A late introduction

[ppo]

Hello, sorry for the late introduction but I have been busy lately.

I'm from Lisbon, Portugal and born in 1992, so my first computer was a generic Windows 95, that I received in 1996.

The computer was later thrown off without my knowledge, so I can't tell much about it.

And with that, I think my need to collect began.

I've started to search and began to find older computers more interesting than new ones.

Because back then each computer was unique, it had personality and each new computer had something revolutionary for the time.

I have very few computers, because I haven't found a place to buy them or even to keep them.

But, recently I found a box full of old magazines and newspapers, and among these things I've found a catalog for an UNIVAC, some punched tape, a
Computer Weekly of 1972, among ohter computer-related stuff of the 70's.

With this my interest for the history of computing began.

I currently have a boxed, with all the programs and manuals, Amiga 600, a Machintosh Powerbook of 1992, some games for ZX spectrum and other obsolete material I've collected from my school.

[Erik]

Great stuff!

Welcome aboard!

[Vint]

To quote you:
Because back then each computer was unique, it had personality and each new computer had something revolutionary for the time.

I feel the same. Todays computer certainly lack pizazz. You mights well store them under the desk for all their uniqueness. Give me a shiny vintage 8-bit anyday. Not that I'd give up my modern machine - but it's really just an appliance now.

Computers have undergone the same evolution that cars have. Cars used to 'really be something' - now they all look the same and are just conveyances. Well, except maybe for that new 2010 Camaro! Yowza! That's a cool machine

It's good to see younger guys getting on the vintage bandwagon, it really is. That should keep the history alive for many years to come.
I had an Amiga 600 once. That should keep you busy for a while - nice start.

[tezza]

I agree with you Vint BUT in saying that, times might be a-changing.

I can see the time of the genetic "box" coming to an end, at least in the consumer market. Unless you have specific needs, consumer computers these days have little to set them apart in terms of hardware. That being the case, manufactures are now looking harder at the visual appearence of these things...how to make them look funky and fashionable. Apple have been doing this for a while to distinguish their products and it works.

We are now seeing all sorts of "personalities" for computers reflecting not the hardware, but the visual appearence. Pink laptops anyone?

Tez