Nel video di oggi, vi porto con me alla mostra Historybit - Storie di Computer, organizzata da Davide e Alberto Fornasiero dello Studio FBP a Cerro Maggiore. È un'occasione imperdibile per esplorare l'evoluzione della tecnologia attraverso una straordinaria collezione di computer vintage e macchine da calcolo d'epoca. In questo viaggio, analizziamo le principali sezioni della mostra, dai primi strumenti di calcolo meccanico fino ai computer iconici degli anni Ottanta e Novanta.
Mechanical, electromechanical and electronic calculation machines
The Historybit exhibition begins with a section dedicated to the precursor tools of the personal computer: calculators. We find mechanical devices such as the famous facilities, buyers and abdometers, which with gears and levers allowed to perform complex calculations. There is also an ancient abacus, which shows how ancient the need to find aids for calculation was, even going up to 2000 BC. In addition, we see the first electromechanical calculators of Olivetti, the result of the chapel Christmas work, and the subsequent electronic calculators, able to perform more complex and quick mathematical operations.
Also billers and teleprinters in Historybit
Alongside calculators, we find Burroughs mechanical invoicing, essential tools for business accounting in the early twentieth century, and teleprinters, devices that allowed the transmission of messages at a distance, paving the way for modern telecommunications.
Valve and punched card computer parts
Historybit also shows us tube and punch card computer components. A notable example is a large hard disk (part of an IBM System/36), which highlights how much space and power were needed to store data that would take up a fraction of memory today. This section discusses the footprint and complexity of early computers.
Historybit section dedicated to 70s computers
The exhibition then leads us to the computers of the seventies, culminating with Apple Iie, one of the first personal domestic computer, equipped with a simple interface and a compact design for the time. This iconic model represented the future of information technology, bringing the calculation closer to an increasing number of people.
80s computer
For the eighties, Historybit exhibits historical models such as Apple III and IBM XT, which have brought computer science in companies and small offices. IBM has set technical standards that have influenced subsequent PC generations. Il personal computer IBM PS/1, on the other hand, was designed for home use, compact and cheaper than business models.
80s gaming station: Commodore 64
One of the tables in the Historybit exhibition is dedicated to the Commodore 64, one of the best-selling computers in history. We also see accessories such as the original CRT monitor, the 1541 floppy drive, the datassette for loading programs on cassette and the MPS 801 printer. This setup is typical of the eighties and takes us back to the golden age of home computers.
The 8-bit Commodores could not be missing in Historybit
Another area is reserved for Commodore models at 8-bit. The exhibition includes: Commodore 64 (version breadbin + 64C), VIC-20, Commodore 128, 128D, Commodore 16, Plus/4, SX-64 (to which, as you will remember, the keyboard is still missing). This range illustrates the evolution of the Commodore series, offering a wide variety of choices for users of the time.
Space dedicated to Sinclairs
Another table is dedicated to Sinclair computers. They are British computers, symbols of the European market, which have found diffusion thanks to their affordability and simplicity. We find the ZX81, the famous Spectrum with its 48K versions, ZX Spectrum +2 and the QL.
Video editing in Historybit - Computer stories
The section dedicated to video editing brings us to the world of graphics and digital creativity of the eighties and nineties. Amiga and Silicon Graphics computers, together with cameras and mixers, demonstrate how the technology of the time was used for professional and domestic video production. In particular, we see Amiga, Silicon Graphics and Draco. In addition, in the video we can admire an Amiga Warp Station: a custom version, created ad hoc by FBP Studio, for video editing.
Computers of other brands
In addition to the big names such as IBM, Commodore and Sinclair, Historybit dedicates a space to lesser known but fundamental brands in the history of information technology. We find Texas Instruments, Olivetti, Atari and Toshiba computers, each with unique technical specifications and applications, from the office to teaching to music.
Replica Family posiga ... Reale!
Finally, a gem for fans Amiga: a reproduction of the famous "Amiga Family" with almost all models, with the exception of the Amiga 4000 Tower. This composition allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of Amiga, an iconic brand for graphics enthusiasts and video games.
Here are the models in the photo, starting from the bottom left: Amiga 1200, Amiga 2000, Amiga 3000 Tower.
In the middle row: Amiga 600, Amiga 1000 (with the cover signed by the technicians), Amiga CD32, Amiga 4000, Amiga CDTV.
In the right row: Amiga 500, Amiga 3000 and an empty space, reserved for the Amiga 4000 Tower.
Let's stay in touch!
I hope the images and video of the Historybit exhibition - you liked computers. To continue exploring content on computers and vintage electronics, register on my YouTube channel (@valoRoit)! 🔔 I am also present on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook and Threads.