8-BRC: Articles of interest 12/28/08

I came across a few articles of interest to vintage computer enthusiasts who read this blog. Below you will find links to each article along with a brief note from me. I am still looking for content suggestions, for this blog so drop me a line here if you have any suggestions, or leave a comment.


micsaund.com: Retro 8 bit BASIC computer is a blast from the past
This is a pretty good article about the Retro Computer System from Multilabs. For $100.00 the system looks like a great deal. It can handle a standard VGA monitor, PS2 keyboard, Atari style joystick, and comes with a built-in BASIC interpreter and OS plus an expansion port. If your looking for a low cost and versatile system to relive the past with then give the Retro Computer System a look.

I plan to get one as soon as I get back to work, and I'd like to know what others think of it. If you happen to have one of these systems then leave a comment or shoot me an email, and check out these other articles on micsaund.com:

• Build your own classic computer
• Phidgets: Easy to use USB circuit goodies
• Develop your own 2D games, retro or otherwise
• Full custom computer case made of stained glass
• Microcontroller learning kit makes it easy

Slashdot.org: The Return of (Old) PC Graphic Adventures
This article is about the ScummVM virtual machine which according to the article "acts like an interface between the feelings and the puzzles from the good old times and the modern operating systems". I have never heard of ScummVM before, so if you are using it then here's your chance to leave a comment here on the blog. (At least this wans't another Cobol article from Shashdot :-)


techdirt.com: Old Electronics Kit Manuals Forced Offline Thanks To Copyright
Well it looks like the Grinch decided to be mean to all the Heathkit enthusiasts in Whoville this year. Heathkit sold the copyright for it's for legacy products manuals, and the new owner is requiring that those manuals taken down from web sites and only be available for purchase from them. Well I am glad I kept the manuals for all the stuff I have.


Well that's it for now. Hope everyone has a great New Year! ~ Jim Cox