Here I am in the spring of 1989, using our new IBM 286 - model 30. The total cost with the printer was about $2900.00. The Panasonic printer (24 pin) alone was about 3 or 4 hundred – and very difficult to use. The paper feed was called "tractor feed", and used bulldozer type belts to transport the paper. The printer was very noisy, and a long print job forced you out of the room.

The computer came completely empty with no DOS operating system. To get it to boot, I had to “borrow” a copy of DOS 3.2, format the 20 meg. Hard drive and transfer the system files. Then it would boot to a C:\ prompt. Wow! Still it couldn’t do anything until I installed my first program (First Choice - $99.00). Considering our wages, computing was very expensive.

I'm using a program call Professional Write to mail-merge a gun rights related letter to our congressmen. I still have the file/letter, BTW. Also, I used to do some writing for Precision Shooting Magazine. Made a few hundred bucks too.

A box of 10 High density floppies were about $35.00 at this time. This old computer will still boot up, although the CMOS battery is dead. Also, the floppy doesn’t work anymore.

At this time, no mouse or speakers were used. No internet either, at least for me. The color monitor was a 12 or 13 inch model.

Oh yes, we owned an ill handling 1985 Fiero. It was really a death trap. They used the front end chassis of a Chevette, for the backend of this car. Nice engineering. The concept of the plastic car was very good, but they allowed the bean counters too much control. With a proper sports car suspension, it may have lasted for a long time. It sold really well for the first few years, but died a quick death.

That is about all I can glean from the photo.