Panelists: Paul Hagstrom (hosting), Quinn Dunki, Blake Patterson, and Kay Savetz

Topic: 1984

Apple introduced the Macintosh and Apple //c in 1984, IBM introduced the PCjr, HP introduced the LaserJet, and FidoNet began distributing mail.

Topic/Feedback links:

  • Apple //c
  • IBM PCjr
  • Christmas 1984: The Great Apple //c vs. PCjr Battle
  • Macintosh
    • The 1984 Superbowl ad (YT)
    • The 1984 Superbowl ad
  • FidoNet
    • fidonet.org
    • FidoNews
    • Subtext (classic Mac BBS with FidoNet support)
  • HP LaserJet
    • LaserJet in HP’s own Virtual museum (warning: QuickTime 5 required)
  • CHM discusses Lisa source code with Bill Atkinson

Retro Computing News:

  • SyncTerm
  • Playing with toy interfaces – Rich Gold, Mattel Toys
  • Video Game History Foundation Library opens
  • Storing data on cassette with a modem
    • KCS modem

Vintage Computer(-related) commercials:

  • Apple //c
  • IBM PCjr
  • Macintosh

Retro Computing Gift Idea:

  • Tiny TV

Auction Picks:

  • Blake:
    • Atari SC1224 Vintage Color Monitor (specifically, red)
      • RDKL Inc’s YT video about this collection
  • Kay:
    • Vintage The Microperipheral Corporation Computer Speech Synthesizer?
      • No, almost certainly a Sofcast Shuttle Communicator
      • Interview with Michael Darland, Microperipheral Corporation and Sofcasting
  • Paul:
    • AnDATAco front panel
      • AnDATAco
    • Speech recognition processor for Hero 1 and Apple II
    • New overpriced belts
    • ITT 2020
    • US ZX-81 (auction long gone)
      • Timexsinclair.com on ZX-81

Closing notes:

  • Super Impulse Space Invaders (eBay search)

Other ways to experience this episode:

  • a2stream file for this episode: http://lo-fi.rcrpodcast.com/rcr284.a2stream
  • YouTube episode 284

Feedback/Discussion:

  • feedback@rcrpodcast.com
  • rcrpodcast@podcast.social on Mastodon
  • rcrpodcast.com on bluesky
  • Vintage Computer Forum
  • RCR Podcast on Facebook

Intro / Closing Song: Back to Oz by John X

Listen/Download: