!!!!!! If you think you can help me identify and sort these computers in the Twin Cities in MN, please email me: girl AT girlhack DOT com
Here currently —–> Step 1: Find someone who can identify and sort through the machines.
Step 2: Donate, sell, or electronic recycle pending recommondations and research.
Okay, so even though I have a list of other posts I’ve started to draft, the monkey on the back for this one is screaming at me. Very long story short, my dad had a computer store in Minnesota in 1976 selling mostly computer kits to BUILD. It was the second computer store the state and first one out of business, called The Byte Shop! As my mother said way back then, no one really wants to buy these things until you can take them out of the box and plug them in.
The story and my growing up around computers as an eldermillenial child will come another day. In the meantime, he passed a few years ago and always wanted these to land in a musem or with those who would appreciate them. I have a few (not totally pictured) I will likely keep, but I am also not totally sure yet.
The Computer Lot
Images below followed by text for searching purposes. This is showing I would say 70% of what we have. There are a LOT of complete manual sets, accessories, some other software sets, etc. But I figured this was enought to garner interest and find the right people.
I honestly had AI review and look through these for quick identification so some of these may be inaccurate
1. Classic Microcomputers & Minicomputers
IMSAI 8080 Microcomputer: Front panel unit featuring blue/red toggle switches.
Synthetic Designs Company FDS-2 Dual 8-Inch Floppy Disk System: Matching dual 8-inch drive cabinet mounted under the IMSAI
DEC PDP-11/03-L Minicomputer System: 16-bit rack unit with original yellow/red front panel control switches.
Osborne 1 Portable Computer: Portable “luggable” PC with keyboard lid, built-in 5-inch CRT, and custom top-mounted “Oscool” cooling fan attachment.
2. Video Terminals & Printing Terminals
DEC VT100-AA Video Terminal: Classic ANSI monochrome CRT terminal and keyboard.
Lear Siegler ADM-3 Video Terminal: 1970s blue/gray dumb terminal featuring green phosphor CRT with typical screen glare/rot.
SOROC Technology IQ 120 Video Terminal: Video display terminal with numeric keypad.
DECwriter III (LA120) Console Printing Terminal: Floor-standing printing terminal with integrated keyboard.
