Category: Electronics

Mouser Electronics, Inc., a leading distributor known for its focus on New Product Introduction (NPI), has announced the winners of its 2024 Best-in-Class Awards. The annual ceremony, held on October 10 near Mouser’s headquarters in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, recognizes outstanding supplier representatives who have contributed significantly to the company’s growth and success. “This year’s…

Vintage keyboards have captured the fascination of musicians and collectors alike, embodying a unique blend of craftsmanship, nostalgia, and character that today’s digital counterparts often strive to replicate. These electro-mechanical instruments, whether they’re electric pianos, organs, or synthesizers, offer more than just sound; they provide a physical and historical connection to musical eras gone by,…

In the heart of Frisco, Texas, just outside Dallas, lies the National Videogame Museum (NVM), a haven for gaming enthusiasts, collectors, and casual visitors alike. Since its opening in April, this one-of-a-kind museum has become a must-visit destination, housing an impressive collection of rare gaming consoles, memorabilia, and artifacts that span the history of video…

Why wait for an official “Game Boy Classic” when you can restore your original handheld to its former glory—and even make it better? Inspired by nostalgic re-releases like the NES and SNES Classic Editions, many gamers are eager to dig out their original Game Boys to play on real hardware. And thanks to a vibrant…

This past weekend, the Vintage Computer Fest East offered a nostalgic and educational dive into the evolution of computing, hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Retro Computing Hobbyists (MARCH). A blend of history, technology, and hands-on demonstrations, the event showcased rare and vintage hardware from the early days of computing, attracting enthusiasts from all backgrounds. Highlights from…

As technology advances, some old gadgets, once deemed obsolete, are experiencing a resurgence in value. Vintage electronics like early game consoles, phones, and audio devices are now highly prized collectibles, fetching thousands of dollars. According to a study by Simple Ghar, some older devices can sell for more than 25 times their original retail price,…

The Book 8088 laptop, a modernized take on classic computing, often ships with a NEC V20 processor—a pin-compatible upgrade of the original Intel 8088 from 1984, offering a speed boost for retro computing enthusiasts. Its CGA display controller and EEPROM chip, equipped with a UV-blocking sticker, join other essential components that replicate the functionality of…

Xash3D, an independent open-source 3D engine, was designed for compatibility with GoldSource engine formats (like maps, models, and textures) while serving as a versatile platform for modding and game development. Built from scratch, Xash3D incorporates original ideas alongside techniques from other 3D engines, overcoming the limits of the classic GoldSource engine. It enhances capabilities for…

In a remarkable find, two of the world’s first desktop computers—nearly 50 years old—have surfaced during a routine house clearance in London, revealing a rare piece of early computing history. The Q1 desktops, originally released in 1972, were unearthed by the waste removal company Just Clear, tucked away under boxes. While initially unaware of their…

The Book 8088 is a unique retro-inspired computer, built to emulate the original IBM PC experience in a compact, $200 system. Although it’s a recent release, everything from its 1984 NEC V20 processor to its 640KB of RAM is designed to mirror the specs of the IBM PC 5150 from 1981. Running at a modest…

Refurbishing vintage Macintosh computers, like the Quadra 700, offers both nostalgia and functionality for those who enjoy the classic Mac experience. The process includes basic cleaning, expanding memory, and upgrading VRAM for better performance. By adding four 16MB SIMMs, the Quadra’s RAM reached 68MB, plenty for most applications from the 68k era, enabling even a…

A rare Apple-1 computer, one of only 200 ever made, recently sold for $400,000 at an auction by John Moran Auctioneers. Designed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and assembled by Steve Jobs in his home, this early Apple device is one of six known units encased in rare Koa wood, adding to its unique appeal.…

An original Apple-1 computer, hand-built by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak 45 years ago, sold for $400,000 at auction on Tuesday in California. This rare piece of tech history, known as the “Chaffey College” Apple-1, is one of only 200 units crafted at the start of Apple’s journey from a garage-based venture to today’s $2…

In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, gadgets are quickly replaced, with older models often relegated to storage. Yet, over time, some of these forgotten devices become valuable collector’s items. From vintage game consoles to early iPhones, certain rare editions and well-preserved pieces can now fetch impressive prices. For collectors, every community has a “holy grail”—a highly…

Upgrading an older desktop Power Mac can bring remarkable performance improvements with a bit of work and careful investment. Recently, my dad and I upgraded our Power Mac G4s, each benefiting from a boost in speed and efficiency. My dad’s model is a 450 MHz G4, known as the “AGP Graphics” version, while mine, a…

Great news for fans of video game music! Hyperdub, the renowned London-based record label, is releasing an exciting new compilation titled Diggin’ In The Carts: A Collection of Pioneering Japanese Video Game Music. This 34-track album builds on the critically acclaimed Red Bull Music Academy documentary series, which delved into the fascinating history and lasting…

Nrdvana, a new business dedicated to gamers and collectors, is gearing up to offer a fresh approach to selling video games and collectibles on consignment. Set to open on April 4, Nrdvana will be conveniently located in a retail center at 2109 W. 49th Street, just west of Western Avenue. The idea for Nrdvana came…

The Z80 microprocessor, a long-standing favorite in vintage computing and embedded systems, is facing the end of its standalone DIP-packaged form. Zilog recently announced it will discontinue the production of these standalone Z80 CPU models, posing a potential challenge for enthusiasts and repairers of classic Z80-based systems who rely on new parts to keep their…

A vast collection of vintage Apple computers is heading to auction, stirring excitement among collectors and tech aficionados. This impressive assortment spans numerous iconic Apple models, each representing a unique piece of computing history and innovation. The auction catalog has already attracted attention from the tech community. Senior Technology Reporter Andrew Cunningham, known for his…

The enduring Z80 microprocessor, a staple in vintage computing, is approaching the end of an era in its standalone DIP-packaged form. Zilog has announced that production of these standalone Z80 CPU models will soon cease, posing a potential setback for vintage computing enthusiasts and hobbyists who rely on these chips to build or repair Z80-based…