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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 12, 2026San Diego

Vintage computer collecting community grows as enthusiasts preserve early technology

A growing community of hobbyists is actively restoring and collecting vintage computers, such as Atari, Commodore, and IBM models, to preserve the history of the digital revolution. These enthusiasts organize international festivals and swap meets to showcase restored hardware, including rare systems like the Xerox Alto.

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Why It Matters

The hobby reflects a rising interest in computer history, impacting the market value of rare vintage hardware and fostering a global network of preservation events.

Key Facts

  • The Vintage Computer Federation organizes annual festivals to showcase and preserve historical computing hardware.
  • More than 3,500 people attended the most recent Vintage Computer Festival in Mountain View.
  • Rare vintage computers, such as the Apple-1, can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
  • The Xerox Alto, developed in the 1970s, is credited with pioneering the mouse and graphical user interface.
  • The first vintage computer festival was held in 1997 with approximately 150 attendees.
  • The hobby has expanded from a niche interest to a global community with festivals in North America, South America, and Europe.

Who's Mentioned

locationComputer History Museum“Venue for the Vintage Computer Festival in Mountain View.”personSteve Wozniak“Apple co-founder.”other200“Number of vintage computers owned by Josh Dersch.”personSellam Ismail“Co-founder of the Vintage Computer Federation.”personSteve Jobs“Late Apple co-founder.”other150“Number of computer systems previously owned by Erik Klein or attendees at the fi”personJosh Dersch“Software engineer and vintage computer collector.”personErik Klein“President of the Vintage Computer Federation.”personRonald Wayne“Apple co-founder.”organizationVintage Computer Federation“Organization that hosts vintage computer festivals.”personBill Gates“Microsoft co-founder.”other3,500“Attendance at the Vintage Computer Festival.”