It sounds like the plot of a tech enthusiast’s dream—a forgotten stash of early computing history, gathering dust in a barn for over two decades. Yet that’s exactly what happened when 2,200 NABU computers, relics of the dawn of the internet, were discovered in Massachusetts. Now, these once-innovative machines are being sold for a fraction of what they’re worth, and they’re making waves on eBay.
A Hidden Tech Treasure
In the quiet of rural Massachusetts, a barn was holding a secret—one that could change the way we look at the early days of personal computing. Inside, weighing as much as 11 cars, were NABU computers—massive machines that helped lay the groundwork for the internet as we know it. But the barn, long neglected and on the brink of collapse, was in danger of losing its valuable contents. That’s when James Pellegrini, a retired businessman, had no choice but to finally confront what had been stored for over 23 years.
Pellegrini, who had once dreamt of revolutionizing communication systems in the late 1980s, had stumbled upon these NABU computers at an auction after the company behind them went bankrupt. Enthralled by their potential, he bought up the entire lot and set out to make a business. Unfortunately, his vision never materialized. The project remained stuck in the planning stage, and the machines were left to collect dust in the barn, where they were all but forgotten.
What Exactly Is a NABU Computer ?
The NABU computers were groundbreaking for their time. Released in the early 1980s, they were packed with far more computing power and storage capacity than most machines available at the time. At a time when personal computing was still in its infancy, the NABU offered a glimpse into what the future of interconnected networks could be.
They were pivotal in the creation of early networked computer systems and even played a role in the initial infrastructure of the internet. Despite their innovative design, they were far ahead of their time and never really caught on with the broader public. Today, they stand as a fascinating example of early computing—pieces of history that not many people were aware existed, let alone were still around.
The Heartbreak of Storing a Dream
The story of the NABU computers isn’t just about technology; it’s about ambition, perseverance, and ultimately, failure. Pellegrini had invested not only his money but also a huge chunk of his hopes into the vision of a cutting-edge communication system for businesses. Yet the project, due to various financial and technical challenges, never saw the light of day. As the years passed, the computers were relegated to storage, gathering dust and growing obsolete.
But it wasn’t just the failure of the project that was a blow for Pellegrini. The weight of the machines, totaling over 20 tons, had become a serious structural risk for the barn. The aging building could no longer support the growing burden, and Pellegrini was forced to act. He first tried selling the computers on Craigslist, hoping to find a buyer. But as any collector knows, finding the right audience for rare items can be tricky. It was only when he turned to eBay that things took an unexpected turn.
The Unexpected Online Rush
In just a few days after listing them on eBay, Pellegrini saw a surprising amount of interest in the NABU computers. By the end of the week, he had sold nearly a quarter of his stock. The fascination with these retro machines was immediate, as tech enthusiasts and computer history buffs began snapping them up for under €100 each—essentially pennies for what were once incredibly innovative machines.
What started as a desperate attempt to clear out his barn had become a revival of interest in vintage computing. Suddenly, the NABU computers, which had been buried in a barn for more than two decades, were back in the spotlight—attracting buyers from all corners of the globe.
A Piece of History for Modern Collectors
The discovery and sale of these NABU computers isn’t just a quirky tale—it’s a reminder of how quickly technology evolves and how quickly the tools that shaped the modern world can become obsolete. But for collectors and tech enthusiasts, the NABU computers represent more than just old hardware. They’re a window into a past where personal computers were still in their experimental phase, where the internet was still a dream, and where innovation was happening on a small, passionate scale.
For some of the buyers, these computers will likely end up in museums or private collections. Others will try to restore them, perhaps in an effort to make them functional once again. Whatever their future, these machines represent a pivotal moment in computing history, a moment when something that might have seemed unimportant at the time—like the NABU computer—played a critical role in shaping the digital age.
It’s funny how time works. The NABU computers, once so cutting-edge, now barely fetch more than a hundred bucks on eBay. But in the hands of passionate collectors, they will continue to spark curiosity and admiration for years to come, preserving a sliver of history that might otherwise have been lost forever.
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Jason R. Parker is a curious and creative writer who excels at turning complex topics into simple, practical advice to improve everyday life. With extensive experience in writing lifestyle tips, he helps readers navigate daily challenges, from time management to mental health. He believes that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow.