
RCR Episode 284: Hammer time
From Retro Computing Roundtable by Retro Computing Roundtable
May 26, 2025 · 1h 52m
About this episode
The episode discusses significant technology introductions from 1984, including the Apple Macintosh and IBM PCjr, along with various retro computing topics.
Panelists: Paul Hagstrom (hosting), Quinn Dunki, Blake Patterson, and Kay Savetz Topic: 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh and Apple //c in 1984, IBM introduced the PCjr, HP introduced the LaserJet, and FidoNet began distributing mail. Topic/Feedback links: Apple //c IBM PCjr Christmas 1984: The Great Apple //c vs. PCjr Battle Macintosh The 1984 Superbowl ad (YT) The 1984 Superbowl ad FidoNet fidonet.org FidoNews Subtext (classic Mac BBS with FidoNet support) HP LaserJet LaserJet in HP’s own Virtual museum (warning: QuickTime 5 required) CHM discusses Lisa source code with Bill Atkinson Retro Computing News: SyncTerm Playing with toy interfaces – Rich Gold, Mattel Toys Video Game History Foundation Library opens Storing data on cassette with a modem KCS modem Vintage Computer(-related) commercials: Apple //c IBM PCjr Macintosh Retro Computing Gift Idea: Tiny TV Auction Picks: Blake: Atari SC1224 Vintage Color Monitor (specifically, red) RDKL Inc’s YT video about this collection Kay: Vintage The Microperipheral Corporation Computer Speech Synthesizer? No, almost certainly a Sofcast Shuttle Communicator Interview with Michael Darland, Microperipheral Corporation…
People in this episode
Host: Paul Hagstrom
Guests: Quinn Dunki, Blake Patterson, Kay Savetz
Topics covered
- 1984 technology introductions
- Apple Macintosh
- IBM PCjr
- HP LaserJet
- FidoNet
- vintage computing
- retro technology
Keywords
- Apple Macintosh
- IBM PCjr
- HP LaserJet
- FidoNet
- vintage computing
- retro technology
- 1984 technology
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Apple, IBM, HP, FidoNet, Video Game History Foundation
Products: Macintosh, Apple //c, PCjr, LaserJet, Atari SC1224 Vintage Color Monitor, Microperipheral Corporation Computer Speech Synthesizer, AnDATAco front panel, AnDATAco Speech recognition processor for Hero 1 and Apple II, ZX-81
Books & works: The 1984 Superbowl ad
More episodes of Retro Computing Roundtable
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- RCR Episode 286: Somehow all Myst · November 25, 2025 · 2h 13m
- RCR Episode 285: You’ll Have Mail · June 4, 2025 · 2h 21m
- RCR Episode 283: A STRANGE GAME · May 23, 2025 · 1h 23m
- RCR Episode 282: End of Line · May 23, 2025 · 1h 44m
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