So my *first* real computer was a TI-99, but I barely remember that. I
was like 10 or 11?

It was really the C64 that was the love/obsession of my (1980's) life. My father knew I has been pining for it, and I had taken a couple city (free) BASIC classes, all my friens were upgrading form the VIC-20, and dad
surprised me with it one Xmas morning. Despite the whole "well, we just
can't afford it..." shtick. I went APESHIT. I think I was 13. I spend most
of my awkward teen years with that beautiful unit, incredible piece of
hardware and industrial design.

(Watching "Halt and Catch Fire" Season 2 really brought back the feels!)

So, my father died exactly 4 weeks ago today. While he was in the
hospital, I bought a C64 on eBay, on impulse. It's now sitting on my desk right here. I realize now that grief-bought it because I knew he was
dying, and it made me feel closer to him. It meant as much to him as it
did to me,

I was in a work meeting a couple weeks ago and the "ice breaker" was to
point to something in the room that was special to us. I fucking lost it.
On Zoom, in front of my peers, direct reports and company execs. I just
bawled like a baby... Held up that tan keyboard and cried like a mad man
before I turned off the camera.

Sigh.

So my first computer. That C64. Now, THIS C64. My first(ish) and most
special computer. I love it.

What was your first computer?

|04a|12LPHA
|03Alpha Complex |15- |11alphacomplex.us:2323

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Hello aLPHA!

** On Wednesday 16.03.22 - 21:05, aLPHA wrote to All:

So my *first* real computer was a TI-99, but I barely
remember that. I was like 10 or 11?

Your message of March 16 seems to have show up here only now.

If a programmable calculator can be deemed a computer, then
does the SR-51A count? I was in my final year of highschool
when my parents doled out $450 for one of those for me.

I still have it, sans the battery pack. The battery pack had
started to leak at some point so I trew it out. Now I realize
that maybe a BP-1 battery case fitted with 3 x AA batteries
could work.

I seem to recall that some of the keys started to have contact
issues, so maybe the whole thing of bringing it back to life
just to use it for a few minutes is pointless.

But.. just holding it my hand sure brings back a lot of
memories!

It was really the C64 that was the love/obsession of my (1980's) life. My father knew I has been pining for it [..]

So, my father died exactly 4 weeks ago today. While he was in the
hospital, I bought a C64 on eBay, on impulse. [...]

Sorry to hear about your father. Artifacts have a powerful way
to trigger memories.


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