A Look Back

Apple’s PowerBook Duo 230 Delivered True Portability with a Clever Twist

By Jackson Chung March 10, 2026

Apple released the PowerBook Duo 230 in October 1992 at a hefty $2,610 ($6,050 today), and what a powerhouse it was. This small laptop, weighing only 4.2 pounds and measuring 1.4 inches by 10.9 by 8.5 inches, fits neatly into a briefcase or bag, eliminating the bulk that made other portables of the time difficult to transport. The reason for its slim appearance is that the internal floppy drive had just been removed totally, and engineers went to town on reducing weight wherever possible, a move that reflected what they had done previously with the PowerBook 100, but on a whole new level.

Fascinating Look Back at the Compaq Presario 4402 from 1996, a Time When Compaq Put the Computer Inside the Monitor

By Jackson Chung March 9, 2026

In 1996, families looking for a home computer had the same old problem: a cluttered desk with different boxes, cables strung out everywhere, and setting it all up felt like launching a small rocket. Compaq responded with the Presario 4402, a stylish (for the time) all-in-one system that combined all of the necessary components into a single, large package.

Quarters for a Moment Inside the Short and Strange Life of the Vend-O-Vision

By Bill Smith March 1, 2026

In the late 1980s, a little monochrome television appeared in certain public spaces, and for a few quarters, you could see some programming on it. Known as the Vend-O-Vision, this small device transformed idle waiting into something you might pay to see.

How Bell Labs Stored Binary Information on Memory Devices Back in 1959

By Jackson Chung February 22, 2026

This 1959 Bell Labs film provides a glimpse into a world where computers were little more than a collection of clever mechanical and magnetic tricks for storing anything in memory. It’s the story of engineers seeking to develop a solution to store binary data that was fast, reliable, and non-volatile, and could be accessed at any time without having to wait for a drum to spin or a tape to scan. One segment stands out for its innovative solution: the Twistor memory.

BBC’s Tomorrow’s World Segment from 2000 Shows When Mobile Phones Promised to Become Everything

By Jackson Chung February 15, 2026

Mobile phones had long been an integral part of our daily lives when April 2000 arrived. People took them everywhere because they were a must-have for younger users. Reporter Lindsey Fallow looked closely at how these phones were on the verge of becoming something major, such as having continual access to email and the internet right in the palm of your hand.

Why the IBM MWave Sound Card Could be One of the Most Disappointing Pieces of Hardware from the 1990s

By Jackson Chung February 10, 2026

The IBM MWave sound card is still talked about in retro computing circles today, though not in a good way. It’s remarkable how many people can’t stop thinking about how disappointing it was. Launched around 1992 and utilized in IBM’s Aptiva desktops and ThinkPads, the MWave was designed to be a nifty little combo of sound playback and dial-up modem on a single chip. The idea promised convenience and cost savings during an era when sound cards carried prices similar to today’s graphics cards, but reality delivered something far different.

Microsoft Cordless Phone System from 1998 was Designed to Blend Everyday Calls With The Growing Capabilities Of Home Computers

By Jackson Chung February 5, 2026

The Microsoft Cordless Phone System debuted quietly in late 1998, marking the company’s first move into hardware. It plugged directly into a Windows PC, aiming to combine ordinary calls with the power of home computers. This product was launched on October 6th, and by November, it was available in stores for an anticipated price of $199.95 ($395 today).

Fascinating Look Back at Intel’s Prototype Windows XP-Based Tablet UMPC from 2006

By Jackson Chung January 26, 2026

This Intel prototype from 2006 is an early engineering sample for the Ultra-Mobile PC category. Believe it or not, the device was found at a flea market for $20. This unique piece bears markings indicating that it is Intel proprietary property and is not for sale or leasing. It serves as a software development platform designed to assist developers in building programs for the forthcoming UMPC standard.

Fascinating Look Back at Sony’s Trinitron KV-3000R, the Company’s Most Luxurious Trinitron TV Ever

By Jackson Chung January 20, 2026

Sony released the Trinitron KV-3000R television in 1981, which redefined luxury. This console was the peak of their lineup, combining modern picture technology with a truly high-end living room cabinet. It cost a hefty $10,000, including delivery, which is now comparable to a startling $35,000, but was an ultimate luxury in a suffering economy.

Why the Apple eMac Stands as One of the Company’s Most Overlooked All-in-One Computers

By Jackson Chung January 17, 2026

The eMac is one of Apple’s most overlooked, yet durable, all-in-one desktops. It was designed for classroom use but was briefly made available to the general public. Even now, few people bring it up, including long-time Mac lovers who prefer to talk about the iconic iMac G3 or the elegant iMac G4.