How Old Is "Vintage"?

[TheCzar]

I just wanted to clarify what you guys considered to be vintage. I have a few manuals from Macs (ranging from the Plus to the 6100/60) and PC's (I believe they're from a 286, and I also have DOS 3.3 manuals here somewhere). However, I don't want to go to the trouble to scan them in if they are going to be deemed "Too New". So here lies my question. Where is the line drawn between "modern" and "vintage"? Like I said, I'm happy to help, but I don't want my efforts to be in vain.

The Czar

 

[Erik]

Well, Vintage, Classic and Antique all have meanings and each meaning has a hard time fitting into the same sentance as "computer."

That's just the nature of the business. . .

The rule for the CCTalk mail list and alt.folklore.computers is 10 years since the last date of manufacturer with some exceptions made for particularly boring or particularly interesting stuff. The NeXT cube, for instance, was "accepted" much earlier then the 10 year rule and the typical 8088 or 286 PC clone seems destined for perpetual exclusion because of their ubiquitous nature.

My rules here are somewhat different. I consider any machine that is not in current production that has some level of interest to be vintage. If you're interested enough to post about it, then it's probably going to qualify.

I'd say scan the manuals you have an interest in preserving and expect there to be some folks out there grateful for your efforts.

Erik