8 Jun
2006
8 Jun
'06
7:30 p.m.
ClassicCMP Computer Picture Archive
A database of classic computer pictures, organized by vendor by machine,
searchable. Must allow a mechanism to show a credit if picture came from
elsewhere, separate from showing what user uploaded it. Not just cpu
pictures, but peripherals (disks, tapes, etc.). Primarily meant to be a
archive for identification, not an extensive multipicture set of each
system. Same capabilities/structure as the above, users can submit photos
pending moderator approval, photo rating, etc.
Hmmm... As a general point here, I'm a little fed up with classic
computer websites that show a front view of the machine and little more.
OK, perhaps I use the web a little differently to most people, but when I
do a search on some classic computer, I normally know what it looks like,
I've got one in front of me :-). Pictures of the insides would be a lot
more use.
I rmemeber once, severals years back, trying to find a picture of the
keyboard of the HP9815 [1]. I'd foolishly unscrewed the PCB withut noting
where all the keycaps went, not realising they fell out if you did this.
So I needed to know where to put them back. Finding a picture of
sufficient resoultion to read the legends on the keys was non-trivial
(this was before there were sites with scanned manuals for said machine).
Anyway, the beauty of a classic computer is in the PCBs, not the case :-)
[1] A 4-level stack programmable desktop calculator. It's got a 6800
inside, it's over 30 eyars old. I guess it's a classic computer :-)
ClassicCMP Computer Books Database
A database of book titles that are of interest to collectors. This could be
books on collecting, or books on repair, electronics, or anything germane to
Also old books on computing (that were current when they were published).
Things like 'Automatic Digital Computers' (M V WIlkes) 'We built our own
computers' (the exploits of some schoolboys making relay logic machines),
etc.
the hobby. Include the full text of Kevin Stumpf's
collecting guide (already
have Kevin's approval). Users submit titles, rate books, perhaps contribute
a short review, etc.
ClassicCMP things to see in real life
Just let people add places to a list, sort by state (museums, places to buy
Don't assume everyone, or everything, is in the States :-). Make it
possible to include stuff in other countries too.
-tony