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Buy the WarGames IMSAI 8080 and Possibly Impress Ally Sheedy

Posted by samzenpus on from the do-you-want-to-play-a-game? dept.

ilikenwf writes "Todd Fischer, the man behind this iconic prop from WarGames, the movie that spawned countless hackers, has come forward recently to announce its sale in the near future. Interestingly enough, the IMSAI 8080 still works, although the disk drive was damaged in shipping after the movie's conclusion, and was trashed."

103 comments

  1. Re:Fags by Shikaku · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Says the anon posting in it..

  2. Anything to PROVE it's the one? by Lumpy · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Honestly if it does not have the full paperwork and possibly all the actors signing the lid back then, it could be ANY Altair8080

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    1. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by Nyder · · Score: 2

      Honestly if it does not have the full paperwork and possibly all the actors signing the lid back then, it could be ANY Altair8080

      I don't think that will stop anyone. I'm not familiar with movie prop collecting, but it seems it would be hard to probably prove most the stuff was actually a prop that was used.

      Plus it's not like this guy just suddenly appeared and is claiming it's the computer. This guy was there from the beginning. Try reading this link:
      http://www.imsai.net/movies/wargames.htm

      --
      Be seeing you...
    2. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by hawguy · · Score: 0

      Matthew Broderick's used load of tissues is included, he left them after looking at monochromatic porn of your mom.

      Is monochromatic as far back as you can remember? It was probably ASCII porn downloaded at 300 or 1200 baud, so it could be time to reach for the tissues before the picture even finished downloading.

    3. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by anasciiman · · Score: 3, Informative

      It's an IMSAI not an Altair. Different critters entirely.

      --
      Think of me when you shave your legs...
    4. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by _merlin · · Score: 4, Funny

      Insightful? The guy doesn't even know the difference between an Altair and an IMSAI!

    5. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dude, I don't print my ASCII porn in color.

    6. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by cold+fjord · · Score: 1

      I suppose you could say that when it comes to CP/M, he isn't really a CompuPro, thank Godbout.

      --
      much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
    7. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by tlhIngan · · Score: 2

      I don't think that will stop anyone. I'm not familiar with movie prop collecting, but it seems it would be hard to probably prove most the stuff was actually a prop that was used.

      Plus it's not like this guy just suddenly appeared and is claiming it's the computer. This guy was there from the beginning. Try reading this link:
      http://www.imsai.net/movies/wargames.htm

      Depends on the prop. Special props made just for the show have distinguishing features that often show it's made for TV (usually poor quality, looks like crap up close, etc).

      But without official paperwork showing it was used in the movie, or some way to tie it to the movie (if the prop has distinguishing marks that positively identify that one unit to the movie), it is effectively worthless.

      At best, an undocumented prop should be sold as a "prop replica" if there's nothing to trace it directly back. Of course, unscrupulous sellers will sell it as a official prop.

      The way to document it would be to have its serial number recorded by a third party which can be cross-correlated with this unit. Or an official purchase invoice that shows the buyer as the studio and the serial number. Alternatively, since he's kept it all this time, he could include shots and other stuff and a notarized letter saying it's from the movie and what his credentials are in relation to the movie.

      All this only really matters if you want to resell it or send it to a museum and want to get more than what retail would get. It's all about provenance.

    8. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by adolf · · Score: 1

      Did you, you know, try reading the link?

      I did. Years and years ago. It's a lovely story about a prop computer that actually was a real computer, from the horse's mouth.

      Paperwork? The dude who built it is the dude who's selling it. WTF else do you want?

      --
      Kid-proof tablet..
    9. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It has ALL the original paperwork, shipping and receiving invoices, etc. It's the real deal!

    10. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by TWiTfan · · Score: 2

      but it seems it would be hard to probably prove most the stuff was actually a prop that was used

      Not really. The prop people usually get credits in the movie. And if the guy selling it has some sort of paper trail to the prop people or prop company credited in the movie (or better yet, he worked for them), it's pretty straightforward to demonstrate a highly likely case for authenticity. And reading the article, it looks like the person selling it had well-established ties to Mike Fink, the FX supervisor for the film.

      The fact that this is being auctioned off by Christie's indicates that they have made a pretty solid connection too. You can bet that Christie's researches their items pretty carefully before putting their name behind it.

      --
      The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
    11. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's an imsai and people have been paying attention to where it's been.. which is with this guy. He could be pulling a switcheroo but.

    12. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I suppose you could say that when it comes to CP/M, he isn't really a CompuPro, thank Godbout.

      *groan* This is how us old guys recognize each other. If a machine ever hopes to pass the Turing test, it'll also need a chronological index of everything it knows.

    13. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by QuietLagoon · · Score: 1

      it could be ANY Altair8080

      Ummm... no.

      .
      An Altair 8080 is a different computer entirely.

    14. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by Internal+Modem · · Score: 1

      How is this modded +3 when it shows the long-winded poster didn't even RTF?

    15. Re:Anything to PROVE it's the one? by toddestan · · Score: 1

      Besides, it would seem he does have plenty of paperwork. Linked from TFA:
      http://www.imsai.net/movies/provenance.htm

  3. Forget that shit, I want... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    ...the WOPR!!!!

    1. Re:Forget that shit, I want... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ...the WOPR!!!!

      That's what I assumed they were talking about when I read the summary. Don't know why they downmodded you for having the expected thought. Solid 3.

    2. Re:Forget that shit, I want... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      He wasn't downmodded. At the time of writing this, he was upmodded +1 Underrated.

  4. But it's not the WOPR! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Now THAT would be the bit of movie gear to have! :-)

    1. Re:But it's not the WOPR! by cold+fjord · · Score: 4, Interesting

      But it's not the WOPR! Now THAT would be the bit of movie gear to have! :-)

      It would be, but if I recall correctly it was only a prop wired for lights. Still, it would fun to have that in a data center, especially if its one that people tour.

      --
      much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
    2. Re:But it's not the WOPR! by JWSmythe · · Score: 2

      I'd *LOVE* to move it in to my datacenter. It might be a hard sell for the boss though..

          "So I have this really cool piece of IT history, we just need to move that row a few feet over. It shouldn't involve too much downtime." :)

      --
      Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.
    3. Re:But it's not the WOPR! by cold+fjord · · Score: 1

      My recollection was correct. There is quite a bit about the prop WOPR design and construction down a bit on this web page.
       

      --
      much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
    4. Re:But it's not the WOPR! by slew · · Score: 1

      But it's not the WOPR! Now THAT would be the bit of movie gear to have! :-)

      It would be, but if I recall correctly it was only a prop wired for lights. Still, it would fun to have that in a data center, especially if its one that people tour.

      As I recall, that although the WOPR (like other movie computers of that era) was basically a prop with dancing stereo equalizer lights for cinematic effect, I think there was actually an Apple ][ inside controlling an experimental flat panel display on the side.

    5. Re:But it's not the WOPR! by TWiTfan · · Score: 2

      Apparently, it was scrapped. Keep in mind, that was back in the days when movie props weren't considered particularly valuable assets. Today, they would probably do some sort of auction or at least warehouse it.

      --
      The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
  5. Déjà Vu by ArcadeMan · · Score: 5, Funny

    The only way to win the auction is to not place any bid.

    --
    Get free satoshi (Bitcoin) and Dogecoins
    1. Re:Déjà Vu by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      nice....

  6. Ally Sheedy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    is old now.

    pass.

    1. Re:Ally Sheedy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ... but still younger than me - I'm hoping my fully functional Johnny Five will impress her...

    2. Re:Ally Sheedy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      only $865 in lots of 25

    3. Re:Ally Sheedy by TWiTfan · · Score: 1

      She's also kind of nuts these days. Not completely Sean-Young-level-batshit-crazy, but definitely not the kind of person you would probably want to have to live with. Pretty common with aging actresses, unfortunately. There is nothing more unstable than a narcissistic actress going through fame withdrawls and hearing the word "No" for the first time in years.

      --
      The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
    4. Re:Ally Sheedy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, but so am I, and she still looks hot to me.

    5. Re:Ally Sheedy by technothrasher · · Score: 2

      > There is nothing more unstable than a narcissistic actress going through fame withdrawls and hearing the word "No" for the first time in years.

      You obviously know nothing about the woman. I happen to be good friends with her sister, and this description is not even close. She's far from narcissistic, and she basically quit the whole industry years ago because she didn't want the fame and simply wished to quietly live in peace.

    6. Re:Ally Sheedy by TWiTfan · · Score: 1

      And you obviously haven't seen just about any interview she's done in the last 15 years, or her appearance on just about any award show.

      --
      The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
  7. Disk drives by Captain_Cozmic · · Score: 2

    Wonder if it's an 8" floppy drive. I still have a few of those sitting around that work. And we used to think that a SSSD disk with 241K was something. Or that DSDD with almost 1 Meg was a wonder to behold. Unless it was one of the new Seagate 5 MB hard drives. Think they used to sell for around $1200 at the time.

    1. Re:Disk drives by d'baba · · Score: 4, Informative

      The drives are 8" Calcomp pizza ovens. These were the original drives for the IMSAI 8080. We sold them along with the 8080 kits.

      Hi, Todd! Good luck on the auction.

    2. Re:Disk drives by Megane · · Score: 2

      I used to work on the computer of a place back in the day. They had a TRS-80 Model II which ran CP/M. It had a 5 megabyte hard drive. The hard drive was split into 4 partitions.

      --
      #naabhaprzrag, #sverubfr-000, #agi-fcbafberq, negvpyr[pynff*=' negvpyr-ary-'] { qvfcynl: abar !vzcbegnag; }
    3. Re:Disk drives by cold+fjord · · Score: 2

      On the IMSAI web site they have a "garage sale" listing at the bottom of the page. They list both 8" and 5 1/4" drives. You might even be able to get 3.5" drives working with it. I seem to recall reading about some CP/M system mods for other systems that would allow that.

      --
      much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
    4. Re:Disk drives by d'baba · · Score: 5, Informative

      The later IMSAI models ran the Calcomp and PerSci 8" drives along with the 5.25 and 3.5 sizes. Also, around the time the VDP-80 with 8085 boards replacing the 8080's saw a Rob Barnaby, et. al. rewrite of CP/M which we called and shipped as IMDOS.

    5. Re:Disk drives by cold+fjord · · Score: 1

      Sounds like that would make for a fairly powerful CP/M system even if not up the SB-180 levels. I think that would probably fun to play with, and useful to boot.

      --
      much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
    6. Re:Disk drives by fyngyrz · · Score: 1

      and useful to boot.

      Well, face it, it won't be very useful if you don't boot it...

      --
      I've fallen off your lawn, and I can't get up.
    7. Re:Disk drives by co1d+fjord · · Score: 0

      pesronally i think that old computers are stupid. and anyone who wants to have an old computer that works and to use it as a computers is stupid. if you use it as a fishbowel or a toilet that i would understand. but otherwise just stupid.

      --
      Password: WDZHcjcV You can have this account for free trolling scum fucks.
    8. Re:Disk drives by dcw3 · · Score: 0

      pesronally i think that old computers are stupid. and anyone who wants to have an old computer that works and to use it as a computers is stupid. if you use it as a fishbowel or a toilet that i would understand. but otherwise just stupid.

      Personally, I think anyone who thinks what the parent thinks is stupid. An old computer that works can still be used as a basic tool. We still have an old 386 that takes inventory for a lab. Why update it? It's not on a network...no malware concern...no software updates necessary. Should we go blow a few hundred bucks on a new PC that will require additional hundreds in IT support? I don't think so.

      I personally own some old working TI calculators (see http://www.vintagecalculators.com/html/texas_instruments_2500.html). They work, should I throw them away?

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
  8. A strange game by Roachie · · Score: 1

    ... the only winning move is to not bid.

    --
    This sig is not paradoxical or ironic.
  9. Re:Fags by cold+fjord · · Score: 2, Insightful

    You do realize that you are hurling invective about gays in a story centered around a young man trying to impress a pretty young lady, and which contained some innocent but sexually charged moments between them? That isn't really a gay theme. When you went to post you could have made a useful comment. Instead you blew past useful, past useless, to stupid and ironic. That isn't a good practice in life.

    --
    much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don't even know that fire is hot - George Orwell
  10. Re:Fags by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So which are you?

  11. ask the gold and silver pawn shop to make an offer by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 0

    ask the gold and silver pawn shop to make an offer.

  12. How much for Ally Sheedy? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How much for Ally Sheedy?

    She's more than a woman. More than a woman to me.

    1. Re:How much for Ally Sheedy? by Gothmolly · · Score: 2

      1980s Ally Sheedy, or "now" Ally Sheedy?

      http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Ally_Sheedy.jpg/220px-Ally_Sheedy.jpg

      --
      I want to delete my account but Slashdot doesn't allow it.
    2. Re:How much for Ally Sheedy? by OhSoLaMeow · · Score: 2

      1980s Ally Sheedy, or "now" Ally Sheedy?

      http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Ally_Sheedy.jpg/220px-Ally_Sheedy.jpg

      Stephanie ... change color!

      --
      They can take my LifeAlert pendant when they pry it from my cold dead fingers.
    3. Re:How much for Ally Sheedy? by wildstoo · · Score: 1

      You still would though. You know you would.

  13. Why do you repeat your subject in the body? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Why do you repeat your subject in the body?

  14. How about Jodie Foster? by TheGoodNamesWereGone · · Score: 1

    Obligatory, really.

    1. Re:How about Jodie Foster? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Only if she is disrobed, immobile, with a bowl of hot soup.

      Wait... is that right? Doh!

    2. Re:How about Jodie Foster? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Obligatory, really.

      1. You didn't shave your head into a Mohawk to impress her did you?
      2. She probably doesn't swing that way...

    3. Re:How about Jodie Foster? by TheGoodNamesWereGone · · Score: 1

      FWIW just a few seconds after posted it, I flagged my own comment here as being in poor taste.

    4. Re:How about Jodie Foster? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you think THAT'S poor taste, try going down on Jodie Foster sometime.

  15. Got one right now downstairs. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    hmm, I still have one I cut my programming chops on right now. Initially programmed with the switches on the front, then a teletype 33. Added northstar DOS and a disk drive and I was rocking. Great bit of history.

  16. No thanks. by PopeRatzo · · Score: 1

    Have you seen Ally Sheedy recently? I'm not saying she's had a lot of work, but when she smiles, her face squeaks.

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  17. I'd rather have... by Horshu · · Score: 2

    Wyatt's computer from "Weird Science".

    1. Re:I'd rather have... by uncle+slacky · · Score: 1

      That would be the Memotech MTX 512... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memotech_MTX

      --
      Windows is like the faint smell of piss in a subway: it's there, and there's nothing you can do about it.
  18. It could by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    be worse.

  19. Ebay... by Richy_T · · Score: 1

    The only way to win is not to play.

    1. Re:Ebay... by Richy_T · · Score: 4, Funny

      Ug. Not even second with that. Mod me to obscurity, please...

    2. Re:Ebay... by slothman32 · · Score: 1

      I can't mod but I did give a chuckle.

      --
      Why don't you guys have friends or journals?
  20. Who's Ally Sheedy? by GoChickenFat · · Score: 1

    If you're the gray haired guy looking for a job or the kid's giving him advice you've probably never heard of her.

  21. keep your marbles by Tastecicles · · Score: 1

    I want the computer from Eagle Eye. Aria, I think her name was.

    "Operation Guillotine is in effect."

    Ooh, that sounds like a new sig happening right there.

    --
    Operation Guillotine is in effect.
  22. Ok so you impress Ally Sheedy but by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    will you get laid by her?

    Besides the PC from Electric Dreams would be so much better.Virginia Madsen is so much hotter.

    1. Re:Ok so you impress Ally Sheedy but by lxs · · Score: 1

      Who cares? You'll get to hang out with a guy who flies RC pterodactyl gliders.

  23. Somebody is out of touch with reality. by ChrisKnight · · Score: 5, Informative

    From the linked article: "It is currently appraised at over $25,000, potentially making it the most expensive "personal computer" ever!"

    There's an Apple I up for auction that is expected to haul in half a million.

    --
    -- This sig is only a test. If this were a real sig it would say something witty. --
    1. Re:Somebody is out of touch with reality. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And that Apple One was in WHAT movie?

    2. Re:Somebody is out of touch with reality. by gl4ss · · Score: 1

      And that Apple One was in WHAT movie?

      couple of documents.

      besides, you can spec up a brand new apple at 25k$..
      but more than that.. 1987 you could buy a 386dx for 10 grand of 1987 cash as starting price(and double it with addons).

      that's not to say anything about next, sgi etc computers.

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
    3. Re:Somebody is out of touch with reality. by drinkypoo · · Score: 5, Funny

      There's an Apple I up for auction that is expected to haul in half a million.

      That's nothing. You should see what they want for the latest Mac Pro.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    4. Re:Somebody is out of touch with reality. by OakDragon · · Score: 1

      This topic reminds me of an old "SoftSide" article about a TRS-80 (4K, Level 1) that provided some "computer console" effects for Star Trek : The Motion Picture.

      The $44,000 Star Trek! Game ( [sic] - the article's title does have the exclamation point, and the program is not really a game)

      Program listing included. Some conversion will probably be needed for your new IMSAI, but I can't say for sure.

      --
      Dark Reflection
  24. Might not be the original by kbsoftware · · Score: 1

    I've been reading a few comments else where that this is not the original. The original was destroyed and another was built for some commercials and the second movie. I found an image from the original movie and looking at the image on the website they do look a bit different. Even so would be cool to have the WOPR instead :) http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/WarGames-Sheedy-and-Broderick-on-computer.jpg

    1. Re:Might not be the original by lxs · · Score: 1

      I think you'll find that there is no such thing as a second Wargames movie. It's a myth like the sequels to the Matrix and the Star Wars prequels.

    2. Re:Might not be the original by kannibal_klown · · Score: 1

      LOL. Yeh.

      I mean, it was neat to see them fire up the old WOPR again towards the end. And Claudia Black's voice was cool for the new computer.

      But beyond that, it was hardly a worthy sequel to such a classic.

    3. Re:Might not be the original by Custard+Horse · · Score: 1

      They made a sequel? I'll file that one next to Highlander 2 and Escape from L.A.

    4. Re:Might not be the original by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, it wasn't as good as Highlander 2 was as a sequel.

    5. Re:Might not be the original by kbsoftware · · Score: 1

      WarGames The Dead Code http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WarGames:_The_Dead_Code http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ63ZyyGQTI

    6. Re:Might not be the original by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, you're thinking of the WOPR (not the original machine, I mean.)

  25. editorial fail by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Really, why do you even think you're needed if you're going to be like this?

  26. To heck with the WOPR! by tlambert · · Score: 3, Funny

    To heck with the WOPR!

    I want that acoustic coupled modem that was capable of autodialing! That's technology indistinguishable from magic, baby!

    1. Re:To heck with the WOPR! by Bill,+Shooter+of+Bul · · Score: 1

      Even as a 4 year old watching the movie I was confused about that...

      --
      Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
  27. Re:Fags by wbr1 · · Score: 1

    So.. that's why you're here? Kindreded spirits and all?

    --
    Silence is a state of mime.
  28. Just checked with Justin Long and John Hodgman by EGenius007 · · Score: 1

    And was informed that a Mac is not a PC.

    --
    I know what you did last summer. Just kidding, I don't work at the NSA.
    1. Re:Just checked with Justin Long and John Hodgman by gl4ss · · Score: 1

      And was informed that a Mac is not a PC.

      and apple 1 is not a mac and neither that or imsai 8080 are ibm pc's.
      personal computers anyways.

      you could spec a more expensive ibm pc quite easily though.

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
  29. It's missing the sticker by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If you look at the shot from the movie, there's a giant sticker on it. It's not on the one you can buy. It's not the same unit.

  30. I've got one of those by RobertNotBob · · Score: 1
    I still have one of those, - I even still have the outer case (and docs) for it.

    I never did have any disk drives for it; I had to reenter the code every time I turned it on.

    ...

    I've always credited it (we call it Blinky, BTW... since that's all it does) with my career in IT. - My dad was the first guy in the neighborhood with an actual computer and I was writing assembler code in 1978. I learned two things:1) digital processing was the wave of the future, and 2) I didn't want to be a programmer (I'm a network security engineer). - But of course, if you've ever done assembler code by switching 8 toggles up and down to form Hex instructions one-by-one, you'll understand.

    I was keeping it purely for sentimental reasons... but if this guy builds a furver for it... maybe I finally get the infamous DotDotDot :

    1- get a computer in grade school

    2- build a career in IT

    3) ...

    4) Profit!

    :)

    --
    ___ I don't respond to Anonymous Cowards, and I Never Mod them UP.
  31. I'd want the WOPR or nothing. by BetaDays · · Score: 1

    Yep.

    --
    Paul: Father... father, the sleeper has awakened! - Dune