Hobby buyer's guide

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Part one: Replicas and kits
1. Atari Flashback 2
This console is inspired by the Atari 2600 and includes 40 built-in games.

2. CommodoreOne Reconfigurable Computer
This system is a new computer built with FPGA chips. Users can make it function as -- not merely emulate -- a variety of classic computers. Currently it’s in beta and costs 269 Euro (about $350).

3. C64 DTV
Joystick with 30 pre-loaded Commodore games, you can even attach a keyboard to make it work as a real C64, because it's got the CommodoreOne chip inside (see above). It all just plugs into your monitor or television with standard A/V jacks. Buy it at QVC; click here for the details. Or click here to learn how to hack it! It costs $30, or $52 for a pair.

4. Paper Enigma
At this web site you can print out the diagram to build an Enigma replica, or you can buy 10 copies with a detailed instruction manual for just $10.

5. Jakks TV Games
Similar to the C64 version (above), but only for gaming. Check out the Atari joystick, Atari paddle, and Activision versions.

6. Obtronix Mark-8
Jon Titus’ Mark-8 was the cover story of the July 1974 issue of Radio Electronics magazine. Want to get the parts to build one today? You’ll have to wait until kit builder Stephen Gabaly puts them back on eBay (that’s actually how he sells them), or, look for his contact information in a future issue of this newsletter (hopefully next week). Meanwhile, check out this customer’s custom version: http://www.bellcompserv.com/mark8_top.htm

7. Replica 1 (Apple 1)
You can’t get a real Apple 1 unless you pay tens of thousands of dollars. But for $120-$200, you can get this Woz-endorsed replica. You even get to construct your own case, just like the original.

8. Semi-Virtual Diskette
The SVD is a way to emulate vintage floppy drives, in order to boot a modern Linux or Windows computer from a software image file. It costs from $20-$110.

9. Spare Time Gizmos (Cosmac Elf and PDP kits)
This company sells Cosmac Elf 2000 kits, ranging in price from free (instructions to build your own) up to $100. They also sell the SBC6120 -- a single-board version of the PDP-8 ($25-$350) and more.

10. XGameStation
This is a retro-style videogame console intended to teach people the art of hardware design. It costs $200 and even includes a joystick.

11. Enigma-E electronic replica
This kit is an electronic but fully functioning version of the Axis powers' Engima encoding/decoding machine from the World War II era.

12. IMSAI Series Two and accessories:
Build a modern PC behind an IMSAI front panel, or use the parts to help restore an original.


Part two: Preferred books, gadgets, etc.
1. ThinkGeek.com’s Binary Watch and Binary Clock
Along with hundreds of other gadgets, ThinkGeek.com sells these super-nerdy binary clocks. I want one! Imagine the fun you’ll have when an innocent non-geek asks you for the time, you flash your wrist, and they look back in bewilderment at the seemingly random dots. Watch is $69.99, clock is $19.99. (As the saying goes, "There are 10 kinds of people in the world: those who understand binary and those who don’t!")

2. Apple I Replica Creation: Back to the Garage
This book by AppleFritter.com's Tom Owad explains the engineering and technical philosophy behind the legendary Apple 1 computer. It includes detailed instructions for building your own version on a budget.

3. Artifacts: An archeologist’s year in Silicon Valley
The book by our own Christine Finn describes the transformation from "The Valley of Heart’s Delight" to modern-day Silicon Valley. It’s a must-read if you want to learn the context of computing culture. Only $20 at Barnes & Noble.

4. Collectible Microcomputers
By our founder, Michael Nadeau, this book describes more than 700 vintage desktop and portable computers. It includes a price guide and advice on how to collect and restore systems.

5. Videogames: In the Beginning
This book is the autobiography of Ralph Baer, known as the father of home videogames. Unlike most autobiographies, Baer's includes high-quality technical documents and photographs.

6. Classic Computers 2006 Calendar
Just $10 for this nice wall calendar featuring a different computer each month.

7. BBS: The Documentary
This is a 3-DVD, five-hour-plus documentary about the history and culture of computer bulletin board systems. Break out the popcorn!