As cute as IBM gets: PS/2 Model 25

Model 25, Space Saving Keyboard, and PS/2 mouse

After a long search, several months ago, I finally got my hands on this: an IBM 8525, the PS/2 Model 25. It is perhaps the “cutest” computer IBM ever made, if that is an acceptable adjective for a computer at all.

I got it for pocket change from the local e-recycling facility in dirty and (I was warned) heavily abused condition, including at least one potential  hard drop from being thrown.

Dolchy Goodness

Dolch PAC 65

My latest acquisition – which I paid an exorbitant amount to have shipped to me – is a fun one (but then, they all are): a Dolch PAC 65 network sniffer.

Now, ‘network sniffer’ isn’t really the best way to describe it (or the other Dolch products of the period): more accurately, it’s a “luggable” (aka “briefcase”) computer. For those unfamiliar, you might consider taking a peek at Compaq’s first product. Basically, it (the Dolch) is a desktop-like PC, monitor, keyboard and on some models pointing device all wrapped together into a case with a carrying handle for portability.

Cisco equipment from my college

Cisco 3660 router with 3524XL switch

Not really inline with the overall theme here, but whatever. Recently my college was donated a bunch of Cisco switches and routers from some company (I don’t know who, or I’d call and say thanks) and the college decided the best use of the equipment, being somewhat dated, would be to distribute it to deserving students who plan to do their CCNA, CCENT, CC-whatever exams in the near future.

I ended up with a 3660 “Multiservice Platform” router and a Catalyst 3524XL switch.

Hosting my site from home on a Wyse Thin Client

Wyse Winterm S30 thin client, turned web server

A while ago, I bought a Wyse Winterm S30 thin client on eBay. Unimpressive in specs (366MHz Geode, 128MB DDR333, 64MB IDE flash), but impressive in form factor, and certainly usable.

I bought it with the sole intent of running some kind of Linux on it to host my website (previously kishytech.tk/kishy.comuf.com, now kishy.dyndns.org).

IBM 6016730 keyboard

IBM 6016730 keyboard

I recently obtained one of these beauties…well, mine isn’t quite a beauty, considering the rusty springs and pitted/corroded metal bits inside, but the layout is great and the case is in good shape. It is of the Model F style, meaning it uses buckling spring actuation of a capacitive switching mechanism. The feel is described by many as superior to just about anything else, but I prefer the Model M type (cost-reduced, buckling spring with a membrane instead). Nevertheless, I’m interested in having this usable.

Blog?

Indeed, I’ve created one.

I’ve got a decent variety of stuff to post so the coming weeks should include some interesting back-content. Stay tuned. And check out kishy.dyndns.org if you haven’t yet :)

Back-dated: 8088 and 286 online (DSL connection)

286 online

If you’ve got an old box in the basement that you’d like to do something with…here’s an inexpensive project for you. For quite a while, I’d been itching to try to do something networky with my 286 (pictured as the header banner for the blog, currently). Dug up a NIC (details further down), looked for drivers/utilities, went from there.