Computer Ads from the Past

This Substack delves into the rich history of computer technology and advertising, showcasing the evolution of software, hardware, and the computing industry through analysis of vintage ads, interviews, and retrospectives on significant figures and milestones. It explores various platforms, the impact of pioneering companies, and cultural shifts within tech.

Vintage Computing Software Development Hardware Innovations Technology Industry History Computing Culture Technology Advertising Operating Systems Programming Languages Personal Computing

The hottest Substack posts of Computer Ads from the Past

And their main takeaways

Comics from 1984/04 Creative Computing Mag

384 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💥 Comics Humor Nostalgia Creative Expression
  1. There are comics from an April 1984 issue of Creative Computing magazine that are quite nostalgic. They remind us of how far technology and advertising have come since then.
  2. The creator is busy but promises to release an ad and an interview soon, showing their dedication to the content.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on what future computer ads they would like to see, making it interactive and engaging.

Commodore Magazine Interviews Epyx (1989)

256 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Video Games Software Development Computer History Game design Consumer Electronics
  1. Epyx started as a small game company and became successful by creating original titles and working closely as a team. They really focused on innovative ideas and stayed dedicated to their projects.
  2. The company faced challenges in licensing properties, like trying to secure the Olympic name, but they adapted by creating unique games that avoided conflicts with big players in the industry.
  3. Their games often combined fun gameplay with good graphics and sound, and they focused on making games that were enjoyable for everyone, not just hardcore players.

Discwasher SpikeMaster

128 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets History Hardware Electronics Computing
  1. The Discwasher SpikeMaster was designed to protect computers from electrical surges. It featured multiple outlets and surge protection to keep devices safe.
  2. Discwasher was a well-known company for computer and audio accessories, but it dissolved in 1983. Despite this, its products continued to be mentioned in various publications years later.
  3. The SpikeMaster was marketed for its ability to filter interference and manage power safely. It made it easier for users to power multiple devices without the worry of damaging surges.

NCR PC4i

640 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers History Ads Reviews Hardware
  1. NCR started as a cash register company and later moved into computing technology after World War II. They became known for their robust computers like the PT4 and PC4i, which were designed to compete with IBM.
  2. The NCR PC4i was praised for its durability and good build quality, making it suitable for heavy computer use. It was not portable, weighing 50 pounds, but offered performance and exceptional compatibility with existing software.
  3. NCR provided excellent customer support for their computers and included user-friendly software with detailed documentation, making their machines accessible for users.

Palantir Word Processing

128 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software History Advertising
  1. Palantir Word Processing was originally named 'Phoenix' but changed due to confusion with other products. The name 'Palantir' comes from a magical seeing stone in 'The Lord of the Rings.'
  2. The software was designed to be user-friendly, with features for beginners and advanced users. It aimed to make word processing easier and less intimidating for non-technical people.
  3. Despite some initial technical issues, once corrected, Palantir was praised for its ease of use and included features like mail-merge and excellent documentation.
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Expedited Vote for the January 2025 + Post Topic

128 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Computing Marketing Advertising History Media
  1. The poll for January 2025 is only open for three days, so make sure to participate quickly. It's important for your voice to be heard in the decision-making.
  2. The author is facing some personal challenges that have delayed their updates. It's a reminder that everyone can go through tough times and it’s okay to share that.
  3. If you're interested in reading more about computer ads from the past, consider signing up for a paid subscription. It's a way to support the content and explore more history.

Creative Computing Magazine Interviews Clive Sinclair (1980)

640 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers Electronics History Interviews
  1. Clive Sinclair started his electronics career in 1962 and created several groundbreaking products, including the first mass pocket calculator and the ZX-80 computer.
  2. The ZX-80 was designed to help people learn about computers at a low cost, and it was expandable with additional features like a more professional version of Basic programming.
  3. Sinclair's company aimed to lead in technology with innovations like flat screen TVs and portable systems, focusing on making their products reliable and affordable.

The Grand Stand

512 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Devices History Advertising Innovation
  1. The Grand Stand is a joystick floor stand designed to improve comfort and control while gaming. It helps reduce wrist and elbow fatigue.
  2. It's made of solid wood with a nice finish and was available in two models with different prices. The stand elevates the joystick for better access.
  3. Computer gaming magazines in the early 80s featured this product, noting its benefits for improved gameplay and reduced discomfort.

Ergotron's MacTilt

384 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Product Design Innovation History
  1. Ergotron is known for creating ergonomic solutions. They design products to help people work comfortably and reduce strain.
  2. The MacTilt stand helps improve computer use by adjusting the screen for better view and reducing glare. This leads to less fatigue and more comfort during prolonged computer work.
  3. The company's focus on ergonomics has been backed by studies showing that a well-designed workstation can boost productivity. Users of products like MacTilt have reported feeling more energized and productive.

Maxell's MF 2-DD Floppies

256 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers Electronics History Innovation Advertising
  1. Maxell started in 1960 as a battery company and later became well-known for making storage devices like audio cassette tapes.
  2. The MF 2-DD floppies from Maxell were a product in their lineup, showcasing the evolution of computer storage over the years.
  3. Maxell has a rich history of innovation, being the first to produce certain types of batteries and tapes in Japan.

Dipco's Easy Reader

256 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Computers Advertising History Design Consumer Electronics
  1. Dipco's Easy Reader was a product that seems to have little information available about it. It was likely a simple device meant to help users with their old computers.
  2. The price of $34 (in 2024 money) feels expensive for what appears to be just a lens and a bracket. It's unclear if it was worth the cost.
  3. No significant history or reviews are known about Dipco, suggesting it may have been a small operation that didn’t gain much traction.

Comics from 1985/12 Australian Personal Computer Mag

128 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
💥 Comics Humor Art Entertainment Media Culture
  1. The post shares funny comics from an old Australian magazine about personal computers. It's a throwback to the humor of the tech community in the 1980s.
  2. It encourages readers to think about what computer ads they would like to see in the future. This invites creativity and engagement from the audience.
  3. The content highlights how technology and advertising have evolved over the years. It's interesting to look at how things were marketed back then compared to now.

Black Friday - Happy Birthday sale

128 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
💼 Business Sales Marketing E-commerce Subscriptions Retail
  1. There is a special sale going on for Black Friday and a birthday celebration, offering 38% off subscriptions until December 8th. It's a fun way to mark the occasion and give people a discount.
  2. Readers can also support through one-time donations on various platforms like Ko-Fi or Patreon. There are flexible options for those who want to contribute.
  3. Gift subscriptions are available, making it an ideal present for anyone interested in computer ads or a fun way to share unique content. It's a thoughtful holiday gift for a nerdy friend.

MacWorld Interviews Apple CEO John Sculley (1987)

128 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Business strategy Information Technology Product Development
  1. Apple's strategy is about creating new markets, not just competing for existing ones. They want to stand out by innovating and providing new technologies.
  2. The future of personal computing is focused on making knowledge more accessible to everyone. Apple's vision includes tools that help people learn and be more creative.
  3. The transition to powerful personal computers will change how we interact with information. Future devices will be more user-friendly and tailored to individual needs.

ViaGrafix Computer Training Videos

128 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Video Training History Advertising
  1. ViaGrafix started in 1990 and grew quickly, offering fun work environments like basketball courts and day care for employees' kids.
  2. They were known for their computer training videos and had over 650 different courses, helping people learn software easily.
  3. In the 90s, their tutorials were popular and endorsed by Microsoft, making learning more convenient than using regular manuals.

Comics from 1983/08 Today Mag

512 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Comics
  1. The post shares comics from the August 1983 issue of Today magazine, providing a glimpse into humor from the past.
  2. Readers are encouraged to suggest what computer ads they'd like to see in the future and to share the post with friends and relatives if they enjoyed it.
  3. The publication, 'Computer Ads from the Past,' offers readers the opportunity to subscribe and support future content.

Are You a Windows or Apple User?

768 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
😂 Humor Comics
  1. The post discusses whether you are a Windows or an Apple user.
  2. It includes a chart from MacAddict for comparison.
  3. The post shares a humorous image from a 1996 issue of MacAddict magazine.

Apple IIe and IIc Design Manager Peter Quinn Interviewed by BYTE's Gregg Williams

384 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🕹 Technology History Design Interview Development Compatibility
  1. Peter Quinn was involved in the design of Apple IIe from the beginning, starting with a plan to enhance the keyboard and provide 80 columns, which led to the idea of expanding the memory to 128K.
  2. The development of Apple IIc was intertwined with the IIe project. The decision to create a more focused product led to the IIc design, which included built-in peripherals like a mouse port and two serial ports.
  3. Design challenges for the compact Apple IIc included managing heat and radiation effectively, with unique solutions like intricate venting schemes and careful layout of components to meet corporate specifications.

Suture Software's Bludgeons 'n' Braggarts

384 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Vintage Advertising
  1. The post shares a parody ad from the past, highlighting the humor in mistaking it for a real ad at first glance.
  2. It mentions the addition of a direct messaging feature on Substack, encouraging readers to engage by suggesting products for coverage.
  3. The content focuses on 'Suture Software's Bludgeons 'n' Braggarts,' offering a playful look at computer ads from the past.

Salamander Software's Franklin's Tomb

384 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software Video Games
  1. Salamander Software was a collective run by friends from Sussex University, known for their Dragon charbusters like Night Flight and Franklin's Tomb.
  2. Their game Franklin's Tomb, part of the Dan Diamond trilogy, was a text adventure involving mummies, mazes, and a white rabbit. It had a split screen, save game feature, and clues for upcoming adventures.
  3. Reviewers praised Franklin's Tomb for its quality, engaging gameplay, and the need for exploration and puzzle-solving. The game utilized the full memory of the computers it was available on.

Comic - Know Your Audience

640 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
💥 Comics
  1. Not every idea is a winner
  2. Know your audience when sharing content
  3. Consider the relevance of past content to present audience

VenturCom's VENIX

384 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers Operating Systems Software Development Tech History
  1. VenturCom was founded in 1980 and worked on various projects including Venix, Windows NT, and Windows CE. They later changed their name to Ardence, which was acquired by Citrix Systems before becoming IntervalZero.
  2. Venix was one of the first UNIX systems for IBM PCs, based on Version 7 Unix with enhancements. It had different versions released over the years and received feedback on pricing, performance, and features compared to other similar systems like Xenix.
  3. Reviews from publications like PC Magazine and Dr. Dobb's Journal praised Venix's compatibility with System V Unix, while also highlighting areas for improvement like bugs, DOS interface, and third-party software support.

PROCOMM PLUS for Windows

1024 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🕹 Technology Software Communications Internet Review History
  1. PROCOMM PLUS was a popular dial-up communications and terminal emulation software in the pre-World Wide Web era.
  2. Datastorm Technologies, Inc founded by Bruce Barkelew and Thomas Smith created PROCOMM PLUS.
  3. PROCOMM PLUS was known for its ease of use, compatibility with older systems, and reliable features according to reviews.

Huson Soft HuCAL

384 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Software Gaming History Translation
  1. Hudson Soft was a Japanese company that started as an electronics store and later moved into game development.
  2. Hudson Soft created popular games like Bomberman, Adventure Island, and Bonk for various gaming systems.
  3. HuCAL, a product by Hudson Soft, was initially thought to be a word processor but was actually a spreadsheet used on Sega systems.

Tano Dragon

640 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Computers History Reviews Operating System Bankruptcy
  1. Dragon Data Ltd was a Welsh company that released the Dragon 32 and Dragon 64 computers in the early 1980s.
  2. The Dragon 32 was known for using the Motorola MC6809E processor and included an extended version of Microsoft BASIC.
  3. Despite initial success, Dragon Data faced financial challenges, underwent ownership changes, and eventually filed for bankruptcy.

Gravis MouseStick

384 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Computers
  1. The post is about the Gravis MouseStick from February 1990.
  2. The writer limited voting to two options and got a winner.
  3. Readers can access the post with a 7-day free trial.

Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computers

384 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Computers History Podcasts Archives
  1. Radio Shack, founded in 1921, played a significant role in the early days of personal computers.
  2. The Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer, released in the late 1970s, was praised for its features and capabilities at an affordable price.
  3. Despite initial success, Radio Shack eventually faced decline, with the company filing for bankruptcy in 2015.

THINK's Lightspeed C

512 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Computers Programming Software Tech Companies Computer History
  1. Lightspeed C was a C programming language software developed in the mid-1980s for Atari systems and Macintosh computers.
  2. Clearstar Softechnologies created Lightspeed C for Atari systems in 1985, and the company was later purchased by Omega Soft in 1988.
  3. THINK Technologies released Lightspeed C for Mac and later renamed it to THINK C in the mid-1980s, receiving positive reviews for its speed and user-friendliness.

Orange Micro's OrangePC

256 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Computers Emulation Performance
  1. Orange Micro's OrangePC was a hardware solution for Mac users to run DOS and Windows applications.
  2. OrangePC provided a Wintel-compatible computer with features like Pentium processors, sound emulation, and VGA support.
  3. Compared to software emulators like SoftPC, OrangePC offered faster performance and better integration between Mac and PC applications.

Follow me on Mastodon

384 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🕹 Technology Open Source Social media
  1. The post is promoting following the author on Mastodon for open-source enthusiasts.
  2. The author has shared a link to their Mastodon profile for interested followers.
  3. The author mentions that some readers prefer using Mastodon over other platforms.

Plus Post: Lobo MAX-80

0 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Computers History
  1. Lobo Drives International, founded by Roger Billings in 1981, later changed the name to Lobo Systems before being dissolved in 1985.
  2. Venture Investments bought a controlling interest in Lobo in 1983 as per records, indicating a shift in ownership within a few years.
  3. The mentioned company, Lobo, was a significant entity in the computer industry, existing for a relatively short period from 1981 to 1985.

Vote for the Topic of the March 2024 Plus Post

0 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. The post is asking for votes on the topic to be covered in the March 2024 Plus Post.
  2. The choices for this month's topic are ads from the June 1990 and May 1993 issues of Byte magazine.
  3. Paid subscribers have the opportunity to vote for their preferred ad, with a 7-day free trial also available for those interested.