Josh Dersch, a software engineer from Seattle, dedicates significant time to restoring vintage computers in his garage. His collection, exceeding 200 devices, reflects his enthusiasm for understanding technology’s roots. Dersch states, “It’s always been fascinating to see the origins of things. It’s a fun challenge to debug and repair. You can understand the entire system from top to bottom.”
Dersch belongs to a growing network of collectors preserving classic machines that sparked the digital revolution. While modern tech focuses on advancements like artificial intelligence, these enthusiasts treasure Atari, Commodore, and IBM models that predate today’s laptops and smartphones. Where some see old tech as outdated, collectors recognize historical value and appreciate the nostalgic sounds and simplicity of early digital games.
Erik Klein, president of the Vintage Computer Federation, observes increasing enthusiasm for vintage computers. This group organizes yearly events, such as the Vintage Computer Festival at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. In early August, this event drew over 3,500 attendees, marking Apple’s 50th anniversary with input from founders Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne.
Numerous gatherings now occur internationally, drawing attention to online marketplaces where rare machines, like the Apple-1, fetch high prices. Collectors showcase restorations of classic systems, allowing enthusiasts to experience computing prior to the internet era.
Dersch proudly displayed his Xerox Alto at the festival, a notable computer from the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center developed in the 1970s. Recognized as a precursor to modern computers, the Alto introduced the use of a mouse and graphical interfaces. Dersch’s exhibit included the Alto’s vintage components, such as its vertical monitor and sizable disks for data storage.
Sharing his work at these events is rewarding for Dersch, who also enjoys exploring and acquiring more vintage technology. Erik Klein, once an avid collector, shifted his focus to promoting these machines through organized events. Managing 150 systems turned his hobby into a burden at home, leading him to downsize his collection significantly.
Klein now champions the preservation and appreciation of vintage technology. He organizes repair workshops, swap meets, and festivals as part of the Vintage Computer Federation. The collector community continues expanding, supported by enthusiasts like Sellam Ismail, a pioneer in organizing vintage computer events since 1997. The federation now operates worldwide, showing remarkable growth as the community matures.