15 Vintage Computers That Show How Much Tech Has Evolved

The world of technology has evolved at a rapid pace. Looking back at the early days of computing, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. From massive machines that take up an entire room, we have moved toward having personal computers in our pockets. Not only that, computer abilities have skyrocketed from simple calculation to being able to think for themselves and create original content. In this article, we will take a look at 15 vintage computers that show just how far technology has come.

1. Apple I (1976)

Open briefcase displaying vintage computer hardware, featuring a large green circuit board with various components, a tape recorder, keyboard, and connected cables. The retro setup is housed in a brown leather case with a handle.
u/goodmorningib/via reddit

Talk about a handy way to get around with a computer back in the day. Nothing like a briefcase to get the job done.

2. IBM 5100 (1975)

A person in a white shirt and striped tie holds an early IBM portable computer against a brown background. The computer features a small screen, keyboard, and mechanical buttons.
u/zadraaa/via reddit

Look at that admirable fit.

3. Commodore 64 (1982)

Advertisement featuring the Commodore 64 computer, showing a keyboard, monitor displaying text, and a tape drive. The text in the ad highlights the price of $595 and mentions the value compared to competitors.
u/marx2k/via reddit

They’re really coming out bold with the whole bit about nobody else being able to provide it.

4. Tandy TRS-80 (1977)

A vintage Tandy TRS-80 computer setup featuring a monochrome monitor displaying basic graphics, a tactile keyboard, and a cassette tape drive for data storage, all in gray tones.
u/randomjottings/via reddit

For me it’s really the video game on the screen that drives the nostalgia home on this one.

5. Atari 400/800 (1979)

A vintage Atari 800 computer sits on a table, with a beige keyboard featuring black keys and several function keys in different colors. The monitor displays a simple graphics screen with green and blue colors.
u/fozztexx/via reddit

You’ve got to love a proper throwback Atari at work.

6. Macintosh 128K (1984)

A vintage beige desktop computer from the 1980s on a wooden desk. It features a built-in monitor displaying a pixelated image, with a detached keyboard and a wired mouse. Two external disk drives are positioned to the left of the monitor.
u/siliconislands/via reddit

There’s almost something wholesome about this vintage pic of an old school Macintosh.

7. Amiga 2000 (1987)

A vintage computer setup featuring an Amiga 2000 with a keyboard and mouse on a wooden desk. The monitor displays the title screen of "The Secret of Monkey Island." A retro roadshow sign is mounted on a white brick wall.
u/wowbobwow/via reddit

Yet another fine example of a throwback game in action too.

8. NeXT Computer (1988)

A vintage black computer setup featuring a CRT monitor, a square, vented tower case, a keyboard, and a rectangular mouse. The design and components suggest a retro style from the late 20th century.
u/marwheel/via reddit

Now we’re getting much more upscale in the tech.

9. ZX Spectrum (1982)

The image shows a ZX Spectrum computer in its original packaging. The black keyboard features colored keys with various commands. A power adapter and cables are also included. The packaging is white foam, and a piece of paper is partially visible.
u/divover/via reddit

You’d definitely need an instruction manual to operate this one.

10. Sinclair ZX80 (1980)

A retro computer setup featuring a Sinclair ZX80 with a white case and blue keypad, connected to a futuristic, round monitor displaying a blue screen with a pattern. Nearby, informational pamphlets are placed on the wooden table.
u/xratedtherapistrehab/via reddit

It almost feels like this machine would start talking to you.

11. Altair 8800 (1975)

A vintage Altair 8800 computer setup, featuring a green monochrome monitor, a large mainframe with switches and lights, and a blue keyboard with a numeric keypad, is displayed against a black background.
u/hunor_deak/via reddit

This one just looks fragile. Definitely want to handle it with care.

12. Sharp X68000 (1987)

A vintage desktop computer setup featuring a CRT monitor displaying a space-themed game, a tower CPU, a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone on a stand. The design is characteristic of 1990s technology.
u/fabiochavez/via reddit

If you don’t recognize that game, then you’re really missing out on the good stuff.

13. Acorn A4000 (1992)

A vintage NEC desktop computer is set up on a wooden desk. The setup includes a CRT monitor displaying a text-based program, a beige keyboard, and a gray mouse. The background features a window with a curtain and a teal wall.
u/lroop/via reddit

Look at all that delicious code.

14. IBM’s First PC (1981)

An early personal computer with a monochrome CRT monitor, dual floppy disk drives, and a full-size keyboard. The computer is beige and has an IBM logo on the front of the tower and monitor.
u/damagedgoodz99824/via reddit

The first in a long lineage of impressive PCs to come out of the IBM woodwork.

15. Macintosh PowerBook 100 (1991)

A vintage gray laptop with an open screen, displaying a blank black display. It has a QWERTY keyboard and a built-in trackball. The Apple logo is visible near the display hinge.
u/monsieura/via reddit

And yes, we had to end things on a Macintosh note, because why not?