Retro Computers1.7 - App Store

An interactive Vintage Computing Encyclopedia

Explore the golden age of home computing with detailed profiles of over 100 vintage computers - from the Altair 8800 and Apple I to the Amiga, ZX Spectrum, and beyond.

Whether you grew up typing BASIC programs on a Saturday morning or you're discovering these machines for the first time, Retro Computers is the ultimate pocket reference for the golden home computer era.

BROWSE OVER 100 CLASSIC COMPUTERS Each entry includes the full story: release year, manufacturer, CPU, RAM, display, original price (with inflation-adjusted 2026 values), units sold, and more. Illustrated with photos of the hardware, circuit boards, keyboards, and character sets. This app covers machines from Britain, America, Japan, and Europe: Sinclair, Acorn, Amstrad, Commodore, Apple, Atari, Tandy, Sharp, NEC, and many more. If it had a keyboard and ran BASIC, it's probably in here.

17 IN-DEPTH TOPIC ARTICLES Deep dives into the technology and culture that defined an era: . The CPU Wars - Z80 vs 6502 vs 68000 . The Evolution of Graphics and Sound . BASIC: Every Computer Had It, No Two Were the Same . Floppy Disks, Cassettes, and Microdrives . Modems, BBSes, and the Proto-Internet . Computer Magazines, Repair & Restoration, and more.

COLLECTORS CATALOG Keep track of which computers are in your own collection, and which you really like. Export your collection at any time.

INTERACTIVE TIMELINE See every computer plotted on a scrollable, zoomable timeline. Pinch to zoom and tap any machine to learn more.

COMPUTER DUEL Play a card game where vintage computers battle it out on specs. Can the ZX Spectrum beat the Commodore 64 on clock speed? There's only one way to find out.

QUIZ MODE Test your retro computing knowledge with 10 randomized trivia questions. Identify computers from photos, guess release years, match manufacturers, and compare specs.

COMPARE SIDE BY SIDE Put any two computers next to each other and compare their specs, prices, and capabilities.

ON THIS DAY Discover which vintage computers share a connection to today's date (includes a widget for your iPhone or iPad screen!)

DESIGN YOUR OWN COMPUTER As the owner of your own computer company in 1984, will your design be a hit?

BUILT FOR READABILITY Large, legible text designed for comfortable reading.

SHARE your passion. Many views allow you to share images to your favorite social media channels.

EXPERIENCE a growing number of computers as 3D models you can view in AR. Place a Jupiter Ace on the desk in front of you, something very few people have actually seen!

IT'S ALL FREE! No internet connection required for most features (but links to many current sources for further information are provided, and emulators require access). No ads. No tracking. No in-app purchases to unlock functionality. It's good old retro shareware! Enjoy it? Then tip your developer to encourage updates.

Version History A few new 3D models.
Lots of links to third party web-based emulators: you read about them, now try them!
Nicer launch experience. 1.7 Sep 30 Another set of 3D models; this time CC licensed models created by talented artists. See Settings for credits.
Added a list of computer museums where you can see computers in person.
Another sweep for accuracy. 1.6 Sep 17 Updated sorting: view computers by date, name, manufacturer and country.
Performed a sweet for factual errors - do please let me know of any more you find! 1.5 Sep 15 Some information corrected, and a lot of new photos. 1.4 Sep 15 New retro-computer themed visuals. You'll love it. 1.3 Sep 9 Tweaked the design-your-own-computer game.
Added a new game: What if? A list of thought experiments for retro nerds.
Corrected some factual errors.
Updated the list of computer systems with more images, facts and figures. 1.2.1 Jul 6 • 7 retro visual themes - ZX Spectrum, PC Clone, Apple Classic, Commodore 64, BBC Micro, Green Screen & Modern
• Shareable "Did You Know?" fact cards for social media
• Spotlight & Siri search - find any computer instantly
• Circuit schematic links for 20 classic machines
• Growing number of screenshots and 3D scans
• Expanded "Design Your Computer" game - choose target market, networking, case colour & bundled peripherals
• Fake magazine reviews from Impractical Computing, CRUSH & What Which Micro? rate your 1984 creation 1.2 Jun 15 This update adds more computers, more photographs, and more information.
Please get in touch with corrections and omissions! 1.1 May 11 1.0 May 1