Vintage Computers, Parts & Accessories

When Was The First Computer Invented?

The first electronic computer made its debut in 1941. It was called "ENIAC," an acronym for "Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer." It was not a mass-market device; the United States government primarily used it for military research. Until the invention of the personal computer, computers were very large and mostly performed academic and government functions. An Italian company called Olivetti introduced the first personal computer, the Programma 101, at the New York World's Fair in 1964. PCs remained expensive throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, so they were not commonplace outside universities and research institutes. The first mass-market computer, the Commodore PET, hit the market in 1977. Throughout the 1980s, computers became more affordable, which helped them spread into the mass market. 

Do Old Computers Work?

Vintage computer models can still work if they are in good condition. However, computers in poor condition may not function. Enthusiasts can sometimes replace parts to get the machine working again, but repair options depend on the extent of the damage. Older computers do not often have the capacity to perform modern functions such as email or surf the Internet, but machines in good working order can usually perform the functions they were programmed and designed to do.

Are Vintage Computers Worth Money?

Although many older computer models are not worth anything in terms of money, some models are collector's items. Early computers are rare, which increases their value. Models such as the Apple I, Apple II, Commodore 64, original IBM PC, Apple Lisa, and the Commodore PET 2001 can often fetch prices ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.