Frequently Asked Questions

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We are your one-stop-shop for vintage or retro computer props and set decoration. We work together with your television, streaming, film, commercial, or theatrical production or photo shoot to provide the most authentic and period correct vintage computer presentation with items from the private collections of our affiliates. Not only do our collections include common, everyday systems but we also have museum-grade, hard-to-find, and ultra-rare machines from yesteryear you won't find at any prop house.

We have a diverse network of Affiliate Collectors across the US and Canada. Our Affiliate Collectors are some of the most passionate, authoritative subject matter experts in vintage computing. We seek out, restore, repair and maintain collections of vintage computers and related items. All our Affiliate Collectors go through training and follow a process designed to provide your project/production a boutique, white glove vintage computer rental experience exceeding your expectations!

Our private collections include desktops, towers, portables, laptops, and servers from the 1970's, 1980's 1990's and 2000's. Rented desktop, tower and server systems include period-correct CRT or LCD monitor, keyboard, and mouse (if appropriate). We have a wide range of manufacturers including Apple & Macintosh, Dell, HP, IBM, Leading Edge, and Toshiba just to name a few.

Great question! Our collections include both functioning and non-functioning systems. Be sure to discuss functionality requirements with your Affiliate Collector during your Rental Engagement Scoping Session.

The short answer is some can and some can’t. The older the computer, the more difficult and time-consuming it is to display media, if possible at all. For some general rules of thumb: 

• Computers from the late 1970’s and early 1980's may have applications available that can display styled text, some even have low-resolution clip art. These computers would have monochrome or color “tube-type” CRT monitors
• Starting in the mid to late 1980’s, computers began to have more advanced graphics capabilities, however transferring a logo or other artwork may or may not be possible depending on the specific computer
• Computers from the mid to late 1990’s, also known as the “Multimedia Era”, can show lower resolution client-provided artwork and have the ability to play low resolution 4:3 aspect ratio video clips. This is the last generation of non-portable computers to vastly use “tube-type” CRT monitors.
• Computers from the late 1990’s into the 2000’s have the ability to play higher resolution video clips. The earlier non-portable computers from this era used “tube-type” CRT monitors, however LCD flat panels quickly dominated the market.

Be sure to discuss any image, artwork or video clip requests with your Affiliate Collector.

Lots of other items! Our collections go well beyond just computers, monitors, keyboards and mice. We also have vintage network equipment, printers, drawing tablets, scanners, joysticks, speakers, floppy disks and other media, manuals, magazines, books and posters, original boxes and packaging, and many other peripherals, accessories and collectables. Some of our collectors also have additional vintage items like rotary and other analog telephones, early cell phones, gaming consoles, audio equipment, and other electronics.

We offer shipped, local pickup/return, and rentals by special arrangements that may include equipment transportation by the Affiliate Collector and/or other special services. 

Special services like on-location support can be provided and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to discuss with your Affiliate Collector during your Rental Engagement Scoping Session.

If you'll be recording video of a "tube-type" CRT monitor, make sure your camera and environment are set up properly. Consult this article for some great CRT recording tips.

Some vintage computers have hardware components, like fans, that can produce a lot of noise.  Please discuss any strict noise restrictions your shoot may have with your Affiliate Collector.  

No problem, we can help. Let us know the specifics of your research or other educational project and we'll work with you to provide a custom solution tailored your needs.

Yes! VintageComputerRental.com is committed to assisting student productions and projects.  We want to encourage the growth and development of future media producers and those with academic pursuits involving vintage technology.

Vintage computer rental discounts are available for qualifying high school and college/university productions and projects.

Rental Inquiry submissions must come from a valid high school or college/university email address and statement from teacher, professor, or school’s production/project leader including description of production/assignment is required.  Other limitations may apply.

All you need to do is submit a Rental Inquiry, we'll do the rest. Please be sure to include details like:

• Is your project for TV, Streaming, Film, Theater, Commercial, Photography, or Education? Other? 

• Are specific computer makes/models needed? 

• Are specific form factors like desktop, laptop, all-in-one, or printers needed? 

• Are specific year(s) needed?

• Do the systems need to function? 

• Are there specific scene settings like Home, School, Small Office, and/or Government/Large Business? Other scene settings? 

• List location(s) for your vintage computer needs 

Based on your location and requirements, we'll explore our network to find an Affiliate Collector who may be able to provide a solution. You'll then work collaboratively together during the Rental Engagement Scoping Session to thoroughly review your project's vintage computer needs. The Affiliate Collector would then furnish you with a proposal for any solution they can provide. 

We've made this as easy as possible for you. All invoicing and payments will be between you/your organization and your Affiliate Collector.

You can get the details on membership in our affiliate collector network here. 

Yes! Please follow us on our LinkedIn page.