartphone
David’s auction: Apple iPhone 3G Black 8GB Factory Unlocked w / accessories & box A1241
Jeff’s auction: Apple iPhone 1st Generation – 8GB – Black BOX ONLY
David’s auction: Apple iPhone 3GS 8GB Factory Unlocked Smartphone AT&T,T mobile (GOOD CONDITION)
Jeff’s auction: Apple iPhone 1st Generation – 8GB – Black #41( Collectible) Unlocked
David’s auction: “nib iphone 2g” on eBay
Jeff’s random auction: 2 Apple iPhones – 1st Generation – 8GB – Black (AT&T) Smartphone 2G iPhone
David’s random auction: iPhone 1st Generation Prototype Software iOS 1.0 8GB

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/HofPC-58.mp3

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Episode 57 – Early Smartphones

David and Jeff — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 03:07:25 +0000

On today’s show, we begin our look at the final evolution of the third tier of personal computing, the smartphone. Were there really smartphones before the iPhone and Android phones? Well… yes. This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/HofPC-57.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Every OS Sucks

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: Samsung Sidekick SGH-T839 – 1GB – Matte Black (T-Mobile) Smartphone
David’s auction: VINTAGE NOKIA 9000 COMMUNICATOR RAK-1N / EXCELLENT CONDITION in BOX
Jeff’s auction: T-Mobile Sidekick LX PV250 Tony Hawk Edition
David’s auction: VINTAGE KYOCERA QCP-6035 PALM SMARTPHONE WITH CRADLE
Jeff’s auction: BlackBerry 7100R – BLUE (ROGERS) Smartphone~NEW
David’s auction: “IBM Simon” on eBay
Jeff’s random auction: BlackBerry 6230 – Blue (Unlocked) Smartphone collectors item
David’s random auction: Handspring Treo 180 – GSM Unlocked, Read description

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Episode 56 – First Computers, Part 2

David and Jeff — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 00:40:21 +0000

David and Jeff continue to look back on the earlier times of computer retail by relating their experiences with their own history of ownership of personal computers.

Links mentioned in this episode:

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/HofPC-56.mp3

Jeff’s fifth computer:

Toshiba T1000 (SE???)
- This old tech: The Toshiba T1000 was my first step into the world of MS-DOS

David’s fifth computer:

Macintosh Performa 6200
- http://lowendmac.com/1995/power-mac-6200-performa-6200/

Jeff’s sixth computer:

386 in a “boring beige box”
- Boring Beige Box podcast

David’s sixth computer:

Macintosh Performa 6400
- http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_performa/specs/mac_performa_6400_200.html

Jeff’s seventh computer:

IBM 486slc2 66MHz motherboard
- http://www.redhill.net.au/c/c-4.html

David’s seventh computer:

1999 350MHz Blueberry iMac
- Which iMac Is It? Low End Mac’s Guide to Differentiating G3 iMacs

Jeff’s eighth computer:

IBM Thinkpad (750?) with Docking Station II
- Google Magazine excerpt depicting Thinkpad 750
- IBM Docking Station II

David’s eighth computer:

Zenith MiniSport Sub-Notebook Computer
- http://www.digibarn.com/collections/systems/zenith-minisport/

Episode 55 – First Computers

Jeff and David — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 05:06:05 +0000

Commodore 64 Ad

For the new year, David and Jeff have decided to look back on the earlier times of computer retail by relating their experiences in getting their first computers.

Links mentioned in this episode:

SCSI2SD – SD to SCSI adapter for retro computing
Human Computers: The Women of NASA
Today in Apple history: Apple II gets its ‘killer app’http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/HofPC-55.mp3

Jeff’s first computer:

Commodore VIC-20
- Bought at Computers Unlimited, York, PA in October 1981 for $325.
- Tandy Color Computer and Atari 400 were considered

David’s first computer:

Commodore 64 for his birthday in 1986
- Google search for “commodore 64 toys r us” Images for commodore 64 toys r us
- http://www.commodore.ca/gallery/adverts_other/c64_toysrus_1990.jpg
- http://www.battlegrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/toysrus.png

Jeff’s second computer:

Commodore 64
- Bought at Fort Hood, TX AAFES store in Spring 1985 for $150-$200.
- Got a Commodore Datasette and put a 1541 disk drive on lay-a-way.

David’s second computer:

Apple Lisa (Mac XL) from Sun Remarketing in December, 1989
- Bob Cook from Sun Remarketing interview

Jeff’s third computer:

Commodore 128
- Bought with 1571 disk drive at the Incirlik Air Force base in Incirlik, Turkey for about $500 for the pair.
- Set it up immediately in the motel room during my stay at the base.
- Had to sell my Commodore 64 because who needed TWO computers!

David’s third computer:

Commodore 64C
- Purchased at the U.S. Army AAFES electronics store in Darmstadt, Germany in the summer of 1991.
- Google search for “commodore test pilot” Images for commodore test pilot

Jeff’s fourth computer:

Commodore Amiga
- Used my tax return to buy it
- Had to wait for EB to ship it to me
Was blown away at the graphics and sound.
Google search for “Electronics Boutique” Images for Electronics Boutique
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EB_Games
- Bought from Electronics Boutique in early 1989 for around $600
- Did not have an Analog RGB monitor. To my surprise, it came with an A520 color composite adapter, so I used an NTSC monitor.

David’s fourth computer:

Mac Classic, early 1992
Macintosh Performa 400, fall, 1992
- Purchased from Sears in Jacksonville, FL.
  - http://www.ceskymac.cz/1992-macintosh-performa-400/

Episode 54 – Sharp Wizard and Palm Pilot

David and Jeff — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 03:55:10 +0000

On today’s show, we begin our look at the temporarily (at the time) humbled third tier of personal computing, the organizer. We’re covering the Sharp Wizard, Palm Pilot and other notables. This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/HofPC-54.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: SHARP Electronic Organizer Wizard OZ-7000
David’s auction: VINTAGE SHARP ZAURUS ZR-5000 PDA ORGANIZER
Jeff’s auction: New SHARP Wizard OZ-730PC
David’s auction: Palm Pilot Professional w/ Sync Dock Stylus 2 Cases Manual Box CD 3 Com
Jeff’s auction: Palm Pilot 3Com PDA Organizer with Stylus & Docking Station
David’s auction: Sharp Zaurus ZR-3000 K-PDA -w Box, Manuals, & Software
Jeff’s random auction: Fossil Abacus AU5005 Wrist PDA with Palm OS
David’s random auction: “palm pilot new” in PDAs

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Episode 53 – The IBM 5150

Jeff and David — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 02:56:37 +0000

IBM 5150 PC

What… didn’t we already talk about the IBM 5150 in an eBay episode? Yes we did. But we left it off of the timeline during the original show format after the transition to the eBay only format. Since then, there was some behind the scenes work, Westworld style, to get a couple of “hosts” together to continue the original show format. From this, Todd George came to fruition and is now co-hosting the original format with Jeff Salzman. This is Episode 53, even though it is the first new, old format episode. All future episodes of The History of Personal Computing, regardless of format, will be numbered in a single sequence. Still stumbling through the post-editing process (David had edited the other format), the audio sounds as best as can be from Jeff’s poor quality sources. Todd did a wonderful job at cleaning up the sound. So here it is in all its gory… err, glory. Todd and Jeff promise to get their act together LONG before MS-DOS 9.0 comes to market!

Enjoy the show!

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/053-HofPC-IBM-PC-5150.mp3

Link(s) mentioned in the show:

8088 MPH IBM CGA Demo

Episode 52 – Retro Computing Gift Ideas!

David and Jeff — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 18:48:58 +0000

Creative Computing from December 1980

On today’s show we’re taking a special holiday detour by covering retrocomputing gift ideas. Perhaps something to give to a loved one, or just something you can gift yourself!

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/HofPC-52.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Gifts:

Jeff: HDMI graphics card for the Amiga 2000/3000/4000
David: Atari Flashback 7 Classic Game Console with 2 Controllers
Jeff: 64NIC+
David: Floppy Emu
Jeff: ZXpand
David: Altair 8880 Clone
Jeff: CocoFlash
David: Books!

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Vintage Computer Forum: http://www.vcfed.org/forum/forum.php

Episode 51 – Casio Zoomer and Amstrad PenPad

David and Jeff — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 04:30:31 +0000

Today we’ll be further covering the personal digital assistant or PDA, with the Apple Newton clones or “killers,” the Casio Zoomer and Amstrad PenPad. This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/HofPC-51-1.output.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: Vintage Radio Shack Tandy Z-PDA Model 25-3100 PALM Personal Digital Assistant
David’s auction: CASIO ZOOMER
Jeff’s auction: DATAROVER 840 WITH CASE BY GENERAL MAGIC
David’s auction: Tandy ZPDA Zoomer Personal Digital Assistant
Jeff’s auction: Texas Instruments Day Runner PS-2100 Data Bank Calculator
David’s auction: Motorola Marco Vintage PDA Wireless Communicator
Jeff’s random auction: ULTRA RARE VINTAGE PORSCHE COMMODORE PET 8096 SK COMPUTER (VGC)
David’s random auction: Vintage Heathkit H8 Computer

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Vintage Computer Forum: http://www.vcfed.org/forum/forum.php

Episode 50 – Apple Newton MessagePad and eMate

Jeff and David — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 03:20:11 +0000

On today’s show, we continue our coverage of the first phase of handhelds. Specifically, we’ll be covering two more of the early handheld computers, the Apple Newton MessagePad and eMate. This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/HofPC-50.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: Apple Computer Newton MessagePad 2100
David’s auction: Apple Computer Newton PDA Licensed CLONE ,Sharp Expert Pad (PI-7000)
Jeff’s auction: Apple Newton Message Pad 130 Backlit
David’s auction: Apple Newton Messagepad, Model H1000, Vintage Apple,
Jeff’s auction: Apple Newton eMate 300 Drawing Instruction-Green With Stylus
David’s auction: Apple Newton Message Pad 2000 Bundle – H0149 – Excellent working condition.
Jeff’s random auction: Sanyo MBC-1200 CP/M buisness computer near mint condition
David’s random auction: Vintage Victor Model 412 Personal Computer DOS 3.1 PC w/ 602 Mono CRT Monitor

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Episode 49 – Psion and AT&T EO Personal Communicator

Jeff and David — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 16:41:48 +0000

This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers. On today’s show, we continue our coverage of the first phase of handhelds. Specifically, we’ll be covering two more of the early handheld computers, the Psion and AT&T EO Personal Communicator (which is also technically a Personal Digital Assistant or PDA).

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/HofPC-49.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: PSION SERIES 3a COMPUTER 1MB + 1 MB FLASH SSD + PC / APPLE SERIAL LINK CABLES

David’s auction: EO Personal Communicator 440

Jeff’s auction: PSION COMPUTERS PLC SERIES 5 SERIES 5mx 16MB DIGITAL ORGANIZER

David’s auction: Psion Series 5 Handheld Computer (8MB) -UNTESTED-

Jeff’s auction: AT&T EO 440 Personal Communicator Rare Vintage Tablet

David’s auction: Psion Organiser II Model LZ 64 with Printer, Manual, AC, Comms and Extras

Jeff’s random auction: Vintage HP OmniGo 100 Palmtop PC Handheld Computer GEOS with Stylus

David’s random auction: eBay search for “IBM Simon”

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Vintage Computer Forum: http://www.vcfed.org/forum/forum.php

Episode 48 – HP 95LX and Zeos Pocket PC

David and Jeff — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 00:21:07 +0000

HP-95LX

This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers. On today’s show, we continue our coverage of the first phase of handhelds, the DOS handheld computers. Specifically, we’re looking at the Hewlett Packard HP 95LX and Zeos Pocket PC, plus perhaps some other related devices.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/HofPC-48.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: HP 95LX PALMTOP PC WITH LOTUS 1-2-3

David’s auction: HP 100LX Palmtop PC Handheld works great – Nice shape! FREE SHIPPING

Jeff’s auction: HP 95LX Palmtop Computer 1MB RAM MS-DOS PDA

David’s auction: Zeos Pocket Personal Computer 008-0026 AS IS FOR PARTS

Jeff’s auction: ZEOS Pocket Computer

David’s auction: Vintage Hewlett Packard HP 200 LX Palmtop

Jeff’s random auction: Adam Coleco Vision Game System, Controller, Keyboard. and Cassettes

David’s random auction: Vintage Rare Sharp PC-3000 Palmtop PDA Laptop Computer MS-DOS 3.3 Working!

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Episode 47 – Atari Portfolio and Poqet PC

Jeff and David — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 02:56:31 +0000

This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers. On today’s show we’ll be covering some of the earliest handheld computers, two of the first DOS handhelds specifically, the Atari Portfolio and Poqet PC, plus perhaps some other interesting palmtop mutations.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/HofPC-47.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Motorcycles mentioned in this episode:

Jeff’s 2001 HD Electra Glide

David’s 2015 Suzuki TU250X

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: Vintage 1989 ATARI PORTFOLIO Hand Held Computer HPC-004 Working w/Accessories

David’s auction: Atari Portfolio

Jeff’s auction: Atari Portfolio new in box, with xtra, hard to find in new condition

David’s auction: Vintage Poqet PC Handheld Computer Model PQ0164

Jeff’s auction: Vintage Poqet PC (Classic Model) with Accessories

David’s auction: HP Hewlett Packard 95LX Palmtop PC Handheld Computer TESTED WORKS

Jeff’s random auction: Atari 400 computer with B-Key keyboard upgrade

David’s random auction: HP OmniGO 100 Handheld Palmtop Computer PDA with Accessories ~ UsedHandhelds

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Episode 46 – Interview with Jason Compton of the ECCC/VCFMW

David and Jeff — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 02:07:44 +0000

ECCC 2006

Welcome to a special interview segment of the History of Personal Computing podcast! In this episode, David and Jeff are speaking to Jason Compton, founder of the Emergency Chicagoland Commodore Convention (ECCC), and cofounder for the Vintage Computer Festival Midwest (VCFMW).

Saturday & Sunday, September 10 & 11, 2016, Elk Grove Village, IL

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/HoPC-46.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 45 – Interview with Jason Timmons of the VCFMW

David and Jeff — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 22:52:05 +0000

VCFMW 10 (2015)

Welcome to a special interview segment of the History of Personal Computing podcast! In this episode, David and Jeff are speaking to Jason Timmons, organizer of the Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 11

Saturday & Sunday, September 10 & 11, 2016, Elk Grove Village, IL

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/HoPC-45.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Episode 44 – The Asus Eee PC and Other Netbooks

David and Jeff — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 02:53:47 +0000

Asus Eee PC 701

This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers. On today’s show, we complete our coverage of the second phase of portables, laptops. We’re covering netbooks, arguably an innovation started by the Asus Eee PC in 2007.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/HofPC-44.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: ASUS Eee PC (Works Perfectly And Smoothly)!!!

David’s auction: ASUS Eee PC 701 White 7″ Netbook – notebook laptop As-is

Jeff’s auction: Asus netbook eeepc

David’s auction: Craig 7 inch Wireless Netbook CLP281x Powered By Android 4.0

Jeff’s auction: Asus Eee PC900 laptop notebook 1GB RAM 15GB

David’s auction: Acer Aspire One ZG5 8.9″ Netbook (blue)

Jeff’s random auction: Samsung 32Gb mini PCI-E SSD

David’s random auction: HP OmniBook 800CT 5/166 Mini Laptop 2GB Windows 95 Vintage Notebook
- http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/abouthp/histnfacts/museum/personalsystems/0037/

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eBay Episode 17 – KansasFest & the ThinkPad

David and Jeff — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 19:13:32 +0000

IBM ThinkPad 700 series

This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers. On today’s show, we continue our coverage of the second phase of portables with the laptop. We’re exclusively covering the IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad, since it has been around since 1992.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/HofPC-eBay-17.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: Vintage IBM Thinkpad 2630 701CS Laptop Butterfly Keyboard 720MB 8MB Win95 Works!

David’s auction: IBM Thinkpad 510CS Color Sub-Notebook Computer – Vintage Computing Collectable

Jeff’s auction: Rare! Vintage!! Working IBM Thinkpad Type 2603 – 08N + Floppy Drive and Manual

David’s auction: Vintage IBM Thinkpad 340 laptop WORKS from 1994 with O/S

Jeff’s auction: Lenovo ThinkPad Ultra Dock

David’s auction: Vintage IBM ThinkPad 760 EL Laptop | Intel Pentium @ 155MHz | 24MB RAM | No HDD

Jeff’s random auction: EPROM PROGRAMMER BURNER FOR RADIO SHACK TANDY TRS-80 COLOR COMPUTER 2

David’s random auction: Apple Lisa 2 A6S0200 Vintage Computer – Please read description for condition

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eBay Episode 16 – Apple PowerBook

David and Jeff — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 17:24:01 +0000

Macintosh PowerBook 170

This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers. On today’s show, we continue our coverage of the second phase of portables, the laptop. Today we’re exclusively covering the Apple PowerBook, since there is so much to cover. Many may not know that the PowerBook line of laptops was very influential to the design of all laptops, both in the early 90s, and in the early 2000s.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/HofPC-eBay-16.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

KansasFest: http://www.kansasfest.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerBook

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: APPLE MACINTOSH POWERBOOK DUO M7777 VINTAGE MAC COLLECTIBLE Working

David’s auction: Vintage Apple Macintosh Powerbook 150 Laptop Computer With Power Supply

Jeff’s auction: MAC PowerBook 170 w/AC adapter – Powers on

David’s auction: Apple Original PowerBook G4 15″ With carrying case Bundle

Jeff’s auction: Apple Powerbook Duo 2300c in Original Box; DuoDock Plus; Duo 280c, RAM, extras

David’s auction: Vintage APPLE POWERBOOK G3 PISMO 400MHZ COLLECTORS ITEM DUAL BOOT WORKS GREAT

Jeff’s random auction: Vintage Apple 20SC computer

David’s random auction: MACINTOSH POWERBOOK 520~NICE SHAPE~4 APPLE COLLECTORS~FREE SHIP

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Special Episode: Interview with Sam Ammons, creator of Mini 681

David and Jeff — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 02:50:07 +0000

Mini 681

Welcome to a special interview segment of the History of Personal Computing podcast! In this episode, David and Jeff are speaking to Sam Ammons, creator of the Mini681, a modern replica of the 1975 MITS Altair 680 microcomputer.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Sam-interview.mp3

Links mention in the show:

Sam’s eBay link: MITS ALTAIR 680 CLONE, MINI 681
- Sam’s Enigma Machine reproduction on eBay: Full Size 3d Printed Electronic Enigma Cipher Machine Realization
MITS Altair 680 information: http://www.retrotechnology.com/restore/altair680.html
MITS Altair 680 information: http://www.computercloset.org/MITSAltair680.htm
Earlier Altair 8800 reproduction by Grant Stockly: http://www.altairkit.com/
Earlier Altair 680 reproduction by Grant Stockly: http://www.altair680kit.com/index.html

Mini 681 Front

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eBay Episode 15 – Cambridge Computer Z88 and Apple Macintosh Portable

David and Jeff — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 00:20:53 +0000

Cambridge Computer Z88

This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers. On today’s show, we’re continuing our coverage of the second phase of portables, the earliest laptops. We’re covering the Cambridge Computer Z88 and Apple Macintosh Portable.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/HofPC-eBay-15.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Jeff: The ARMIGA Project has released its maiden product. http://www.armigaproject.com/
David:
- Vintage Computer Federation auctions
  - Fully Functional WOZ Autographed Apple ][ (not e, not Plus)
  - Fully Functional Autographed SOL 20 Terminal Computer
- Acquired an IBM XT 286: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Personal_Computer_XT#IBM_XT_286

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: Sinclair Cambridge Z88 Portable Computer Working Nice condition Box

David’s auction: Sinclair Cambridge Z88 Computer +128k Ram, Z88 to MAC cartridges, Calculator

Jeff’s auction: Apple Macintosh Portable 5120 with case Untested – AS IS

David’s auction: Vintage Apple Macintosh 5120 Portable Computer

Jeff’s auction: Apple Macintosh Portable Computer M5126, Power Brick, Battery, Case, Manuals

David’s auction: Authentic excellent cond AMSTRAD NOTEPAD COMPUTER NC100 NC 100 1992 with case

Jeff’s random auction: Apple II Apple Branded 5.25 Disk Holder RARE

David’s random auction: Outbound Notebook Computer Build Your Own Kit Apple Macintosh Authorized 1990

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

eBay Episode 14 – Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100, Toshiba T1100 and Data General One

David and Jeff — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 18:51:37 +0000

TRS-80 Model 100

This is the podcast where we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. It’s sort of like Antiques Roadshow, but all about antique personal computers. On today’s show, we’re continuing our coverage of the second phase of portables, the earliest laptops. We’re covering the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100, Toshiba T1100 and Data General One.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/HofPC-eBay-14.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Jeff: Modern remake of the famous Amiga version of Shadow of the Beast game is now available on Playstation 4.
David:
- Computer museum opening twice a month: ComputerMuseumOfAmerica.com
- New reproduction for sale: MITS ALTAIR 680 CLONE, MINI 681
- Russian clones on eBay: Orel BK-08 & other Soviet ZX Spectrum clones

Auctions:

Jeff’s auction: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 Portable Computer – 1983–With Books & Carry Case

David’s auction: 1980’s Data General One 2T Portable Computer 2504A and Data General Bag

Jeff’s auction: TANDY MODEL 100 COMPUTER + 100K PDD 1 DISK DRIVE +++ TRS-80

David’s auction: vintage radio shack TRS-80 Tandy Model 102 portable computer

Jeff’s auction: Data General One 2T Portable Computer 2504A, Guide, Bag & Accessories

David’s auction: TOSHIBA T1000 COMPUTER IN ORIGINAL BOX

Jeff’s random auction: Vtech Laser 50 Personal Computer 1985 w/ Box & Manual Working

David’s random auction: Vintage Soviet Union Computer, USSR Computer OREL BK-08 (Clone ZX Spectrum)

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

Tell someone about us please! Write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 13 – Epson HX-20 and Grid Compass

Jeff and David — Tue, 24 May 2016 12:15:10 +0000

Epson HX-20

On this show, we’re still covering the second phase of portables, the earliest laptops, continuing with the Epson HX-20 and the Grid Compass.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/HofPC-eBay-13.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

Book: When Computing Got Personal: A history of the desktop computer

David’s recent eBay purchase: VINTAGE INTEGRATED COMPUTER SYSTEM MICROCOMPUTER TRAINING Microprocessor

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epson_HX-20

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grid_Compass

Auctions

Jeff

David

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Special Episode: Interview with Bob Applegate, creator of SWTPC reproduction

David and Jeff — Tue, 17 May 2016 01:32:19 +0000

SWTPC SS-50 Reproduction

Welcome to a special interview segment of the History of Personal Computing podcast! In this episode, David and Jeff are speaking to Bob Applegate from Corsham Technologies. Bob has designed and sells modern, compatible (to original hardware) reproductions of both the 6800 & 6809 versions of the SWTPC SS-50 microcomputer. He also sells custom upgrade boards for the KIM-1.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/HoPC_Bob_Applegate.mp3

Links mention in the show:

Bob’s website: http://www.corshamtech.com/
The SWTPC Computer Documentation Repository: http://www.swtpc.com/
YouTube: VCF East 9.1 – History of Franklin Computer – Joel Shusterman
Bob mentions: The Ancestral Territorial Imperatives of the Trumpeter Swan

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Tell someone about us please! Write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 12 – Compaq Portable and Commodore SX-64

Jeff and David — Sun, 08 May 2016 00:38:02 +0000

Compaq Portable

On this episode, we conclude our look at the first half of the second tier of personal computing… the luggables. We’re going to cover the Compaq Portable, the Commodore SX-64 and perhaps other misc. models.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/HofPC-eBay-12.mp3

Links mentioned in this episode:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compaq_Portable

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_SX-64

Auctions

Jeff

David

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

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Special Episode: Coverage of Vintage Computer Festival East and Southeast

Jeff and David — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 02:02:17 +0000

Jeff and David

On today’s show, we talk about the Vintage Computer Festival shows of the last few weeks. Plus, VCF East is where David and Jeff actually met in person for the first time.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/HofPC_VCFEast.mp3

Links mentioned in this show:

David’s new job

VCF West (Silicon Valley) – August 6-7, 2016
VCFMW (Chicago) – September 10-11, 2016
VCF Europa (Munich) – April 30 – May 1, 2016
VCF UK (Bletchley Park) – TBA

Special Episode: Interview with Oscar Vermeulen, creator of PiDP-8/I

Jeff and David — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 15:10:30 +0000

Welcome to a special interview segment of the History of Personal Computing podcast! In this episode, David and Jeff are speaking to Oscar Vermeulen from Obsolescence Guaranteed and creator of the PiDP-8/I, a modern replica of the 1968 PDP-8/I computer. On Oscar’s web page he explains:

“Project goal: to create a faithful but low-cost replica of the 1968 PDP-8/I. Operated through the Blinkenlights front panel, it should evoke the user experience from the past. It should also replicate all stages in the PDP-8’s development. Which is not trivial, because the PDP-8 series spanned a long period in computer history: from 1965 to 1979 and from teletype & paper tape all the way through to hard disks and multi-user systems.”

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HofPC_Oscar.mp3

Links mention in the show:

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

Tell someone about us please! Write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 11 – Osborne 1 and Otrona Attache

Jeff and David — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:42:21 +0000

Osborne 1

On today’s show, we begin our official look at the beginning of the second tier of personal computing… portable computers! We kick off by covering the first portables, the “luggables”, covering both the Osborne 1 and Otrona Attache.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HofPC-eBay-11.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Seven Microprocessors That Powered the PC Revolution

Auctions picked for this episode:

Extra auctions:

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

Tell someone about us please! Write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 10 – NeXT Computer

Jeff and David — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 03:59:22 +0000

NeXT Computer

On today’s show, we’re continuing and finalizing our coverage of the 32-bit GUI computers. On our last show, we covered the somewhat boring, beige Compaq Deskpro 386, other 386 based computers, and touched on the Windows/386 operating system. Today, we’re talking about the NeXT computer!

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HofPC-eBay-10.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Auctions picked for this episode:

Extra auctions:

Jeff’s
- APPLE 1 COMPUTER – (yeah, RIIIGHT!)
David’s
- Palm Zire Handheld Electronic Organizer Sealed NIB

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

Tell someone about us please! Write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 9 – Compaq Deskpro 386

Jeff and David — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 17:41:37 +0000

Compaq Deskpro 386

On today’s show, we’re continuing our coverage of the 32-bit GUI computers. We’ve covered some exciting and colorful 32-bit computing platforms. But in this episode, we go a little more boring and beige by covering the Compaq Deskpro 386, other 386 based computers, and touching on the Windows/386 operating system.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HofPC-eBay-9.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Auctions picked for this episode:

Extra auctions:

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

Tell someone about us please! Write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Thank you for listening!

Special Episode: Interview with Evan Koblentz of the Vintage Computer Federation

Jeff and David — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 12:09:43 +0000

Have you ever been to a Vintage Computer Festival? Have you ever wanted to? Well, they’ve been around for a long time, starting with the first west coast VCF in 1997, then the VCF Europa in 2000, then the East in 2001 and many others. Our special guest in this episode will tell us more about the shows, a change in organization, and more.

David and Jeff interview Evan Koblentz, Cofounder and President of the Vintage Computer Federation which is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit. VCF organizes the Vintage Computer Festival conferences, hosts the Vintage Computer Forum discussion site, incubates and assists regional user groups, and fosters collaboration between computer museums including the official VCF museum co-located at the InfoAge Science Center in Wall, N.J. Find out more about Evan at http://snarc.net/.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HofPC_VCF.mp3

Links mentioned in this podcast:

http://www.vintagecomputerfederation.org/

eBay Episode 8 – Commodore Amiga

David and Jeff — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 12:59:47 +0000

Amiga 1000

On today’s show, we’re continuing our coverage of the 32-bit GUI computers. We’ve covered the Apple Lisa, Macintosh, Atari ST, and now we move on to what some say was the ST’s bitter enemy, the Commodore Amiga.

Wikipedia reports: “The Amiga 1000 was officially released in July 1985, but a series of production problems meant it did not become widely available until early 1986. The best selling model, the Amiga 500, was introduced in 1987 and became one of the leading home computers of the late 1980s and early 1990s with four to six million sold.”

David and Jeff are just two collectors looking at things from that vantage point. Here, we take an informal look at personal computing history through the lens of eBay auctions. We’re joined again on today’s show by our special guest, Chuck Hunnefield!

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HofPC-eBay-8.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Auctions picked for this episode:

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

Tell someone about us please! Write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 7 – Atari ST

Jeff and David — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 17:33:40 +0000

Atari ST brochure

On today’s show, we’re covering the Atari ST, a “GEM” of a computer that helped spark an interest in music and MIDI.

From Wikipedia: “The Atari ST is a line of home computers from Atari Corporation and the successor to the Atari 8-bit family. The first ST model, the 520ST, was released in June 1985. “ST” officially stands for “Sixteen/Thirty-two”, which referred to the Motorola 68000’s 16-bit external bus and 32-bit internals. The Atari ST is the first personal computer to come with a bit-mapped color GUI, using a version of Digital Research’s GEM released in February 1985. The 1040ST, released in 1986, is the first personal computer to ship with a megabyte of RAM in the base configuration and also the first with a cost-per-kilobyte of less than USD$1.”

Jeff & David, along with our guest co-host Chuck Hunnefield, a former user and salesperson of the Atari ST line of computers, discuss the system, along with personally selected eBay favorites.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/HofPC-eBay-7.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Auctions picked for this episode:

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

Tell someone about us please! Write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 6 – Apple Macintosh

Jeff and David — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 12:48:09 +0000

Apple Macintosh 512K

On today’s show, we’re covering the Apple Macintosh, Steve Jobs’ publicly acknowledged attempt at delivering the Graphic User Interface to the general public.

From the last show – Wikipedia: “Contrary to common belief, it was not the first personal computer to offer a graphical user interface in a machine aimed at individual business users. Development of the Lisa began in 1978. The Lisa sold poorly, with only 100,000 units sold.

From Wikipedia: “The Macintosh (branded as Mac since 1997) is a series of personal computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple, Inc. Steve Jobs introduced the original Macintosh computer on January 24, 1984. This was the first mass-market personal computer featuring an integral graphical user interface and mouse.”

Jeff & David, along with our guest co-host Adam Rosen of the Vintage Mac Museum in Boston, MA, discuss some of the philosophies about the above statements, along with personally selected eBay favorites.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/HofPC-eBay-6.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Auctions picked for this episode:

Find all of our show notes at HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com.

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com because we really would love to receive your email or audio comment.

Tell someone about us please! Write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google+ or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 5 – Apple Lisa

Jeff and David — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 18:39:47 +0000

Apple Lisa

On today’s show, we’re covering the Apple Lisa, Steve Jobs’ attempt at pushing the Graphic User Interface to the public.

From Wikipedia: “Contrary to common belief, it was not the first personal computer to offer a graphical user interface in a machine aimed at individual business users. Development of the Lisa began in 1978. The Lisa sold poorly, with only 100,000 units sold. In 1982, after Steve Jobs was forced out of the Lisa project, he joined the Macintosh project. The Macintosh is not a direct descendant of Lisa, although there are obvious similarities between the systems. The final revision, the Lisa 2/10, was modified and sold as the Macintosh XL.”

Are these two “facts” correct? Jeff & David discuss.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/HofPC-5.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Auctions picked for this episode:

Additional auctions

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 4 – Tatung Einstein and Amstrad

Jeff and David — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 04:18:02 +0000

On today’s show, we’re covering the very obscure (at least for the US market) Tatung Einstein and what Amstrad products we can find.

The Tatung Einstein was produced by Taiwanese corporation Tatung and designed in England in 1984. It was aimed primarily at small businesses.
Amstrad is also both based in the UK and began selling computers in 1984 with the CPC line. They purchased Sinclair in 1986.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/HofPC-eBay-4.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Retrochallenge
Jeff’s Retrochallenge Blog
A new chapter/episode of the Stan Veit’s History of Personal Computing audiobook podcast!

Auctions picked for this episode:

Additional auctions

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 3 – Coleco Adam and MSX

Jeff and David — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 16:10:07 +0000

David and Jeff have just awakened from their Thanksgiving Day, tryptophan and carbohydrate induced comas and recorded the next edition of the History of Personal Computing, eBay edition.

You may have discovered that this series a little more laid back than the original shows. It is certainly a fun way to discuss these vintage systems, mixing together personal memories and an occasional wistfulness over many unobtainable varieties of personal computing systems available back in the day.

The systems discussed in this episode are the Coleco Adam and the MSX platform of computing systems.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/HofPC-eBay-3.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Auctions picked for this episode:

Additional auctions

Thank you for listening!

eBay Episode 2 – A Variety Package

Jeff and David — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 01:44:38 +0000

David and (Cylon) Jeff made it back… again… on their revamped new format.

The topic of this episode is a collection of rather obscure and rare personal computing systems. We apologize for the bandwidth issues on Jeff’s side which caused his audio to create a “cylon” vocal effect on occasion.

Also note, Jeff talks about an RS-232 and its data transfer limits. He was referring to the Model 100’s RS-232 port, not the RS-232 standard specifications.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/HofPC-eBay-2.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

Here’s What We Thought About Windows 30 Years Ago
Q-Link History
Q-Link Reloaded – Try Q-Link for yourself… TODAY!!!

Auctions picked for this episode:

Additional auctions

Thank you for listening!

And… Were Back!

Jeff and David — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 11:55:40 +0000

David and Jeff are back “on the air” with a new, revamped format for the regular series.

After a Summer hiatus, David and Jeff have recorded the first in a series of “lightweight” regular episodes. These episodes focus more on the historical status of the vintage and collectible computing systems we all know and love. This is done through reviews of eBay auctions, and from other sources where the current state of these machines can be reviewed and discussed. This episode focuses entirely on eBay auctions.

Each episode of this series will discuss two or three items fitting a theme related to the HoPC timeline, and will also include favorite auctions personally selected by the hosts, regardless of the system of topic. The target length of each of these episodes is about 30-45 minutes, however, this episode is a bit longer because there was some catching up to do after the long break.

The topic of this episode is the IBM PC/AT

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/HofPC-eBay-1.mp3

Links mention in this episode:

David guest hosts the Retro Computing Roundtable Episode 112

Auctions picked for this episode:

Jeff’s
- NEW OLD-STOCK IBM 5170 AT
- Portable IBM 5155
David’s
- Vintage IBM 5150 PC
- Upgraded IBM PC/AT computer previously running Xenix 386

Additional auctions

Episodes of the History of Personal Computing in the original format, which provided more in-depth review and discussion about a single computing system, will continue again and be hosted solo by Jeff, and on occasion with an invited guest host.

Special Episode: VCF SouthEast 3.0

Jeff and David — Sun, 10 May 2015 15:00:24 +0000

David and Jeff discuss VCF SouthEast along with our special guest, Alan Hightower. This show basically speaks for itself as Alan and David discuss the exhibits presented during VCFSE.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/HofPC-Special-3.mp3

Links mention in the show:

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com – We really want to hear from you by email or send an audio comment! Also, as we cover these computers, we would love to receive your high-quality pictures of the machines we’ve covered, so please start sending them in. You can find our podcast RSS feed at http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/feed/podcast. Also, please write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google + or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Special Episode: VCF SE Combined Podcast with Floppy Days

Jeff and David — Sun, 10 May 2015 03:15:14 +0000

History of Personal Computing and Floppy Days performed a live recording of podcast at Vintage Computer Festival SouthEast 3.0 outside of Atlanta, GA. Present were Randy Kindig of Floppy Days podcast, along with David Greelish and Jeff Salzman (from the remote HoPC offices in Pennsylvania). Without further ado, here is the podcast. Show notes will be added in the near future after everyone recovers from the weekend!

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Dual-VCFSE-podcast.mp3

Podcast Episode 16: TRS-80 Color Computer and Sinclair ZX Spectrum

Jeff and David — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:43:40 +0000

4K TRS-80 Color Computer

Now that we’re firmly into the 1980’s, David and Jeff continue to cover computer systems that can be considered next-generation platforms, introducing color versions to existing model lines. We introduce to you Radio Shack’s first Color Computer, expanding the infamous original monochrome TRS-80 line of computers. Along with that, we hop over the great pond and introduce the successor to the Sinclair ZX80 and ZX81, the Sinclair’s ZX Spectrum series of computers.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/HofPC-5-1-15.mp3
Links mentioned in the show include:

eBay links (you may need to scroll down the linked pages to see the full auction)

Links to lists of SOLD items may differ from items mention in the show content

Special Episode: VCF East 10.0

Jeff and David — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 02:32:23 +0000

In this special episode, David and Jeff take a break from their respective work and event activities. The regularly scheduled podcast will continue next week.

Meanwhile, David interviews Jeff on his experiences as an exhibitor attending the Vintage Computer Festival East 10.0

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/HofPC-S2.mp3

Links mentioned in this show include:

Vintage Computer Festival East 10
- Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19, Wall, New Jersey
Vintage Volts VCF 10 personal writeup
http://hackaday.com/2015/04/23/vcf-east-x-the-mega-mix/
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/04/ars-timetravels-through-vintage-computer-festival-east/
https://www.youtube.com/results?lclk=month&search_query=vintage+computer+festival+east&filters=month
“The Guru Meditation: pre-show video and 30 Years of Amiga
Douglas Crawford – “Visicalc” – pre-show video
VCFEast Apple Showcase
Fairlight CMI
The “Magic of Papertape”
Vintage Computer Festival Southeast 3.0
- Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3, Roswell, Georgia
- https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/20859909/help-fund-the-vintage-computer-festival-southeast-0
- https://www.facebook.com/vcfse?fref=nf
VINTAGE COMPUTER FESTIVAL MIDWEST 10
- http://vcfmw.org/
- http://starbase.globalpc.net/eccc/

Podcast Episode 15 – Part 2: Commodore 64

Jeff and David — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:58:01 +0000

Commodore 64

Are you keeping up with the Commodores? Well we are… and HOW! Join us on this, part two of Episode 15, where David discusses its next generation cousin, the Commodore 64, and we do our eBay finds.

For your convenience (and maybe due to our laziness), we’ll put an identical set of shownote links in each part.

In this show, we decided to try and loosen up a bit with a little more active commentary (which unfortunately lead to its length). If you find this particular episode’s style better than the older shows, or prefer the original style, please let us know by contacting us through the many forms of feedback mentioned at the bottom of these shownotes.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/HofPC-15b.mp3
Links mentioned in the show include:

eBay links (you may need to scroll down the linked pages to see the full auction)

Links to lists of SOLD items may differ from items mention in the show content

Podcast Episode 15 – Part 1: Commodore VIC-20

Jeff and David — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 22:51:30 +0000

VIC-20 Advertisement

Are you keeping up with the Commodores? Well we are… and HOW! Join us on this, part one of Episode 15, where Jeff waxes on about his very first computer, the Commodore VIC-20.

For your convenience (and maybe due to our laziness), we’ll put an identical set of shownote links in each part.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/HofPC-15a.mp3
Links mentioned in the show include:

eBay links (you may need to scroll down the linked pages to see the full auction)

Links to lists of SOLD items may differ from items mention in the show content

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com – We really want to hear from you by email or send an audio comment! Also, as we cover these computers, we would love to receive your high-quality pictures of the machines we’ve covered, so please start sending them in. You can find our podcast RSS feed at http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/?feed=podcast. Also, please write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google + or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Podcast Episode 14: TI-99/4A, Acorn Atom, and BBC Micro

Jeff and David — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 03:37:00 +0000

TI-99/4A with PEB

In this episode, we cover two computers from two coasts. One is American, and though important, we wouldn’t really say groundbreaking, while the other (other two really) were British, and were in fact very groundbreaking in the English market. Today we are boldly, fully entering the 1980s with discussions of the TI-99/4A and the Acorn Atom computer, which led to the BBC Micro.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/HofPC-3-27-15.mp3
Links mentioned in the show include:

eBay links (you may need to scroll down the linked pages to see the full auction)

Send feedback to feedback@HistoryOfPersonalComputing.com – We really want to hear from you by email or send an audio comment! Also, as we cover these computers, we would love to receive your high-quality pictures of the machines we’ve covered, so please start sending them in. You can find our podcast RSS feed at http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/?feed=podcast. Also, please write a review on iTunes or help us spread the word with Facebook, Google + or Twitter. Perhaps you’re in a specialty discussion group – tell them!

Podcast Episode 13: Computer Magazines 1974-1980 – Part 2

Jeff and David — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 11:04:52 +0000

First Issue Cover of ROM Magazine

Now that the paper cuts have healed from flipping through pages of magazines we covered in the previous episode, come back in time with David and Jeff as they discuss the popular passive resource for early home computing enthusiasts, the “computer magazine.”

In this episode, they remark and reminisce about four more publications; ROM, The Transactor, Compute! and Dr. Dobbs Journal. Learn a bit about the creation, content, continuum, and culmination of these magazines, along with their various disciplines in computer information coverage.

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Podcast Episode 12: Computer Magazines 1974-1980 – Part 1

Jeff and David — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 00:51:01 +0000

Creative Computing’s April 1980 (April Fool’s) parody cover

Put on your reading glasses folks and come back in time with David and Jeff as they discuss the popular passive resource for early home computing enthusiasts, the “computer magazine.”

In this episode, they remark and reminisce about four specific publications; Creative Computing, Byte, Kilobaud and Interface Age. Learn a bit about the creation, content, continuum, and culmination of these magazines, along with their various disciplines in computer information coverage.

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Podcast Episode 11: Atari 400/800

Jeff and David — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 14:25:38 +0000

Atari 400 – “Candy”

After a last minute scramble by me, Jeff, to get a solid Internet connection established for my part of the recording, we were able to bring Episode 11 to you on time. David did his usual outstanding job with editing to maintain continuity of the show and working around my technical mishaps.

Joining us this time is a special guest host, Randy Kindig, host of the Floppy Days podcast, and co-host of the ANTIC podcast.

The topic of this episode: The Atari 400 and 800 home computers!

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Podcast Episode 10: Sharp MZ-80K and Sinclair ZX80

Jeff and David — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:30:20 +0000

After a small hiccup in our release schedule, we are back on track to tell you about two different computers, one that will make a great prop in a 1970’s style Sci-Fi movie remake, and another that would do well to hold open that door that keeps swinging shut on its own. We are talking about the Sharp MZ-80K and Sinclair ZX80, respectively. These are two international systems, and our first featured Japanese computer. We’re actually skipping another significant computer system that was released before the ZX80, but our next show will be fully dedicated to that American computer series released in 1979, the Atari 400 & 800.

You can download the Episode 10 audio here.

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Podcast Episode 9: Commodore PET

Jeff and David — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 18:07:28 +0000

It’s 2015, and here is the first installment of the History of Personal Computing podcast for the year! This is show nine, and we complete the coverage of the “Personal Computer Trifecta”, or “Holy Trinity”, depending on which host you ask. Or you can just fast forward to the end and hear some news about bacon! (more…)

Special Episode – BONUS MATERIAL: Holiday Memories

Jeff and David — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:26:29 +0000

The holiday bounty is PLENTIFUL!!! We have so much to give to you that we had to edit some extra audio out of the first show to save time. So, we put it in this BONUS EPISODE. Please enjoy what may have been some cutting room floor audio from the Holiday Memories special podcast.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/podcast-download/234/special-episode-bonus-material-holiday-memories.mp3

Additional links mentioned in the podcast

Weird eBay Items our listeners should buy us

Please have a happy holiday of your choice… and keep your old computer out of the cold!

Special Episode: Holiday Memories

Jeff and David — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 00:20:51 +0000

Just about everyone has that special memory of gifts received during the holiday season. In this episode, we present to you a collection of self described experiences detailing such holiday memories. Included in the mix are memories from our listeners, along with memories from fellow podcasters. The following people have made a contribution to this show:

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/podcast-download/224/special-episode-holiday-memories.mp3

Adam Rosen – from the Vintage Mac Museum tells us about when he received a Commodore VIC-20.
Bill Loguidice – an author of numerous books, like Vintage Games and Vintage Game Consoles and proprietor of Armchair Arcade tells us about when he received his first printer.
Greg Polander – known as SoulBlazer online at the AtariAge forums is a listener and friend of the show, and a new podcaster with The SNES Podcast, tells us about the time he received a Commodore 128D.
Kevin Savitz – author of Terrible Nerd and proprietor of numerous sites, including Classic Computer Magazine Archive. He is also a co-host of the ANTIC: The Atari 8-bit Podcast. Even though he’s a big Atari fanatic, he tells us about receiving his first computer . . . an Apple II!
Kevin Savitz with his NEW Apple II computer

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Podcast Episode 8: TRS-80 Model I

Jeff and David — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:02:17 +0000

Hello again and welcome to another installment of the History of Personal Computing podcast! This is show eight and it’s going to be your last regular show of 2014. In only twelve more days, on the 24th, we will be releasing a special Christmas and Holiday Season show of collected stories about computer and gaming gifts of the past. Tune in . . . as they say, because it’s going to be a great time. (more…)

Podcast Episode 7: Apple II

Jeff and David — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 17:01:03 +0000

Listen along during your tryptophan coma from that large turkey feast as David Greelish and Jeff Salzman present our first Thanksgiving Day podcast episode, focused on the Apple II computer. (more…)

Podcast Episode 6: Vector Graphic, Inc. Vector 1 and NorthStar Horizon

Jeff and David — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 12:00:10 +0000

Listen along as David Greelish and Jeff Salzman, our “roving reporter”, discuss the Vector Graphic, Inc. Vector 1 and NorthStar Horizon computers. (more…)

Podcast Episode 5: Cromemco Z-1 and Heathkit H8

Jeff and David — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 10:02:20 +0000

Listen along as David Greelish and Jeff Salzman discuss the Cromemco Z-1 and Heathkit H8 computers. We would like to thank Theo Karagiris and Mike Perigo for their detailed input and information. (more…)

Podcast Episode 4: Single Board Computers

Jeff and David — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 10:09:24 +0000

Listen along as David Greelish and Jeff Salzman discuss several of the early single board computers, including the Nascom 1, OSI Superboard, MOS Technology KIM-1, and the COSMAC ELF.

All of the above single board computers don’t easily fit into the History of Personal Computing’s “Tier” philosophy, so this special podcast episode was produced.

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Podcast Episode 3: IMSAI 8080 and Processor Technology Sol

Jeff and David — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 12:05:06 +0000

Listen along as David Greelish and Jeff Salzman discuss the history of the IMSAI 8080 and Processor Technology Sol computers.

The IMSAI 8080 is a Tier One computer presented as the first Altair clone computer. As such, it was chosen to be the first computer we choose in a follow up podcast after the Altair.

The Sol was a Tier One computer chosen due to its early design as an all-in-one computer (minus monitor) and having a built-in keyboard. It is also an S-100 system.

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Podcast Episode 2: Altair 8800 and Kaypro

Jeff and David — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 13:54:51 +0000

Listen along as David Greelish and Jeff Salzman discuss the history of the Altair 8800 and Kaypro computer. Well… at least listen to David’s clear, quality audio, along with Jeff’s misconfigured source microphone that sounds like he’s talking from a mile away!

The Altair 8800 is a Tier One computer presented as the first “commercially available home computer.” As such, it was chosen to be the first computer we talk about on this podcast.

The Kaypro was chosen due to a recent and unfortunate event. Its founder, Andrew Kay, had passed away. The computer he created is an early Tier Two computer, representing a line of portable computing devices.

http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/HofPC-2.mp3

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Premiere Episode of the History of Personal Computing Podcast

Jeff and David — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 11:49:47 +0000

Welcome to the first episode of the History of Personal Computing podcast!

In this episode, Jeff Salzman plays host, along with David Greelish, in the premiere episode of your bi-weekly guide to the history and development of arguably the single most important technological advancement of the last forty years, the personal computer!

Links mentioned in this show:

You can download the episode directly by using this link: http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/HofPC11.mp3

or, you can subscribe to our podcast feed at: http://www.historyofpersonalcomputing.com/podcast/rss.xml