Collecting random vintage computer accessories

[jhd]

 

I know that some people will collect any and all vintage computers that they find for sale. 

 

Does anyone collect accessories, e.g. keyboards, external disk drives, power supplies, expansion cards, etc. without actually owning the corresponding system?

 

I realise that vintage hardware is often sold without required accessories, so I was wondering if people acquire these various bits prior to the computer itself. 

 

 I can recall, for example, once seeing a Commodore PET disk drive at a shop, but not the computer itself. If I was a budding PET collector I could have bought the disk drive to await the day when I eventually acquired the computer. 

 

 

[Arnuphis]

I have accumulated a few items by circumstance rather than choice. For example, when I got a bunch of donated Commodore/Amiga stuff there was an Atari ST monitor in there. How it got there I have no idea. I assume someone else took the ST. So that sits on a shelf. Plus some random cables and whatnot.

I would love to see a PET disk in a shop. Been looking for one of those for a while!

[+OLD CS1]

I do not.  If I come across something in a lot of stuff, I will part out what I do not already own (like Intellivision, SNES, &c.)  I do not get systems for which I hold no nostalgia.

[zylon]

I've hoarded a couple of the old IBM clicky keyboards from Tandy systems.

[wierd_w]

I have a vintage parallel port zip100 which still works fine, but that was a 'new in box' purchase from 30 years ago. Mine has the connector for 'not really scsi' so it could live quite a few places, in theory.

 

It's slow as hell, but was useful awhile back for getting stuff on my dos gaming retro laptop.

 

Otherwise no. I dont collect. I have considered the amusing chic of rebuilding some apple or sun scsi enclosures and slapping them on a nas box, but decided that's a waste of vintage gear.

[bluejay]

I would be inclined to use the word “hoarding” when one is simply randomly buying stuff they have little use for. 

[Keatah]

I have a small assortment of Hayes modems, some graphics cards, some SoundBlasters, a couple of processors, a few LX and BX based motherboards, a few hard disks, and various odds and ends. There's also some random spare-a-parts for my working stuff. Especially my PIII and 486 and Pm. A rather motley minihoard. About 3 RubberMaid tubs' worth.

 

I could maybe probably make a couple of systems maybe. But mostly it's just fun to sit and look at it old-man style. Southern trailerpark yard ornament style. Mostly fantasizing I guess. Someday before the parts rot away I'll get the Pentium Pro system I dreamed about in the 1990's finished! By hook or by crook!

 

But actively seek out and collect and curate? Nope. Most of the stuff is leftover remnants of unrealized fantasies and dreams. Instead of throwing it away I threw it under the bed.

[Keatah]

Not long ago I actively sought Apple II parts and cataloged them and my stash is rather comprehensive. Hopefully enough to ensure easy repairs for the next 30 years, should the need ever arise.

 

Is it a collection? Maybe in the loosest terms. Is it a collection like a wall of cartridges? Not really. More like a parts repository.