Book Review: A Guide To Collecting Computers ...

I picked up a ton of stuff at VCF, so I ended up with quite a toy backlog -- I still haven't had a chance to play with all my new toys. One of the things I picked up was a book by Kevin Stumpf, a sometime contributor to this list and long-time collector. I just finished reading it. One toy down! As far as I know, this book is unique -- the only book that talks about the art of computer collecting. It could have been titled "Best of ClassicCmp" -- the FAQ that should have been. Chapters cover where to find stuff, how to appraise your collection, logistics of taking possession, cataloging, storage, restoring, and useful things to do with old machines. Each chapter includes a story from Kevin's own experience, some generally useful advice, and a profile of a geek^H^H^H^H^H collector that you might even know personally (he didn't profile me :-(). There's a lot of good stuff in here, things you'd only come up with on your own after screwing up a few times first. Like shipping. I just got a computer today that was nicely packed except for one minor detail: the shipper didn't put a plastic bag around the computer, so I spent 10 minutes picking peanuts out of it. Kevin recommends double-boxing with a shock absorbing layer around the inner box (which also keeps peanuts out of the computer). Kevin is one of those Extreme Collectors that I hope I never become like :-) You know, the type that needs to rent a semi to haul an old mainframe back to his garage. The anecdotes alone make the book worth getting, but the tips make it a useful reference as well. My only complaint is that the advice is too general in spots, but at 150+ pages, it's still an ambitious effort. Wait, that's not my only complaint. It needs more pictures. (Haddock's book is great for microcomputer pictures, BTW.) Buy the book! I wish more collectors would start offering services that target other collectors (like Jim W's IMSAI parts supply). Who will be first to offer an old computer manual reprint service? (Similar services seem to be popular in the ham radio community.) If you can't wait until the next VCF, I think Kevin sells copies directly: kstumpf(a)unusual.on.ca +1 519 744-2900 -- Doug