RCR Episode 284: Hammer time

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: