When I started out collecting retro computers in the early 90s, they were
just called obsolete back then. I am slowly selling off my collection of
8-bit and 16-bit micros and peripherals/software/etc as I've had my fill. Might keep one favourite. But there's only so much room for storage!

However, I find I have come full circle and am now collecting simply obsolete computers again. I bought a Gateway PIII for DOS and Win98 gaming. But even newer, yet obsolete are a couple of laptops I bought.

One is a Panasonic ToughBook CF-31 from circa 2012. I've got it set up with max ram and an SSD running Win10 (I know many don't like Win10) and will be using it for ham radio operations in the "field". I like to do RTTY
primarily.

The other that I'm using right now is a 2009 MacBook Pro 13 inch. Put Snow Leopard on it as that is the last version of OS X with Rosetta (runs PPC software on Intel Macs). I set up a "single player" version of World of Warcraft Wrath of the Lich King on a spare PC and will use this a client machine (among others).

Right now it only has 2gb of ram and is still pretty snappy. I've got 8gb on order and will buy an SSD later on.

When using a modern computer for BBSing in Syncterm or NetRunner I like to do so in full screen mode for a better retro feel. But on a wide-screen LCD it
is a bit ridiculous. On this 13" laptop screen it fits the retro feel quite nicely.

Anybody else into the "trailing edge"?

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Otto Reverse wrote to All <=-

When I started out collecting retro computers in the early 90s, they
were just called obsolete back then. I am slowly selling off my collection of 8-bit and 16-bit micros and peripherals/software/etc as
I've had my fill. Might keep one favourite. But there's only so much
room for storage!

Do you have an TI 99/4A bits you are liquidating?


... So easy, a child could do it. Child sold separately.
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Hello Blue White!

** On Saturday 24.07.21 - 09:16, Blue White wrote to Otto Reverse:

Do you have an TI 99/4A bits you are liquidating?

I have an SR 51/A. Does that count? LOL




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Do you have an TI 99/4A bits you are liquidating?

I don't and wish I did. I remember passing up quite a few TI 99/4A's in the 90's and Good Will and the like. Never did try one.

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On 29 Jul 2021, Otto Reverse said the following...

Do you have an TI 99/4A bits you are liquidating?

I don't and wish I did. I remember passing up quite a few TI 99/4A's in the 90's and Good Will and the like. Never did try one.

The good news is that right now TI-99/4A stuff is relatively cheap since it doesn't have quite the same appeal to the masses as Commodore gear. I built some up (the 4A was my first computer when I was around 5), and then liquidated when I decided it wasn't going to be suitable for my purposes. By the time you modernize one (assuming you want to get online), you'll be out a few hundred dollars, but at least the base systems are under $50 pretty regularly.

GreenLFC º e> greenleaderfanclub@protonmail.com
Infosec / Ham / Retro º masto> greenleaderfanclub@distrotoot
Avoids Politics on BBS º gem> gemini.greenleader.xyz

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The good news is that right now TI-99/4A stuff is relatively cheap since it doesn't have quite the same appeal to the masses as Commodore gear.

Problem I have in my current location (of the past 11 years) is that there simply isn't any vintage stuff to buy locally. People long ago sold it or threw it in the trash and the population base is so small that there doesn't seem to be anyone left who digs out an old computer (or I suppose there kids when they pass away) and lists it for sale in the "classifieds ads".

So everything I buy comes primarily from eBay. And, well shipping has just skyrocketed. So I probably won't get into the 4A stuff unless I luck out and spot one locally at a flea market. But I can't see that happening. Even old 486 through to Pentium III computers are pretty much non-existent around here.

I like my rural living, but I sometimes am envious of those in big cities who can just go "thrifting" at the Goodwills or what not.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A46 2020/08/26 (Linux/64)
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On 31 Jul 2021, Otto Reverse said the following...

I like my rural living, but I sometimes am envious of those in big
cities who can just go "thrifting" at the Goodwills or what not.

It's not always sunshine. The various ewaste laws have killed thrifting in Washington, at least. CRTs get trashed immediately, computers never make it to the floor... occasionally you'll get a crappy old joystick or mouse. :(

GreenLFC º e> greenleaderfanclub@protonmail.com
Infosec / Ham / Retro º masto> greenleaderfanclub@distrotoot
Avoids Politics on BBS º gem> gemini.greenleader.xyz

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/07/28 (Raspberry Pi/32)
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I have an SR 51/A. Does that count? LOL

Now if it was an SR71 we'd be flying :)


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