Category Archives: Retrocomputer

Timex Sinclair 1000 (AKA ZX81) TV Commercial

Posted on June 17, 2017 by Stefano

“The power is within your reach” says this 1982 TV Commercial introducing the Timex Sinclair 1000, that is Sinclair ZX81, to US computer users. Actually, the TS1000 was the US-version of the well-known ZX81, which was selling hot in Europe. … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising, Computer History, Computing history, Retrocomputer, Sinclair, TV ads, Video, Vintage computer, Youtube | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

January 1981: “ZX80 interface micro user”, a vintage computer magazine

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Stefano

For me, it all began with the Sinclair ZX80 I received as a Xmas gift (1981). I recently purchased this magazine from 1981 (January), it was one of the very few Sinclair-related magazines back then; sometimes you may find similar … Continue reading →

Posted in BASIC, Magazine, Programming, Retrocomputer, Videogames, Vintage computer, Vintage games | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What’s the story behind QWERTY keyboard layout?

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Stefano

Ever wondered why we’re using such a strange computer keyboard layout as the common QWERTY? Look at this CNN Money video to get some clue: More info on QWERTY here on Wikipedia; look here for more detailed info on QWERTY … Continue reading →

Posted in CNN, Computer, Computer History, Computing history, Design, Retrocomputer, Science, Tech industry, Technology, Video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

ZX SpecPhone: an iPhone app enabling ZX Spectrum dialing

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Stefano

A quite simple iOS app enabling phone dialing the ZX Spectrum way by spanish programmer Raul Flores. Pretty old, but it seems still working! Available for free on iTunes for all Sinclair ZX-Spectrum fans!

Posted in App world, iOS, iPhone, Retrocomputer, Sinclair, Vintage computer | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Computer chess”: a 2013 nerd movie about vintage computing – and more…

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Stefano

I recently watched a 2013-movie: Computer Chess. To my real shame, I missed it when it was released, some 3 years ago. It’s very compelling and well-made – and funny too; written and directed by Andrew Bujalski the movie it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Chess, Media, Movie, Movies, Retrocomputer, Vintage computer, Vintage games | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pixels: an (awesome) upcoming movie about vintage gaming

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Stefano

You may already have seen this video, Pixels, released in 2010 by french director Patrick Jean: it’s awesome and has been an inspiration for most vintage game lovers around the world. New York is suddendly surrounded by the best 80s … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer graphics, Digital media, Gaming, Movie, Movies, Retrocomputer, Retrogaming, Video, Videogames, Viral marketing, Viral video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A pocketful of early Internet Service Providers greeting packs from 1994.

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Stefano

Digging in my vintage-computer mess, I found this pack from Xmas 1994 – labelled Software ETC.   I barely reminded that a long-time friend, Claudio, brought me this stuff from a trip in the USA – where early Internet was … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Business Model, Digital life, Internet, Media, Online advertisement, Retrocomputer, Server, Social Media, Software, Tech bubble, Tech industry, USA, Web, Web Marketing, Windows | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Atari: ‘Game Over’ documentary due for November release about the mass burial of videogames

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Stefano

This promises to be really awesome! You may recall about the Atari videogame burial site affair… “Atari E.T. Dig- Alamogordo, New Mexico (14036097792)” by taylorhatmaker – Atari E.T. Dig: Alamogordo, New Mexico. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. … Continue reading →

Posted in Atari, Media, Movie, Movies, Retrocomputer, Retrogaming, Video, Videogames, Youtube | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Halloween? Creepy backup software ads from the past!

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Stefano

Data back-up as a nightmare? Ok, just for Halloween let’s take a look at these creepy magazine ads for a couple of (ancient) backup software back from the very early 80s: Ecosoft’s Archivist for CP/M-based computers and Locksmith 5.0 for … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising, Apple, Retrocomputer, Software, Tech industry, Vintage computer | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sinclair ZX81 plus Raspberry Pi and Arduino retrofitting project

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Stefano

Well, this project really deserves our attention! Blogger Smittytone recently published part I of his “Sinclair ZX81 reviving“ project using a Raspberry Pi and an Arduino. In a nutshell: the Raspberry Pi works as the ZX81 brains and Arduino does … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Educational, Electronics, Homebrewing, Maker, Raspberry Pi, Retrocomputer, Sinclair, Vintage computer, Vintage games | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment