Retro
vs.
Vintage

I'm thinking about buying a computer—not just any computer, but one that captures the spirit of the late 1970s and 1980s. Not a dusty relic, but a modern system built in the image of those early machines. A "retro computer," if you will. With Atari and Commodore International again standing on their own, I'm seriously considering the Atari VCS or one of the many updated versions of the revived Commodore 64 (C64). The Foenix F256K from Foenix Retro Systems also has that spark. It's sleek, capable, and full of charm. So many choices, and each one feels like a time capsule waiting to be opened.

Whenever I talk to people about these systems, they call them "retro," which makes sense for the new ones. But I often hear the same term used for the original machines from the '70s and '80s, and that doesn’t quite sit right. "Retro" means something designed to look or feel old, even though it’s new. The word "vintage," on the other hand, refers not to recreations but to things that actually are old. Accordingly, the real deal—the machines we grew up with—should be referred to using words like "vintage" or "classic." Still, "retro" gets tossed around, even by fellow old-school computer fans. I understand the impulse, but part of me wants to preserve the distinction.

Sigh...

So why am I drawn to these systems that echo the past? Why a "retro computer"? Because that’s where it all began for me. My first computer was a Commodore VIC-20, followed by a C64. I sold the VIC, and sadly, my C64 met an untimely end. From there, I moved on to Atari systems like the 65XE and 800XL. Those machines weren’t just tools. They were gateways. I learned to code in BASIC, explored how computers ticked, and discovered the magic of telecommunications. I dialed into bulletin board systems (BBS), connected machines with adapters and null modem cables, and devoured every issue of Compute!'s Gazette (which, to my delight, is back in publication) for tips, tricks, and full programs.

Back then, I wanted to learn, to create, and to build something meaningful. That hasn’t changed. I still dream of writing a game on a platform that feels accessible and inspiring. And in today’s connected world, I’d love to use one of these systems not just for nostalgia, but for real tasks that fit modern needs.

So... who else out there shares this love for vintage or "retro" computers?

-TR