The Altair 8800 computer cost $621 when it was introduced in 1976. The Altair 8800 Clone is also $621, but it comes with 64k of static memory for free (in 1976, 1k of static memory for the Altair 8800 was $139). (Via Andy Baio)
Altair 8800 clone
How USB happened
USB has been with us for 26 years. At the time, the technology's co-developer Ajay Bhatt thought it would just be a "[one-off] $40 million opportunity" for Intel. And without his persistence, it wouldn't have happened at all. From IEEE Spectrum: In the early 1990s, Bhatt told his boss about his idea of developing a… READ THE REST
The iMac used to create Wikipedia is up for auction
The strawberry Apple iMac that Jimmy Wales used to create Wikipedia (and its predecessor Nupedia) is up for auction. The provenance is listed as the "family of Jimmy Wales." With a week left in the auction, the current highest bid as I type this $8,500. I hope the winning bidder donates it to the Computer… READ THE REST
This 1984 video showing how travelers checked their email is like ancient history
Most people didn't have email accounts 37 years ago, and the ones who did were not likely to have an on-the-go kit like this BBC reporter did. He went to Japan with an acoustic modem and a TRS-80 Model 100 and demonstrated the experience of checking email on a train (didn't work) and a hotel… READ THE REST
Light up with a pipe that's made to make smoking simple
There's a lot of reasons to buy a new smoking piece. Maybe you dropped your old one and that cool glass octopus build doesn't work so well when it's in a million pieces. Perhaps you're making the switch from rolling your own to something a little less cumbersome. Or maybe you just want an upgrade. Whatever… READ THE REST
Life's hard enough, which is why this flexible lighter is a game-changer
From ensuring you have enough money for gas this week to keeping up with today's politics, life is far from easy. And everyday things like making dinner, commuting to work, and even lighting candles should be the least of your worries. But when it comes to reaching down into the jar of your favorite candle, unable to… READ THE REST
These $29 game design and development courses might make learning as fun as the real thing
Gaming is something that most people can appreciate. Whether you're into the classics, a casual gamer, or a die-hard who plays all the time, there are many different ways to enjoy the hobby. But we think it's safe to say, novice or professional, we're all interested in how games even come to be. If you're fascinated by gaming… READ THE REST
