[Coco] Anyone else collect other old computers/game consoles beside the Coco?

[Joel Ewy]

On 08/26/2011 05:29 PM, Michael Needham wrote:
> Hi All:
>
> I collect Tandy Coco naturally, but I also own a TRS-80 Model 4 with 128K
> expansion in perfect condition!
> ...
>
> It is a cool hobby, however, it used to be that running a BBS was the 2nd
> most expensive hobby (in the US at least) only under Model AIrplanes.  I
> think vintage computing collecting can be as expensive as model airplanes.
>

I've gotten almost all my vintage computers for free or very little, 
except for the ones I got back before they were 'vintage', which is why 
I don't have anything _really_ rare or desirable (with the possible 
exception of the TC-9 and MM/1).  About 6 or 7 years ago there was a 
cool computer surplus store in Wichita where I picked up some goodies.  
Mac IIci boxes were $5.  I picked up an Amiga 500 with a monitor and 
hard drive for something like $35 to $50.  And that's also where I found 
my Model 4 and 4K silver CoCo for next to nothing.  Their dumpster was 
interesting as well.  Some day I'll see what's needed to revive the 
Apple //e I pulled out of there.  Alas, like all good things that place 
is gone.  I got two batches of classic computers from thrift stores in 
exchange for helping them price their computer stuff.  I said "these are 
the ones people are likely to actually use, but I wouldn't mind having 
those over there..."

But a lot of it has come out of people's closets after I've helped them 
work on their modern PCs, and during conversation mentioned that I 
collect antique computers.  Many people are loath to chuck them in the 
landfill but have no further use for them and are happy to see them go 
to a good home.

JCE