Collecting computers - the book and the web site.

Thank you for inquiring. The book is self-published. Ordering details are at the bottom of this message. I also had an arrangement with the Vintage Computer Festival for copies to be sold at the VCF 3.0 and given away as prizes. Some copies are still available; see the VCF web site. ---------------------------------------------------------- A Guide to Collecting Computers and Computer Collectibles: History, Practice, and Technique 1st Edition ---------------------------------------------------------- This book is about the hobby of collecting computers and things related to computers. It's about the hobby in general for novices who are interested starting, building and maintaining a collection. It's also for veteran collectors as an attempt to bring us and a few of our stories, experience, and advice together. This book wouldn't be complete without also paying tribute to the pioneers in the field and so it includes coverage of many wonderful private collections and related "how I got started" stories. This book is simply the best resource you'll find to help you get started and flourish as a computer collector. This book has nine chapters, plus a section on resources. By reading this book you'll discover what to collect, how to collect, and how to manage your collection, including how to clean and store computers. Each chapter opens with an Anecdote and ends with an Profile. A Profile tells you about another collector - why or how they started collecting and a description of their collection. I am humbled by their acceptance to participate in this endeavour. You'll know what I mean after you read about them. Anecdotes are mostly from my own experiences. They no doubt pale in light of your own. Each Anecdote is a brief story about the trials, tribulations and thrills of collecting. I have not tried to make this a pricing guide, although the topic of Appraising is covered, and there isn't any photographs. I have tried to make this book: * a practical reference; * an entertaining piece of popular history; * an encouragement. TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------------------------------------------------- 1. Collecting Computers ANECDOTE.........How A PDP-9 Fixed A Leaky Garage Roof Why do people collect computers? Who collects computers? History of the hobby. Future of the hobby. How to collect computers. PROFILE.............Kevin Stumpf 2. What's collectible? ANECDOTE.........The Last Sigma 9 Collecting terminology. Collect computers. Don't collect computers. What will you collect? PROFILE.............Doug Jones 3. Sourcing ANECDOTE.........Stupid Internet Thread Yields 360/75 Sources. Techniques. Where will you go? PROFILE.............Jay Jaeger 4. Appraising ANECDOTE.........B220 Control Panel Not Lost In Space Techniques. What is value? How much would you pay? PROFILE.............Thierry Schembri 5. Acquiring ANECDOTE.........The Case of the Shrinking 705 Establishing terms of ownership. Getting your acquisition home. PROFILE.............Bob Roswell 6. Cataloging ANECDOTE.........Old GUI Computer Helps Resolve Sticky Situation What should you catalog? Tell it's story. How to catalog. PROFILE.............Bill von Hagen 7. Storing ANECDOTE.........An Old Car For An Old Computer: Fair Trade? Where are good places to store computers? Storage conditions Preparing for storage. PROFILE.............Bob Manners 8. Restoring/Repairing ANECDOTE.........Here's A Couple of Computers Beyond Repair Cleaning. Authenticity. Before you turn it on... PROFILE.............Carl Friend 9. Interesting Things to do with old computers ANECDOTE.........What Does A Crane and A 360/22 Have In Common? Educational. Crafty. Practical. PROFILE.............Tom Carlson ORDERING INFO ---------------------------------------------------------------- Copies are available for $18 + $4 (S&H) prepaid each, direct Please send your order to: Unusual systems 220 Samuel Street Kitchener, Ontario N2H 1R6 For more information send a message to kstumpf(a)unusual.on.ca. Please allow 4 weeks for shipping. WE'RE READY TO TAKE YOUR ORDER. THANK YOU. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Kevin Stumpf * Unusual systems * www.unusual.on.ca +1.519.744.2900 * EST/EDT GMT - 5 Collector - Commercial Mainframes & Minicomputers from the 50s, 60s, & 70s and control panels and consoles. Author & Publisher - A Guide to Collecting Computers & Computer Collectibles * ISBN 0-9684244-0-6 .