rarest computers. was: RE: Xerox Alto Restoration + Emulation

[Vintage Computer Festival]

On Mon, 2 Aug 2004, Dwight K. Elvey wrote:

> >From: "Vintage Computer Festival" <vcf at siconic.com>
> >
> >They have a *very* well done restoration page.  Cool project!  However, I
> >don't believe their claim to have the only original Alto left in existence
> >is accurate.
>
> Hi
>  I was just wondering. What people on this list consider their
> rarest computers in their collections. Here is my list
>
> 1. Nicolet 80    ( 20 bit mini with core. working condition. Only know
>                   of 2 others. I doubt there are more than 10 left
>                   anywhere. )
> 2. SIM-4 4004 development system  ( most likely fewer than 30 left. Running.
>                    I only know of 2 others. )
> 3. Olivetti M-20  ( Few in the US but maybe a couple hundred in Europe.
>                       Z8000 processor. Runs )
> 4. Jupiter Ace  ( Several hundred most likely exist but unusual in that
>                    it had Forth in ROM. Runs )
> 5. NC4000 Delta Board  ( Most likely only 100 around but most have no
>                  idea as to the collectable nature. These might be
>                  found in embedded system. These are unique in that they
>                  have the Forth processor on them that was designed by
>                  NOVIX and Chuck Moore. A 4 Mhz processor could run rings
>                  around a 33MHz 80386 of its time. Things like sorting
>                  1000 integers in 19.2ms )

Is there a limit to the length of the list we can post?

:)

I'd have to go through my warehouse and refresh my memory with what all I
have that I consider truly "rare" but I'm sure I've got at least a couple
dozen that fit the category.

-- 

Sellam Ismail                                        Vintage Computer Festival
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International Man of Intrigue and Danger                http://www.vintage.org

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