Hunter Irving, a former guide and systems engineer at Living Computers: Museum + Labs in Seattle, has a deep love for vintage computers. After coming across a 1986 Apple Macintosh Plus in a thrift store, he decided to try and connect the nearly 40-year-old machine to the modern internet. While the initial attempt ended in a minor disaster with a blown capacitor filling his office with smoke, Irving was determined to make it work.
Originally from North Carolina, Irving’s passion for vintage computers started with his first machine, a Macintosh SE/30, which he received as a hand-me-down from his dad. After studying computer science at Appalachian State University, he visited Living Computers in Seattle and was immediately drawn to the facility. He eventually landed a job there and spent his time giving tours, interacting with guests, and helping to maintain operational machines.
Despite eventually leaving Living Computers for other engineering opportunities, Irving never lost his fascination with vintage computers. He continued to hunt for treasures at estate sales and thrift shops, occasionally adding to his growing collection of machines in his garage. After acquiring the Macintosh Plus and fixing the blown capacitor, Irving set out to connect it to the internet, ultimately creating his own tool, MacProxy Plus, to enable browsing capabilities for vintage machines.
Irving’s project not only allows him to access websites like Reddit, Wikipedia, and NPR.org on the 1986 Macintosh Plus but also run modern AI software such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. By sharing his code and documentation on GitHub, Irving hopes to inspire others to breathe new life into vintage machines and experience the unique blend of the past and present. The project is a testament to Irving’s dedication to preserving and exploring the history of computing technology.
In a world where the buzzwords of 2024 include artificial intelligence and generative AI, Irving’s project stands out as a testament to the unexpected possibilities when the future meets the past. By running ChatGPT on a 1986 Macintosh Plus computer, Irving showcases the blend of old and new technologies, creating a time machine effect that surprises and delights users. Through his work, Irving challenges the limitations of vintage machines and brings a sense of fun and creativity to the intersection of technology and history.
Irving’s journey with vintage computers, from his early fascination with the Macintosh SE/30 to his innovative work connecting the Macintosh Plus to the internet, highlights the enduring appeal of retro technology. His ability to bridge the gap between past innovations and modern advancements showcases the power of creativity and experimentation in the world of computing. As Irving continues his work exploring the possibilities of vintage machines, he invites others to join him in discovering the magic of blending the past and the present in a technological ode to nostalgia and innovation.
