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

Expedited Vote for the February 2025 + Post Topic

0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Computers Advertising History Innovation Product Reviews
  1. The post mentions that there will be a poll for the next topic, and it's only open for three days. Make sure to participate quickly if you have a topic in mind.
  2. There is a reminder about an upcoming post on the Speedcal Laser Color Computer that should be delivered soon. It's important to stay engaged with future content.
  3. A free trial is offered for new subscribers, allowing access to the full post archives for a week. It's a good way to explore the content before committing.

A Quick Note and Some Comics

0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
😂 Humor Comics Entertainment Satire Pop culture Media
  1. Life can sometimes get overwhelming, making it hard to keep up with tasks and responsibilities. It's okay to take a break and catch up when you can.
  2. The past has lots of fun and interesting things to look back on, like comics and ads from magazines. They can be entertaining and a great way to find joy.
  3. Engaging with others about what you'd like to see in the future can spark new ideas and conversations. Sharing thoughts and feedback is always valuable.

Oberon International's Omni-Reader

0 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers History Engineering
  1. The Omni-Reader is a tool designed to make data entry easier by using optical character recognition (OCR) technology. It helps users scan printed text and input it into their computers without having to type everything manually.
  2. Despite its potential, the Omni-Reader has limitations. It can struggle with different types of text quality and formatting, making it less reliable for certain tasks.
  3. Oberon International, the company behind the Omni-Reader, aimed to provide a low-cost solution for OCR, but it had issues that made it more suitable for occasional use rather than frequent office work.

Time to Vote for the December 2024 + Post Topic

0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers Software Advertising History Design
  1. There are options to vote on for the December 2024 post topics, including a laptop and a word processor. You can choose what you'd like to read about next.
  2. The author missed writing a post about Smalltalk/V last month and plans to catch up soon. Life has been busy, but they're committed to providing content.
  3. Readers are encouraged to consider signing up for a paid subscription to access more detailed posts and posts from the archives. It's a good chance to explore past computer ads and topics.

Plus Post: Radio Shack Tandy 600

0 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Computing Gadgets History Innovation Electronics
  1. The Radio Shack Tandy 600 was an important step in making computers portable and powerful. It showed how technology could fit into people's lives more easily.
  2. Radio Shack has a rich history in the computer market, evolving with the technology over the years. Their products have influenced how we use computers today.
  3. This post provides a glimpse into vintage computer ads, highlighting how marketing reflected the excitement around new tech back in the day. It's fun to see how far we've come!
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American Heart Association

0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Mental health Public Health Lifestyle Wellness
  1. The American Heart Association was created in 1924 to help people learn how to better take care of their hearts. They focus on funding medical research and spreading awareness about heart health.
  2. Working in front of a computer all day can impact our health, which is why it's important to take care of ourselves, especially during the holiday season.
  3. Eating healthy foods like Brussels sprouts can be enjoyable when cooked well. It’s a good idea to focus on our physical and mental health during the holidays.

Vote for the November 2024 + Post Topic

0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Public Opinion Political Campaigns Political engagement
  1. The audience can vote for the topic of the next post, giving them a chance to influence the content. It's a fun way to engage readers and make them feel involved.
  2. Options for the next post include a programming language, a multimedia program, or a printer. Each choice likely highlights interesting history or facts about these topics.
  3. The post encourages readers to consider subscribing for more in-depth content and access to past posts. This helps support the creation of more informative articles.

Cards! Cards! Cards

0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Advertising Marketing Digital Media Consumer Tech History
  1. Cards can be a fun collectible, and having one or two can add to the excitement. It's nice to have unique cards that stand out.
  2. Computer ads from the past remind us of how marketing has changed over time. It’s interesting to see how design and messages have evolved.
  3. Subscribing to services can offer free trials, helping people decide if they want to continue. It's a nice way to test things out before making a commitment.