A Lifelong Passion for Computing
I began my journey with computers in the early 1980s when I was just a young girl. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for those formative days of computing—an era when everything felt new, and nothing ever seemed to “Just Work.” The challenge of figuring things out and pushing boundaries was part of the thrill, and it’s a feeling I still cherish to this day.
My First Computer: The Commodore 64
In 1984, I received my very first computer—a Commodore 64—as a Christmas gift. That machine was a revelation and quickly became the center of my attention. Its capabilities opened up a world of possibilities, and I was instantly hooked. The Commodore 64 wasn’t just a piece of hardware; it was an introduction to a new way of thinking and creating. My love for the platform and its successors has only deepened over time.
The Amiga: A Platform Worth Preserving
If I were to choose one platform to preserve for future generations, it would undoubtedly be the Amiga. As a young enthusiast, I was awestruck by what the Amiga could do. Its sleek wedge-shaped design packed groundbreaking graphics, sound, and multitasking capabilities into a form factor no heavier than a good encyclopedia. To me, the Amiga was more than a computer—it was a glimpse into the future.
The Amiga 500, in particular, stood out for its innovation and versatility. While the platform didn’t survive commercially, it has remained alive in the hearts of hobbyists like me. Today, its legacy is carried forward through exciting projects such as the Vampire accelerator boards and other modern add-ons that extend the platform’s functionality. If you haven’t explored these projects, they’re well worth a look!
A Modern Amiga Setup
Though the Amiga can’t compete with the performance of today’s machines—my smartwatch has hundreds of times its processing power and storage—it remains an enduring part of my computing life. My current setup includes an Amiga A1200 with a 68040 processor, a scan doubler, and a flicker fixer, which allow me to use it seamlessly with a modern LCD monitor. This setup provides the perfect blend of retro charm and modern usability.
Collecting Retro Hardware
My interest in vintage computing extends beyond the Amiga. Over the years, I’ve built a collection of retro hardware that celebrates the innovation and creativity of those early days. Here’s a look at some of the treasures in my collection:
Each piece in my collection holds a special place in the story of computing, and preserving them feels like a small way of honoring the pioneers and the magic of the era.
Items in my Museum
Downsizing and Keeping a few
Sadly, due to a move and a down-sizing of my available space, I was required to sell most of my collection, although I retained my flagship A1200 with 040 accelerator, flicker-fixer, usb and GoTek.
I’ll post a separate page describing that unit and its build in detail
Emulation
One of the advantages of modern computing is that you can emulate just about any platform, and do it much faster than the original hardware was capable of, therefore a good deal of effort on my side has gone into just emulating the platforms that I want to explore, and giving them new life in the form of hardware and software emulation.
Amiga 600
The Amiga 600, introduced in 1992, was a compact and cost-effective iteration of the Amiga line. It was designed to appeal to casual users with its smaller form factor, making it one of the most portable Amiga systems. Despite its small size, it retained the signature capabilities of the Amiga series, including advanced graphics and sound for its time, powered by the Motorola 68000 processor.
One of the standout features of the Amiga 600 was its built-in support for PCMCIA cards and an internal IDE interface, which allowed users to connect hard drives and expand storage more easily. This made the Amiga 600 a versatile choice for enthusiasts looking to upgrade and customize their machine. It also introduced Kickstart 2.0, an improved operating system that streamlined usability.
While the Amiga 600 offered many improvements, it was met with mixed reviews. Critics noted its high price and the removal of the numeric keypad compared to the Amiga 500. However, it found a niche among users who valued its portability and connectivity. Today, the Amiga 600 remains a cult favorite among retro computing enthusiasts.
Amiga 1000
The Amiga 1000 debuted in 1985 as the first model in the revolutionary Amiga computer line. It broke new ground with its advanced graphics, sound, and multitasking capabilities, powered by the Motorola 68000 processor and a custom chipset. The machine was aimed at both home users and professionals, offering a unique blend of entertainment and productivity features.
The design of the Amiga 1000 was both functional and iconic. It included a “keyboard garage” under the main unit for convenient storage and a sleek, modern aesthetic that stood out from its competitors. The Amiga 1000 also introduced the AmigaOS, a powerful operating system that supported multitasking and a graphical user interface, a rarity at the time.
Though it wasn’t a commercial blockbuster due to its high price, the Amiga 1000 gained a loyal following among creative professionals, particularly in animation, video production, and music. Its legacy is celebrated as the starting point of the Amiga line, which would go on to influence multimedia computing for years to come.
Amiga 1200/040
The Amiga 1200/040 was an advanced version of the popular Amiga 1200, featuring a Motorola 68040 processor for superior performance. Released in the early 1990s, this iteration pushed the boundaries of what an Amiga computer could achieve, particularly in areas like 3D rendering, video production, and software development. Its increased processing power made it a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals who needed more computational muscle.
Like its predecessor, the Amiga 1200/040 included the AGA (Advanced Graphics Architecture) chipset, which allowed for higher resolutions and more colors, making it ideal for multimedia applications. It also retained the Amiga’s signature expandability, with options for additional memory, hard drives, and peripherals, giving users flexibility in customizing their setups.
The Amiga 1200/040’s release coincided with a time of financial uncertainty for Commodore, limiting its reach and potential. Despite this, it remains a sought-after machine for collectors and retro computing fans who appreciate its powerful hardware and role in the evolution of the Amiga platform.
Amiga 2000
The Amiga 2000, released in 1987, was designed with professionals in mind. Its modular and expandable architecture made it suitable for a variety of tasks, from video production and desktop publishing to scientific research and software development. The system featured multiple expansion slots, allowing users to add video capture cards, network adapters, and additional storage devices.
One of the Amiga 2000’s key advantages was its compatibility with both Amiga software and hardware add-ons from third-party manufacturers. It could even run MS-DOS through the addition of bridge boards, making it a versatile choice for businesses and creative professionals. The machine’s solid construction and durability further solidified its reputation as a reliable workstation.
Despite being priced higher than other Amiga models, the Amiga 2000 became a staple in professional environments. It was particularly popular in the video production industry, where its ability to handle complex tasks with ease made it indispensable. Today, it is fondly remembered as one of the most capable and expandable Amiga computers ever made.
Amiga CDTV
The Amiga CDTV, introduced in 1991, was an ambitious attempt to redefine home entertainment. It combined the capabilities of an Amiga computer with a CD-ROM-based multimedia system, designed to be used in the living room rather than at a desk. With its sleek, set-top box design and remote control, the CDTV aimed to bridge the gap between computers and consumer electronics.
The CDTV supported a wide range of multimedia applications, including educational software, games, and interactive encyclopedias, all delivered via CD-ROM. It was also compatible with standard Amiga peripherals, allowing users to expand its capabilities. This made it a versatile system that could double as a traditional computer when needed.
Unfortunately, the CDTV struggled to gain traction in the market. Its high price and lack of compelling software titles limited its appeal, and its marketing as a consumer electronics device rather than a computer confused potential buyers. Despite its commercial failure, the CDTV is remembered as a pioneering effort in the evolution of multimedia and digital entertainment.
Amiga CD32
The Amiga CD32, released in 1993, holds the distinction of being the first 32-bit CD-based gaming console. Built on the Amiga AGA chipset and powered by a Motorola 68020 processor, it delivered impressive graphics and sound capabilities for its time. The CD32 was marketed as both a gaming console and a multimedia entertainment system, capable of playing CDs and running Amiga software.
The CD32 featured a compact and stylish design, with a built-in CD-ROM drive and support for external peripherals such as keyboards and floppy drives. This made it more versatile than traditional gaming consoles, appealing to users who wanted a multi-functional device. Its game library included a mix of original titles and ports of popular Amiga games, providing a rich gaming experience.
Despite its technical advantages, the CD32 was hampered by poor marketing and Commodore’s financial troubles, which led to the company’s bankruptcy shortly after the console’s release. This limited its lifespan and software library, but the CD32 remains a fascinating piece of gaming history, cherished by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Commodore 128D
The Commodore 128D, introduced in 1985, was an upgraded version of the Commodore 128, designed for users who needed a more professional and portable computing solution. It featured a sleek metal chassis, a detachable keyboard, and an integrated 1571 floppy disk drive, making it a more convenient option for business users and advanced home computing enthusiasts.
One of the key features of the 128D was its ability to operate in three modes: the 128 mode, offering enhanced functionality and compatibility with newer software; the 64 mode, which supported the vast library of Commodore 64 software; and CP/M mode, providing access to a range of business and productivity applications. This versatility made the 128D a compelling choice for users transitioning between home and professional environments.
While the Commodore 128D was not as commercially successful as the Commodore 64, it found a loyal audience among power users and small businesses. Its durable build, expanded capabilities, and improved design have earned it a lasting place in retro computing history, and it remains a favorite among enthusiasts and collectors today.
Commodore Colt (PC-10)
The Commodore Colt, also known as the PC-10, marked Commodore’s entry into the IBM-compatible PC market in the late 1980s. Aimed at small businesses and home users, it featured an Intel 8088 processor and supported MS-DOS, making it compatible with the growing ecosystem of IBM PC software. The Colt represented a shift in Commodore’s strategy to address the increasing dominance of IBM-compatible systems.
Unlike Commodore’s previous systems, which focused on unique architectures and multimedia capabilities, the Colt embraced standardization. It came with a range of configuration options, including varying amounts of RAM, hard drive sizes, and support for expansion cards. This made it a flexible and affordable choice for users looking to enter the PC market.
Although the Commodore Colt lacked the innovation of other Commodore systems, it played a critical role in keeping the company competitive during the PC boom. Its straightforward design and compatibility with popular software ensured it found a niche in the market, even as Commodore struggled to maintain its foothold in the rapidly changing industry.
Silicon Graphics Octane 2
The Silicon Graphics Octane 2, launched in 2000, was a workstation powerhouse designed for high-performance 3D rendering, visualization, and scientific computing. It featured advanced MIPS RISC processors and SGI’s proprietary graphics subsystems, making it a staple in industries such as animation, film production, and engineering. The Octane 2 was particularly popular in Hollywood, where it was used to create stunning visual effects for blockbuster movies.
What set the Octane 2 apart was its support for SGI’s VPro graphics, which offered unparalleled rendering capabilities. Its modular design allowed users to upgrade components like processors, memory, and graphics cards, extending its lifespan and adaptability. The system also boasted SGI’s XIO architecture, which provided exceptional data throughput for demanding applications.
Despite its high price, the Octane 2 was widely regarded as one of the best workstations of its era. It remains a highly sought-after machine for retro computing enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate its unique capabilities and contributions to the evolution of digital content creation.
Sunblade 1000
The Sunblade 1000, released in the early 2000s, was a flagship workstation from Sun Microsystems. Powered by the UltraSPARC III processor, it delivered exceptional performance for demanding applications such as engineering simulations, 3D modeling, and scientific research. The Sunblade 1000’s robust architecture and scalability made it a favorite among enterprise users and academic institutions.
The system supported up to two UltraSPARC processors and large amounts of RAM, allowing it to handle complex multitasking with ease. It was also equipped with Sun’s advanced graphics technology, making it suitable for high-resolution visualization and CAD work. Its durable design and focus on reliability made it a trusted choice for mission-critical environments.
Although the Sunblade 1000 was eventually superseded by newer systems, it left a lasting impact on the workstation market. Its combination of performance, reliability, and expandability ensured its place in the history of enterprise computing, and it remains a favorite among collectors of Sun Microsystems hardware.
Sunblade 150
The Sunblade 150 was an entry-level workstation from Sun Microsystems, designed to offer affordability without compromising on quality. Released in the early 2000s, it was powered by the UltraSPARC IIi processor and targeted users in software development, network management, and other professional environments. Its compact form factor made it accessible to a wider audience.
Despite its lower cost, the Sunblade 150 provided robust performance and reliability. It came with support for Sun’s Solaris operating system, which offered advanced networking and security features. The workstation also included options for hardware upgrades, such as additional memory and storage, allowing users to customize it for their specific needs.
The Sunblade 150 was well-received for its balance of price and performance, making it a popular choice for organizations and individuals looking for a reliable entry point into the world of Sun workstations. Its enduring legacy lies in its role as an accessible and dependable tool for a variety of professional applications.
iMac – 2001
The 2001 iMac continued Apple’s tradition of innovation in consumer computing, building on the success of the original iMac line. Featuring a sleek, colorful, and translucent design, the 2001 model housed a PowerPC G3 processor and included built-in support for USB and FireWire, setting new standards for connectivity. Its all-in-one form factor made it a convenient and stylish option for home and office users alike.
Apple enhanced the iMac’s multimedia capabilities with features such as improved graphics and integrated speakers, making it an ideal choice for digital media creation and consumption. It also came preloaded with Mac OS X, Apple’s then-new operating system, which introduced a modern, Unix-based architecture alongside a user-friendly interface.
The 2001 iMac was a key player in Apple’s resurgence during the early 2000s, helping to cement the brand’s reputation for design excellence and innovation. Its impact can still be felt in today’s iMac models, which continue to prioritize style, simplicity, and cutting-edge technology.
Sony PC (With Built-in Minidisc Player)
Sony’s PC with a built-in Minidisc player was a unique product released in the early 2000s, combining traditional desktop computing with digital audio capabilities. This innovative machine catered to audiophiles and tech enthusiasts, offering a seamless way to manage and play Minidisc media alongside standard computing tasks. Its sleek design reflected Sony’s reputation for integrating style with functionality.
The system featured a dedicated Minidisc drive, allowing users to create, edit, and play Minidisc audio files directly on their PC. It also included software for managing digital music libraries, bridging the gap between physical and digital media during a transitional era in music technology. This made it a standout choice for users invested in Sony’s Minidisc ecosystem.
Though it was a niche product, the Sony PC with a Minidisc player demonstrated the potential of combining specialized media hardware with general-purpose computing. It remains a fascinating example of early 2000s innovation, appealing to collectors and fans of retro tech who appreciate its forward-thinking design and functionality.