My journey with computers began in the mid-1980s, though my fascination started years earlier as a young boy. Throughout my extensive career, I’ve held various expert and leadership roles in ICT infrastructure and procurement. I started collecting computers and games 20-30 years ago—first recovering machines I had owned, then pursuing those I had dreamed about, and eventually preserving everything related to vintage computing.

I experienced the magic of computers when I first encountered the Commodore 64. Before that moment, I knew little about computers or information technology, but I was captivated and eager to begin my journey into the digital world. Since then, I’ve owned dozens of computers and gaming machines, and miraculously, the magic remains. Initially, I was only interested in the latest technology, but now vintage computers have become more than a hobby. While others invest in new gadgets, I invest in old treasures—and I’m proud of that.

A couple of months later, I acquired my first computer, the Spectravideo 328. Initially, the setup consisted of just the machine and a cassette drive. Over time, I added a dot matrix printer, a 605 expansion unit, 80-column and serial communication cards, along with plenty of software, magazines, and game controllers. My next computer was the Commodore 128, which I used mainly for gaming—programming on it felt far too difficult.

Then I saw my friend’s Atari 520ST. I studied everything I could find about that machine and concluded I needed one. Fortunately, my parents understood and bought me the Atari 520ST. I used various Atari models for several years, culminating with the Atari Mega ST. During this time, I borrowed a Nokia MikroMikko 3TT from a friend. After the Atari Mega ST4, the PC felt completely underwhelming.

But the computer world changed, and so did I. I sold my Atari and purchased my first PC, the AST Premium 286. At the time, the AST Premium (Intel 286, 8MHz, 1MB RAM) with a 14″ color monitor cost approximately 14,000 FIM (equivalent to 4,400 EUR today). Computing wasn’t cheap!

Over the years, I’ve owned countless PC configurations and gaming machines. Decades ago, I began collecting vintage computers and consoles, initially recovering all the machines I had owned or dreamed of as a youth. Since then, the collection has grown into one of Finland’s largest. At first, I wondered why I continued collecting this ”scrap,” but my motivation became clear: I decided to play my part in preserving computing history.

I am proud of my collection and I really hope that you enjoy it as well.