Vintage computers aren't your typical collector's item, but some of the earliest PCs from the 1970s and 80s are already starting to command big bucks in working condition. This is particularly true of models that preceded the volume production IBM PCs and Apple Macintoshes, such as MITs Altair 8800 (1975) and 680 (1976) kit computers, Apple IIs with low serial numbers (1977), early Commodore 64’s (1982) and Apple Lisas (1983).
Aside from the above, there are plenty of vintage computer names to collect, including Compaq, Kaypro, Amiga, Sinclair, Franklin, Xerox, Digital Equipment, Atari, Heathkit, Texas Instruments, and Silicon Graphics. With vintage computers, displayability is key, so make sure you get all the accessories, software, manuals and power cords you'll need to run your vintage machine.
Also, keep your eye out for vintage computer-related paper items and ephemera. Some early magazines, like the famous January 1975 Popular Electronics issue featuring the Altair 8800, can fetch over $100.
Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)
Chips Etc.

Computers are upgraded more frequently than fashion, which means there’s a lot of obsolete hardware out there for… [read review or visit site]
Computer History Museum

Collect computers? This California-based museum's website has several excellent online exhibits, including an exten… [read review or visit site]
Old-Computers.com

This gallery of over 900 vintage computers is notable for its comprehensiveness. Each model includes a text descrip… [read review or visit site]
Classic Computer Magazine Archive

If you collect early computers, you'll enjoy this site. Assembled by Kevin Savetz and a group of volunteers, with p… [read review or visit site]
IBM Archives

An extensive collection of computer-related artifacts and reference information, plus a detailed history of IBM. St… [read review or visit site]
Oldcomputers.net

Steven Stengel's showcase of old computers from the 1970's and 80's. Also includes a reference section on old compu… [read review or visit site]
Classic-Computers.org.nz

Terry Stewart's deep dive on vintage computers features an exhaustive tribute to the Dick Smith System 80, a TRS-80… [read review or visit site]
Early Office Museum

This site showcases pre-1920 office antiques, including paperweights, writing ink, paper fasteners, seal pressers, … [read review or visit site]
The Vintage Knob

The Vintage Knob is an extensive resource on all types of audio electronics organized by manufacturer, from Aiwa to… [read review or visit site]
Other Great Reference Sites
Top eBay Auctions
Recent News: Computers
Source: Google News
'Wizard of Oz' Lego re-creation has rotating tornado
CNET (blog), June 18thWe've seen plenty of crazy Lego re-creations over the years, from landmark architecture to vintage computers, but we can't help but be impressed when an entire movie is redone in bricks. That would be 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz," which a team of 12 ...Read more
Library Schedule (June 19-25)
Carroll County Times, June 18thRegister for this event today. Unleash your inner geek. Transform pieces of vintage computer technology into something stylish and functional. Don't miss this chance to create a retro pen holder and mini notebook that will make you the envy of all your...Read more
Software gallery opens at TNMOC
Milton Keynes Citizen, June 15thHe said: “This is my first visit to The National Museum of Computing and I have been astonished at the amazing displays of working vintage computers. “The Museum dramatically demonstrates the pace of change in computing since Colossus, the world's...Read more
The Spinto Band Dust Off '80s Arcade Games in 'Amy + Jen' Video
SPIN, June 14thVintage computer visuals flood newest promo clip for 'Cool Cocoon' LP. The Spinto Band have been recording together since the '90s, but the power-pop vets venture even farther back for their newest video. As seen above, the clip for "Amy + Jen" — a ...Read more
Agent Side Grinder: 'Hardware/SFTWR' – CD Review
FEARnet.com, June 13thTo think I almost overlooked a seriously dark, moody and retro-cool album for no other reason than its deceptively innocent cover art, depicting a vintage computer generating a sound wave form. The sonic predator lurking behind that quaint image is...Read more
Turn it down
City Pulse, June 12thSnesei first became inspired by this subgenre of electronic music as a teen after reading a Nintendo Power article about making music with vintage computers and video game systems. Soon after, Snesei's bio says, he acquired an old-school Gameboy and ...Read more
Apple Inc. (AAPL) News: New Patent and New iPad, £400K Vintage Computer ...
Insider Monkey (blog), May 28thApple under European investigation over iPhone, iPad sales tactics and 4G restrictions (ZDNet) The European Commission is pressing ahead with an investigation into whether Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s sales contracts with carriers are unfairly keeping ...Read more
Vintage computer sells for $668000
Columbia Daily Herald, May 25thVintage computer sells for $668,000. By The Associated Press. BERLIN — An auctioneer says one of Apple's first computers — a functioning 1976 model — has been sold for a record $668,000. German auction house Breker said Saturday an Asian client, ...Read more
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