In the never-ending quest for old electronic stuff, there are rare occasions when we stumble upon an unknown, unmapped source for a cornucopia of desirables. If you’re a fan of old and obsolete computers, Classic Computers in West Haven, Connecticut is indeed such a place.

From the outside, this shop sure doesn’t look like much, does it? We dare you to try finding this place on your own. The old mid-size servers to the left are reminiscient of stripped autos one might find in a South Bronx neighborhood.

Unfortunately, only one quarter of the store was navigable on the day I went– exploring most of the store required a grappling hook and climbing gear to get over the 3m high piles of hardware.

A mass grave for a thousand extinct data centers.

Many systems used teletype terminals instead of video terminals in the 70s and early 80s. The computer operator would perform input using a keyboard and observed output as characters were printed on spooled paper by the built-in printer. Pictured above, a 1974 DECwriter terminal captured in action amidst a busy office.

A row of poor old DECwriters waiting to die.The second floor of Classic Computers probably has one of the best collections of old DEC hardware imaginable. Some believe this hardware is no more valuable than the dust they’re collecting–we, however know otherwise.

Like a sea-siren, this Commodore PET beckons you to approach–but take caution, or you’ll stumble over the pile of 1981 IBM 5150 machines like the one pictured below.

I was lucky to pick up one gem–a 1982 Non-Linear Systems Kaypro II, as shiny and new as the day it was made. Gordon looks on with bewilderment (or embarassment).

Perhaps you’re like this guy–a real lover of old IBM and Digital, DEC & PDP mainframe equipment. Why not give Classic Computers a call. Tell’em the guys from Pocket Calculator sent you!

Classic Computers
614 Campbell Avenue
West Haven, CT 06516
(203) 933-7599