Retro Tech
This is an Apple PowerBook G3, often referred to as the “Pismo” model, which debuted in 1998. It features the iconic rainbow Apple logo and a distinctive keyboard and trackpad design, reflecting Apple’s late 1990s hardware aesthetics.
Step back into the golden age of Apple with this beautifully preserved PowerBook G3 Pismo—a true icon for vintage Mac lovers and collectors alike.
What’s Included:
• PowerBook G3 Pismo with 14” display (1024×768 resolution)
• Mac OS 9.1 pre-installed and ready to explore
• Prime Target video game from MacSoft- AC power adapter • Working removable CD/DVD drive
• Battery included (condition untested)
Condition Highlights:
• Boots up and runs smoothly
• Clean, bright screen with no dead pixels or lines
• Responsive keyboard and solid plastic casing
• Battery is non-functional (common for vintage models)
Renowned for its durability and modular design, the Pismo remains one of Apple’s most beloved laptops from the early 2000s—a must-have piece for any serious Apple enthusiast and Retro Tech collectors.
Tandy 102 proto-laptop still alive and beeping after 30 years, complete with AA batteries
The 102 is a member of the TRS-80 family, the PC that Tandy Corporation introduced in 1977. The TRS-80, known as the “Trash Eighty” by snooty Commodore 64 fanbois, started life as a desktop computer. Several models adopted the all-in-one shape made popular by the Commodore Pet and a “luggable” even made it into the range.
Tandy eventually decided that the thrusting young executive types of the early 1980s wanted something rather more portable when they took the elevators to the upper reaches of Nakatomi Plaza, so acquired the rights to Japanese company Kyocera’s Kyotronic 85. The anglosphere’s version was launched as the TRS-80 Model 100 and gave users a full keyboard and eight-line, 40-characters per line screen in glorious grey-on-grey.
A 2.4MHz Intel 80C85 hummed along inside, sipping so little power that the machine was powered by a quartet of AA batteries. An on-board backup battery made sure the data in the machines’ RAM – you could have between 8 and 32 kilobytes – remained safe.
The Model 100 is often considered a proto-laptop and sold about six million units. Later upgrades adopted the clamshell form factor so common today, but there were also upgrades to the flat-format machines. And one of those was the Tandy 102 that Ed still possesses today.
The 102 debuted in 1986, was thinner and lighter than its predecessors and offered 24 kilobytes as its minimum memory specification.
The Vectrex Console from 1982
Back in 1982, I was Ten yeas old and caught a glimpse of the Vectrex console via a TV commercial on a Family vacation. It was love at first sight, and I desperately wanted to own one, but unfortunately it was not to be as the Vectrex was only sold in the US, Europe and Japan.
Fast forward 40 years and I finally got my hands on a working unit thanks to eBay! It was worth the wait:)
This unique vector graphics-based video game console withstands the test of time because there is nothing else like it and no way to duplicate its unique look and feel. Computer emulation has nothing on the Vectrex because it’s old school television screen displays glowing laser beams in a way that your modern smart screen cannot. The Vectrex comes with a built-in 1980s-style CRT monitor and a stylish analog joystick. Players enjoy games with the assistance of colourful plastic overlays. The Vectrex game catalog, though small, is filled with excellent arcade games from the era like Berzerk, Scramble, Armor Attack and Star Castle.
The History of Computers Museum in Mountain View, California [2018]
Published @ June 15, 2021 1:53 am