A vintage-computer auction for a good cause
Just a quick heads-up--
Because of the current tough economic times, the non-profit Alameda County Computer Resource Center (ACCRC) is auctioning off its collection of vintage computers, video-game systems, calculators, and other collectible electronics to fund its other operations, which include job-training programs and refurbishing more modern PCs, which it donates to schools, other non-profits, and disadvantaged individuals.
A Processor Technology Sol-20 microcomputer system in the ACCRC auction.
(Credit: Alameda County Computer Resource Center)The ACCRC auction is being managed by the Vintage Computer Festival organization in multiple rounds. The second set of systems being auctioned is online now, with a deadline of noon (PST) on Jan. 5; more will follow. VCF proprietor Sellam Ismail says there are "hundreds" of items in the collection, so these auctions will likely continue for some time.
The star of this round is a Processor Technology Sol-20 microcomputer from the late 1970s, along with a matching 8" floppy drive. The Sol-20 is widely regarded as one of the most attractive systems from that time period, with oiled-walnut side panels and blue-enameled sheet metal. I have one of these machines myself.
Also available in this round are several Kaypro machines, a GRiDPad 1900 pen-based computer, a couple of HP calculators (a 41CV and the typewriter-sized HP-85), and several other nice items.
If you're interested in vintage electronics, keep an eye on the auction page. You may find something you want, and your bids will help out a worthy charity.
Peter N. Glaskowsky is a computer architect in Silicon Valley and a technology analyst for the Envisioneering Group. He has designed chip- and board-level products in the defense and computer industries, managed design teams, and served as editor in chief of the industry newsletter "Microprocessor Report." He is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure. 
