As you know, one of my interests are antique computer systems. I
have started a modest collection of personal computers and enjoy buying , selling and trading.
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Here's a brief history of the computers I own. Please enjoy!
We've also added a "MYSTERY COMPUTER SECTION" so please leave comments if you can tell us anything about these units!
The first Adding Machines... The Monroe calculator!
The first step to automate the counting process. Complete with subtracting and division tools!
The First Printed Checks
One of the first attempts to write checks with a machine! This is not a true computer, but it's a very good example of how we began on the road of printing from machines for accuracy!
 
The CPT Visual Memory ROTARY III
The first attempt to link the typewriter to a monitor for "editing" purposes. A simple toggle switch decided if information typed went to the screen or the printer. If sent to the screen, a toggle switch could be moved to clear the buffer and send the data to the printer! Talk about High Tech!
 
The Nutronics Keykode KA101-7 Wooden Keyboard
The arrival of the first keyboards... you really need to view these pictures full screen to see how they were made from wood and the soldering that was a bit less pretty than today's standards! But it worked, and that's all that matters! Click here for more pictures.
The EC-1 Computer by Heathkit
Heathkit EC-1, Circa 1965 (approx) One of the very first computers ever created for the educational field, thus it was titled "The Educational Electronic Analog Computer". It had no operating system or storage capabilities, but it was still way cool... "Used widely in industry and in educational institutions, the Heathkit EC-1 is capable of solving a multitude of complex mechanical and mathematical problems with swift electronic accuracy."
No keyboard or operating system, but it was powerful for it's day!
The true arrival of keyboards and modems! The Teletype Printer..
A basic typewriter with no screen! but this time we have an attached modem for communications. No memory or storage, but now you could send and receive data over the phone lines!
 
The Anderson Jabobson RS2-32
110 baud modem (Note Wood Case)
This unit was able to send and receive data and work with more than just one specfic computer! A true collectors item and the pre-cursor to the high speed modems of today.
 
The Televideo Terminal
Is this the TRUE first portable computer (terminal)?? Very compact and lightweight, you could carry this TERMINAL anywhere you could find a mainframe! Of course it also sported a modem port, but still way before operating systems, and storage devices.
IBM 5051 Computer
One of the first small business computers ever made, this computer boasts 8" diskettes for storage, but still no no hard drive! It weighs a ton but at least it has an operating system and storage capabilities! NO color screen yet..
The IBM Personal Computer (PC)
One of the first "Personal Computer Modems" by Hayes
Transmitting at a super fast rate of 300K, you could transmit pictures in only hours, not days! Today's modems of 5,600k can transmit the same pictures in seconds.
The first Microsft Mouse
It was not the first Mouse, but it is one of the most important, and one that will be around for years to come, until we see voice recognition take over!
One of the very first joysticks- Gould #105 Joystick Box
One of the very first CD Rom Drives
The Apple II Computer
The Timex Sinclaire 1000
This unit has never been opened! It still till has the original price on the original shrinkwrap paper. This unit sported a 16K Ram Upgrade Module and 3 "Cassette Based" computer programs. On of my favorites!
The Commodore Vic 20
William Shatner (from StarTrek) told you in advertisements that your children could not could not compete in school without this computer. This was a pretty basic computer, but you could program with it!
The Texas Instruments TI 994A
The personal home computer of your dreams... complete with cartridge based games for education and fun! Finally a computer you could convince mom and dad that you needed for school!
The IBM PCJR
The IBM PC JR came with a color monitor and offered floppy and cassette based programs and storage. This unit was upgradeable but was simply not upgradeable or powerful enough to win the game against the simplicity of The Apple IIC and Macintosh, or the power and capabilities of the IBM business computer. It was not a game computer or a business computer, but something inbetween with no market.
IBM Portable
Well, that's all of the pictrues we have added for now, but we plan to ad more.
Click here to visit our Antique Computers home page... with an aphabetical list of the collection.
Please enjoy this blast from the past..
Sincerely,
John E. Davin
912 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
e-mail me with comments and suggestions at:
_profi@inav.net
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