The IMSAI Series Two Computer
By James Grahame
Imagine it's 1975. Everything is olive green and burnt orange, you're driving a Pinto, and the Internet is decades away. One of the most popular "personal computers" is the awkwardly named IMSAI 8080. Nearly 20,000 will be built before succumbing to a wave of easier-to-pronounce products from Apple and IBM.
Fast-forward almost thirty years and you'll be just in time for its reintroduction.
The new IMSAI Series Two is a hybrid -- it can function as a vintage S-100 computer running the archaic CP/M operating system, but there's room for a modern Windows & Linux compatible motherboard as well. In essence, you're buying the ultimate retro case mod. If you're a true ubergeek, a USB port can be used to interface the vintage system with an external PC.
The machines are made by Fischer-Freitas Company, formed by a couple of IMSAI employees who bought the rights to the system in the late 1970s. This may be the best way to taste vintage computing -- not only does the re-released system offer USB and modern components, but you get support and software from the old company. Try that with your MITS Altair 8800 or Intertec Superbrain Jr.
The IMSAI Series Two starts at $995 and includes a classic (long) cabinet, power supply, USB-enabled front panel with blinky lights and flippy switches, S-100 system motherboard, and enough software to get you started. You'll have to provide your own ATX motherboard, hard drive, and accessories if you want to add a modern PC alongside the vintage system.
IMSAI Series Two USB (Fischer-Freitas Company)
Here's a look inside the new IMSAI's case. The classic S-100 system board is shown at the bottom, with a modern ATX PC motherboard above:
The latest front panel for the IMSAI Series Two offers decidedly modern USB connectors on the bottom right. Don't you love the eye-popping color scheme?
IMSAI had a brief moment of movie stardom as a prop in the 1984 movie Wargames with Matthew Broderick. Check out the hair: