As AI grips world, the thrill of collecting vintage computers is growing

As artificial intelligence continues to dominate global conversations, a unique niche hobby is experiencing a resurgence: the collecting of vintage computers. Josh Dersch, a software engineer from Seattle, is one of many enthusiasts who has built an impressive collection of over 200 vintage machines in his home. He is captivated by the challenge of understanding and repairing these early systems, preserving the origins of the digital revolution.

The Vintage Computer Federation, an organization led by Erik Klein, president of the group, organizes events and festivals to celebrate this growing passion. This year, more than 3,500 attendees gathered for the two-day Vintage Computer Festival in early August, marking the 50th anniversary of Apple's founding in 1976. The festival featured a panel discussion with Apple's co-founders, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, recalling the company's humble beginnings.

Dersch showcased his prized possession, the Xerox Alto, one of the earliest computers to incorporate a graphical user interface. This machine inspired future innovations from Apple and Microsoft. Klein, once a passionate collector himself, now channels his enthusiasm into organizing festivals and workshops to share the history of vintage computers with a broader audience.

Vintage computer collecting has become a worldwide phenomenon, with festivals springing up in cities across North America, South America, and Europe, reflecting a growing interest in the history of technology.