The Retro Computers that Never Existed

[jake431]

Check out this neat analog computer. I think it's a safely retro object.

Gorgeous!

-Jake

 

[ScionPI2005]

That's pretty cool looking; looks like something from an H.G. Wells novel.

 

[Fletch]

The ElectriClerk

Inspired by the movie Brazil

 

[The Wingnut]

Check out this neat analog computer. I think it's a safely retro object.

Gorgeous!

-Jake

That's some fantastic machining and fabrication, but with exception to the wood it's mounted to, most of the materials and construction are late 1960s or 1970s technology, or even entirely modern. It's one hell of an accomplishment, that's for sure.

 

[jake431]

That's some fantastic machining and fabrication, but with exception to the wood it's mounted to, most of the materials and construction are late 1960s or 1970s technology, or even entirely modern. It's one hell of an accomplishment, that's for sure.

It doesn't look very dissimilar from a Norden bombsight - which is a 1930's invention.

-Jake

 

[The Wingnut]

I'd respectfully disagree...the level of miniaturization and detail goes beyond the precision of a Norden, especially with all of the components being machined, including the enclosure(which is anodized orange, a look common to test equipment in the '60s and '70s)...a Norden's enclosure is entirely cast and painted, and the adjustment controls are nowhere near as precise.

 

[donCarlos]

And what about this? It is a bit offtopic, because it actually exists, but still... I think that this design may be succesfull here

 

[alexandra]

I'm trying to convince my friend to help me build a computer inside a typewriter because he's a brain. It will take a lot of work and customisation though...but I say it can be our summer project!

 

[A.R. McVintage]

As seen in the movie Brazil

That's not from Brazil. But it is inspired by it.

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Here's Winston Smith's "1984" workstation from the novel/movie "Nineteen Eighty-Four". Kinda looks like my desk at work, if the truth be known! (minus the flaming paper shredder!)

-dixon cannon

 

[Lulu-in-Ny]

And what about this? It is a bit offtopic, because it actually exists, but still... I think that this design may be succesfull here

Love this. If I knew someone who could do it, I'd have mine altered just like it. I am in love with this whole Steampunk movement...

 

[Fletch]

That's not from Brazil. But it is inspired by it.

Ah yes. My apologies.

Andrew Leman's ElectriClerk, a 1988 Macintosh hooked up with a 1923 Underwood.

That's the last time I trust the text under a Google Images result. All it has to be is on the same page with the pic!

 

[The Wolf]

My home computer was an ENIAC ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eniac ) but I got rid of because it took up too much space.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

 

[Fletch]

That 1984 rig reminds me of the early 30s Echophone (45 line scanner set ).

Isn't that a beautiful design? I want a TV that looks like that. But I'd want a better picture than this.

 

[Bourbon Guy]

Steam punk

Still processing the steam punk style. Initial impression is that it's different and cool; still, there is something about it that sticks in the back of the throat. It's not retro. It's not vintage. Something imitation and false about it. The old Underwood or Remington has the tactile feel and sound that a modified and tarted-up IBM model M keyboard can never duplicate, and an Underwood wired as a keyboard to send electronic signals to your computer strikes me as a Frankenstein monster. If one is going to install an old-fashioned typewriter font in Word, and wire up an old typewriter as a keyboard, there is a much easier way to get there: use an old typewriter on some good bond. Then I look at the latest steam punk contraption and think "wish I had thought of that." Still waiting to see what the mouse will look like. Probably a pack of Lucky's. And despite our ruminations on engraved calling cards, Bogey's ring, and shawl-collared double-breasted dinner jackets, we can't correspond here on the old Underwood. Like I said, still processing.

Perhaps we could send typed notes to MD and he could scan them in.