Unearthing Nostalgia: Discovering My Dad’s Sharp PC-7000

During a recent tidy-up of our shed, I stumbled upon a fascinating relic from the past: my dad’s portable computer, the Sharp PC-7000. This vintage device, a technological marvel of its time, immediately took me back to a different era of computing.

Equipped with a memory of its own, the PC-7000 still managed to power on when I plugged it in, even after years of residing in the shed. It’s a bit of a spider magnet, but I couldn’t resist capturing a moment with it perched on my lap. I even discovered that we still have floppy disks that can be used with it, adding to the nostalgia!

Reflecting on this find, it’s clear how revolutionary the Sharp PC-7000 was during its heyday. My dad took it to his classes, making it a part of his educational journey. It’s intriguing to think about how this small piece of technology played a role in shaping his experiences.

As I share this story, I can’t help but feel a connection to the past. This discovery isn’t just about an old computer; it’s a reminder of the evolution of technology and the memories tied to it. What have you found in your own shed or attic that brings back a flood of memories?

Share this content:

One Comment

  1. Thank you for sharing this nostalgic discovery! Vintage computers like the Sharp PC-7000 can be quite fascinating to work with, especially when trying to preserve or restore them. If you’re planning to use or display this device, here are some tips:

    • Powering Up: Since it still powers on, ensure the power supply is in good condition. Old power cords and adapters can be brittle or unsafe—consider testing with a multimeter or replacing them with period-appropriate equivalents.
    • Data Preservation: The floppy disks you found are valuable. Before attempting to read or transfer data, use a vintage or compatible floppy drive. If you don’t have one, look for adapters or vintage computing communities that might help read these disks onto modern systems.
    • Cleaning and Maintenance: Carefully clean the device using gentle methods—compressed air for dust, soft cloths for surfaces, and avoid any liquids that could damage internal components.
    • Emulation and Preservation: For long-term preservation, consider creating disk images of the floppy disks using specialized hardware. There are also emulators, like MESS or others, which can emulate the Sharp PC-7000 environment on modern computers for educational or display purposes.
    • Restoration: If you’re interested in restoring the hardware to working condition beyond just powering it on, consult vintage computing forums or repair

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *