The first computer I ever used was my middle school computer lab’s Apple IIe. It was a clunky keyboard-only machine that displayed all my Lemonade Stand game sessions in a monotone green. For a kid of the 1980s without a home computer, though, the Apple IIe was an amazing piece of technology.
But what about today? Will children spoiled by operating systems, smartphones, tablets and voice recognition appreciate a computer from 30 years ago, or even be able to figure out how to use it? The folks at Kids React decided to find out, recording youngsters aged 6 to 13 encountering and learning antique computer tech for the first time. The results, of course, are predictably entertaining.
“It’s green, which makes it look ugly,” says one girl.
“At least it’s better than Flappy Bird,” says another.
I won’t ruin the rest of it for you, but if you have 7 minutes to kill and want to see what kids think of our collective past, it’s a fun use of your time. Be warned, though: Even if you’re in your late 20s, this video will make you feel old as dirt.
Check it out below. If you like what you see, be sure to check out what these kids have to say when they encounter the Sony Walkman, another piece of 1980s tech, for the first time.
From Mike Hixson on May 30, 2014 :: 4:24 pm
Same way I reacted 30 years ago!
How about doing one on ‘early networking’? I remember the fun of installing and using early network software and products.
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From Josh Kirschner on May 30, 2014 :: 5:07 pm
I don’t know if we’re going to do a story on early network software, but for your enjoyment, here’s a an audio file of a dial-up modem connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNaR6FRuO0&feature=kp
Enjoy!
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