Will’s Tech Korner - A blast from the past

 

Some of you may remember the Commodore 64 and Typewriter.  These were both old types of technology, ranging from 1870 to 1982.  From those of you old enough to remember using these pieces of technology, do you wish you could use them again?  If you do or are just interested in experiencing technology history, then you’re in luck.

 

The Commodore 64 was originally introduced in January 1982.  It had 64kb of RAM.  To put that into perspective, today’s computers come standard with about 2GB of RAM, or 2,097,152KB.  Commodore USA has recently resumed production on the Commodore - with a new twist. The new C=64 has all the features of today’s computers, including an HDMI port for HD video and a Bluray player.  It can run Windows 7 and comes preloaded with Commodore OS 1.0 for the ultimate commodore experience.  The new Commodore can be purchased from commodoreusa.net for between $250 and $895.  For more information, visit commodoreusa.net.

The typewriter was invented in 1870.  It was the main form of typing up until the 1970s.  The typewriter went through a few major changes, including the shift from mechanical to electromechanical.  The most recent shift brought the typewriter into the digital age.  This change was the introduction of the USB Typewriter.  The USB Typewriter allows a person to type on a typewriter as they normally would, but as they type, the text shows up on a computer as well as paper.  The USB Typewriter acts as a normal keyboard, plus a carriage return.  Don’t get too excited though, a USB Typewriter will run you $700 to $800.  You can, however, buy a do-it-yourself kit for $75 if you have an old typewriter in the closet.  You’ll need electrical and soldering skills, so the DIY kit isn’t for novices.  For more information, visit www.usbtypewriter.com.

Even though technology is moving forward at a fast pace, we still go back to old technology.  If you want to experience the past again or for the first time, and have some extra money laying around, you might consider a Commodore 64 or USB Typewriter.