The Power of Vintage
Archimedes
"ARMed with Speed": The Acorn Archimedes Legacy
Released in June 1987, the Acorn Archimedes was a groundbreaking line of educational computers developed by Acorn Computers. Manufactured until the mid-1990s, these machines were among the first to use the revolutionary 32-bit ARM RISC architecture and the RISC OS, featuring a multitasking, mouse-driven graphical user interface.
Key Features:
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32-bit ARM RISC architecture
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GUI with cooperative multitasking
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Primarily sold in the UK educational market
IBM PCs
"Setting the Standards for the IT Industry"
In August 1981, IBM introduced its first microcomputer -the IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC). This launch marked a turning point in computing history, establishing the foundation for the modern PC architecture. Featuring an open hardware design and running Microsoft’s PC-DOS, the IBM PC quickly became the benchmark for compatibility.
By 1984, IBM followed up with the significantly upgraded IBM AT, powered by Intel’s 80286 processor and featuring a new 16-bit AT bus, cementing IBM’s influence in the emerging personal computer market.
NeXT
"NeXT WorkStation.. The Savior of Macintosh"
Launched in 1988, the NeXT Computer was a groundbreaking workstation developed by NeXT Inc., the company founded by Steve Jobs after his departure from Apple. NeXT produced these machines until 1993, and in a twist of history, Apple acquired NeXT in 1996 for over $400 million, laying the foundation for macOS as we know it today.
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The original NeXT Computer debuted in October 1988 with a price tag of $6,500 (equivalent to $15,900 today)
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In 1990, the high-end NeXTcube followed, priced at $7,995 ($17,800 in 2023)
Amiga 500
"Alien Technology Near Your Neighbor"
Released in April 1987, the Amiga 500 is a legendary multimedia home computer manufactured by Commodore until 1992. The A500 offered the same CPU and chipset as the original Amiga 1000, but at a considerably lower price.
- Initially sold for $699 ($1,780 in today’s money)
- A500 was the most successful Amiga model ever sold (especially successful in Europe)
- The Amiga series of computers was used by artists all over the world
ZX Spectrum
"ZX Spectrum -The Affordable 8-Bit Revolution"
Launched in 1982 by Sinclair Research, the ZX Spectrum became the first truly affordable 8-bit home computer. Sir Clive Sinclair envisioned a computer in every home. To make this possible, early models were even offered as DIY kits. For example, the ZX80 Starter Kit was priced at just £79.95 (or £99.95 fully assembled), selling around 50,000 units.
- The real breakthrough came with the ZX81, which sold 500,000 units in its first year alone
- Later Spectrum models retained the same Zilog Z80 CPU, but added significant improvements in graphics, sound, and storage
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