Zenith Data Systems Model Z89 Digital Computer

Zenith Data Systems Model Z89 Digital Computer
My first computer! Well, not exactly, we had the H-89, a Heathkit version of this machine.
While this machine may not have the charm of an Apple II, the fond remembrances of a C64 or the utility of an IBM PC, it definitely has one outstanding feature: It was built to last. By remarkable circumstance I was given this computer while just finishing elementary school, and pounded it playing ASCII-based games, word processing and BASIC programming through my Sophomore year in college in 1991. As evidenced by the picture, it’s barely the worse for wear. Throughout its active life it was connected to a Transtar daisy-wheel printer (still clacking away, though no drivers are available for it) and an acoustic-coupler 300 baud modem (since lost, although it never really worked anyway). Although this machine is still fully functional, it is now mostly used as a conversation piece.

