Subj : Re: My First Computers
To   : Michael Knapp
From : Brian Klauss
Date : Thu Jan 14 2021 20:25:55

  Re: Re: My First Computers
  By: Michael Knapp to Ron Lauzon on Thu Jan 14 2021 05:00 pm

 >  > I jumped over the whole VIC-20, C-64, TI-99/4 era and started right in on
 >  > th Univac 1100/80 in college.
 >
 >  > The first computer I actually owned was a Sperry HT (IBM-XT clone with a
 >  > hig clock speed).  My college had a plan to
 >  > allow us to purchase computers on a payment plan.
 >
 > That's cool!  I had no idea that Sperry made PC compatibles.  I Googled it
 > and checked it out.  Would have been pretty neat to own a personal computer
 > with the Sperry name on it.
 >
 > My first computer experience was on a TRS-80 Model III.  But the first
 > computer I owned was an IBM PCjr.  Worst of both worlds: not as good at
 > business software as the IBM PC, and not as good as games as a Commodore or
 > Atari.  But I learned a lot by trying to make things work.

My apologies for the over-quoting but whenever I see a TI-99/4a I jump at the opportunity to talk about it. I got my first one in 1982 (Christmas, I was 7).  Even though it was a little lame, cartridges, 40-column display, it was still amazing!  I spent too many hours learning the ins and outs of computers, dialing up BBSes and college VAXs and learning more and more.  When I finally got my IBM PS/2 Model 30 286 a couple years later I was living the dream.

What it ultimately comes down to is what brought us our love for computers.  If it wasn't for my father buying me that TI-99/4a, I wouldn't be where I am today (thanks Dad).
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