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1) eBay, that's the one place where I get a lot of old bits when needed... Secondly would be the vendor table as t local Vintage Computer event which would be

1) eBay, that's the one place where I get a lot of old bits when needed... Secondly would be the vendor table as t local Vintage Computer event which would be a lot less than eBay prices but only available at specific times and places through the year. Other than that be diligent, check out craigslist, thrift shops, boot sales/flea markets, look for used electronics parts places, used games stores, other resellers (Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores) etc. Let your acquaintances know you collect old computers. Know what you are looking at and your results will widely vary. 2) Network, I guess, restoring computers like on the videos is a laborious process if they were in business to make a living doing such the labor costs would be significant. You might get some help from people for one aspect or another// If you are willing to pay a bit you could find professional restoration.

mindcrime 4y ago
Ham Radio swap-fests can be a good place to find retro-computer gear as well. At least if you live in, or near, an area with an active Ham radio community.
- ilikepi 4y ago
  Flea markets as well, at least in the US. At least as of a few years ago, the Raynham Flea Market[1] in southern Massachusetts had several vendors specializing in old gaming consoles and games. On average prices are probably a little higher, but the trade off is being able to inspect something in person rather than having to trust an eBay listing. [1]: http://raynhamflea.com/ http://raynhamflea.com/
- tkanarsky 4y ago
  If you're in the LA area the W6TRW swap meet in Redondo Beach is fun to visit, iirc it's the last Saturday of every month in the morning. Definitely show up early, the good stuff sells quick :)
PaulHoule 4y ago
I get a lot of old audio gear on Ebay.
neilv 4y ago
I've noticed various vintage gear on eBay disappearing over time, without being replenished. So, if you're interested in a piece of vintage gear, and you see many of them on eBay, don't assume they'll still be there a few/several years later (when you buy the home with the workshop space you were waiting for). I'm guessing that most of it has been been e-recycled or discarded, and what hasn't tends to settle into the hands of people who want to keep it for its vintage value.
- LarryMade2 4y ago
  Over the decades I've been collecting - Ive noticed stuff comes in waves, when collecting is trendy (like when there's a lot of news of 6 figure vintage computer auctions) there's a lot more people buying stuff up at silly high prices, but it doesn't stay that way. Such as when new emulators for modern hardware or more compact retro hardware comes out that offers near perfect compatibility without the space/cost/hassle things start loosening up.. (i.e. the miniPET does 90%+ of what a PET does and doesn't need a bulky 30 lb. cabinaet to lug it around in, if you are more into running software than displaying the actual hardware that's a compelling "upgrade") People aging out is another one, I see a few estate hauls recently of the old school techies passing on or reliving themselves of those burdens in their twilight years. I've gotten several bits in my collection from those leaving the hobby and want to give it to someone who will appreciate it. (that's where the letting others know you collect comes in). Lastly and timely is the employment market seeing on the news that there's thousands of tech layoffs, some of those guys will have to part with the extra stuff to either downsize or pay the bills, so you might be seeing an uptick on eBay and other sites in the coming months,
LarryMade2 4y ago
Also Location Location Location Places were there is big industry for a long time is good. Silicon Valley was excellent but not as much now as most hardware mfg. is outside now. Also suburbs of industry towns have a good chance. College towns or other concentrations of learning in an area (schools/colleges store their equipment for a long time before remaindering them off). Just think of where the tech was back in the period you are interested in, and check out local offers in that area...

mindcrime 4y ago

Ham Radio swap-fests can be a good place to find retro-computer gear as well. At least if you live in, or near, an area with an active Ham radio community.

ilikepi 4y ago
Flea markets as well, at least in the US. At least as of a few years ago, the Raynham Flea Market[1] in southern Massachusetts had several vendors specializing in old gaming consoles and games. On average prices are probably a little higher, but the trade off is being able to inspect something in person rather than having to trust an eBay listing. [1]: http://raynhamflea.com/ http://raynhamflea.com/
tkanarsky 4y ago
If you're in the LA area the W6TRW swap meet in Redondo Beach is fun to visit, iirc it's the last Saturday of every month in the morning. Definitely show up early, the good stuff sells quick :)

PaulHoule 4y ago

I get a lot of old audio gear on Ebay.

neilv 4y ago

I've noticed various vintage gear on eBay disappearing over time, without being replenished. So, if you're interested in a piece of vintage gear, and you see many of them on eBay, don't assume they'll still be there a few/several years later (when you buy the home with the workshop space you were waiting for). I'm guessing that most of it has been been e-recycled or discarded, and what hasn't tends to settle into the hands of people who want to keep it for its vintage value.

LarryMade2 4y ago
Over the decades I've been collecting - Ive noticed stuff comes in waves, when collecting is trendy (like when there's a lot of news of 6 figure vintage computer auctions) there's a lot more people buying stuff up at silly high prices, but it doesn't stay that way. Such as when new emulators for modern hardware or more compact retro hardware comes out that offers near perfect compatibility without the space/cost/hassle things start loosening up.. (i.e. the miniPET does 90%+ of what a PET does and doesn't need a bulky 30 lb. cabinaet to lug it around in, if you are more into running software than displaying the actual hardware that's a compelling "upgrade") People aging out is another one, I see a few estate hauls recently of the old school techies passing on or reliving themselves of those burdens in their twilight years. I've gotten several bits in my collection from those leaving the hobby and want to give it to someone who will appreciate it. (that's where the letting others know you collect comes in). Lastly and timely is the employment market seeing on the news that there's thousands of tech layoffs, some of those guys will have to part with the extra stuff to either downsize or pay the bills, so you might be seeing an uptick on eBay and other sites in the coming months,

LarryMade2 4y ago

Also Location Location Location Places were there is big industry for a long time is good. Silicon Valley was excellent but not as much now as most hardware mfg. is outside now. Also suburbs of industry towns have a good chance. College towns or other concentrations of learning in an area (schools/colleges store their equipment for a long time before remaindering them off). Just think of where the tech was back in the period you are interested in, and check out local offers in that area...