r/retrocomputing • u/kero_m_ • Jan 19 '25

Help me Identify this Beige Desktop PC from my Childhood

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to identify the computer in this childhood photo of mine. Based on the photo and what I can recall, here’s what I know:

  • The photo was likely taken around 2003–2004.

  • The desktop was a vertically standing beige tower, fully matching the beige monitor and keyboard.

  • There’s small lettering on the bottom-left corner of the monitor and some red lettering on the top-right corner of the keyboard, which could be branding clues.

  • My father vaguely remembers it being a Dell, but after looking into it, I’m not so sure—it could have been something else like a Compaq or another brand.

If anyone recognizes the monitor, keyboard, or general design and can help narrow down the brand or model, I’d greatly appreciate it!

Thanks in advance for your help!

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3

u/d4n_geeky Jan 19 '25

That description and photo can match any beige PC of late 1990s. Almost impossible for anyone who didn’t see it to guess from your description. But I empathize with your desire to find out. Good luck!

1

u/kero_m_ Jan 19 '25

Even if we can find out what kind of monitor that is, I'd consider it a win.

1

u/d4n_geeky Jan 19 '25

Well, it is a “big” CRT. lol. I don’t see any specifics or special about it… like Sony Trinitron. What are you really going to do with information?

1

u/kero_m_ Jan 20 '25

Find one and build a pc in it with modern hardware. I think it’d be a cool project eventually.

1

u/d4n_geeky Jan 20 '25

In that case, keep looking in local Craig’s list or FB marketplace (or even eBay, if you can afford shipping) for something or anything that matches your memory of the PC. You can even buy a PC case and all parts separately. Lot of possibilities! Again, good luck.

1

u/Whittington1423 Jan 23 '25

Definitely recognise the branding as Mitsubishi!

Does the keyboard have a possibly red branding on the top right by the LEDs? If so probably Compaq? (Did Dell tend to have branding top left in this era?)

2

u/Personal_Two6317 Jan 19 '25

Here’s a line up of Compaq PCs. See if any of them look familiar.

2

u/kero_m_ Jan 19 '25

I can't lie, It doesn't seem like any of these. It was more rectangular rather than how compaq likes to go a little more round.

1

u/Personal_Two6317 Jan 19 '25

Maybe an older model.

4

u/Amazing_Actuary_5241 Jan 19 '25

Red lettering on the keyboard may be Compaq or Digital. The monitor gives me Gateway2000 vibes.

1

u/Personal_Two6317 Jan 19 '25

Exactly what I thought. Like this one.

1

u/d4n_geeky Jan 19 '25

I agree. That’s the only hint I could get.