29 Jan
2008
29 Jan
'08
11:36 a.m.
This thread illustrates the wide range of interests (and opinions) on
this list, which is one of the reasons the list is a valuable resource.
I find it interesting that the general consensus is that no one collects
printers. IMHO a vintage computer collection is not complete without
peripherals for I/O. How can the usefulness (or even the limitations) of
a vintage computer be demonstrated without a printer? (ignoring game
While I would agree there are applications for which a printer is
essential, there are equally things you can do with a (classic) computer
that do not need hard copy output.
machines here) Nevertheless, the most collected
printers are the ones
tied to collectible vintage machines with odd interfaces, such as HPIL
or HPIB. Many manufacturers, such as Commodore and Apple, made printers
Well, if I want to print from one of my old HP machines I'd better have
an HPIB printer (convincing soem of them to sue a different interface is
an 'entertainmant'. If I want to print out a program listing from my
9830, I'd better make sure the 9866 is working properly, and so on.
Whereas my TRS-80s can print on just about any Centronics-interfaced
printer.
for their machines. An early Mac needs an AppleWriter
next to it. How
can you have a DEC collection without a DEC printer running over
DECconnect or (better) DECNET?
Err, what's wrong with a dedciated printer with it's own Omnibus, Unius
(or even Qus) card?
-tony