Yes, some things I've enjoy about the hobby is.. 1. Admiring the "design" aspect of machines back in those days (all unique and all different) and experiencing them hands-on 2. Learning about the machines, their origins and purpose (from reading, watching videos and hands on) and thereby learning a lot about computer history 3, Writing about them, videoing them. 4. Talking with others about them 5. Repairing them (and thereby learning a lot about digital electronics)
It's not my only hobby though, and VC doesn't dominate my life. The nostalgic factor with me is not great. I was an adult before they were popular (or in school) so I was never in my bedroom playing games with others in my formative years. Although I did play games as an adult (some arcade but esp, text-based Adventure games), my interest in them at the time was always more as productivity tools, in particular for writing and statistical analysis. There is SOME nostalgia in the TRS-80-type culture...I can't deny that but I'm certainly not that interested in the retro-gamer scene. I've got very limited room, which means I've been very disciplined with what I've got. Eventually I hope to run a few private, temporary exhibitions, perhaps in our local museum...maybe when I retire. What will happen to them when I become old and infirm? Well, who knows. I do have a daughter and step-son who are IT specialists. They may or may not be interested. As it is, I'm still happy to pull them out, admire them, reflect on the period they represent and keep them going if I can. Terry (Tez) P.S. Chuck, please stay active in the community. Your knowledge is on disks and disk formats is legendary. Many (including me) appreciate the help you've given them.
