#retrocomputing

i realize that this only speaks to 0.1% of you, but some useful info for NeXTStation owners:

the battery backup that shipped with the nextstation is a BR 2/3A type battery - a chub gherkin that costs about $7-12 USD and are not easy to find these days.

thankfully i've discovered a modern direct swap equivalent: the CR123A. it is used in various types of LED flashlights. it outputs the same voltage.

the only difference i noticed is that the CR123A is about 0.5mm longer due to slightly more protruding positive terminal. thankfully, the battery holder accepts it (it just puts more pressure on the holder's metal flexi-tab). the CR123A can be found for $1 each.

#vintageApple #macintosh #next #retroComputing #vintageComputing

Ken Thompson Recalls Unix’s Rowdy, Lock-Picking Origins

Ken Thompson's vivid recollection of the rowdy roomful of geeks at Bell Labs who built the digital world in a spirit of open play.

https://thenewstack.io/ken-thompson-recalls-unixs-rowdy-lock-picking-origins/

#unix #retrocomputing

Zork I, II and III now open source! Very cool. #retrocomputing
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/11/microsoft-makes-zork-i-ii-and-iii-open-source-under-mit-license/

The most popular games machine that Mattel distributed in Australia: The Nintendo NES.

(Folks outside Australia: Note it says Mattel version on the cartridge cover.)

#retrogaming #retrogames #retrocomputing #videogames #Nintendo #NES #Mattel