What do Palm Pilots, reel-to-reel tape decks, and transistor radios have in common?

They’re all obsolete electronics featured in the Georgia Tech Library’s latest exhibit - retroTECH.

So far, the retroTECH exhibit showcased an early wearable device loaned by Associate Professor Thad Starner, a Commodore 64 computer, the first pocket-sized scientific calculator, Apple’s first portable computer, modems from the 1980s and ‘90s and much more.

Currently displaying in the Library West Commons, retroTECH is a crowd-sourced exhibit of treasured technology from the personal collections of Georgia Tech faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

Viewers are invited to explore the personal side of our technological lives –both in-person and online – by coming to the Library and voting online for their favorite items.

"It’s been amazing to see the amount of interest the Georgia Tech community has in vintage technologies. There are seemingly infinite treasures hidden in the closets of our staff, students, faculty, and alumni,” said Wendy Hagenmaier, Digital Archivist at the Library.

A call for material went out in late September resulting in more than 70 submissions.

Mechanical Engineering student Jayce Delker loaned a vintage Philco Predicta Holiday Television, and a few radios, including one he restored and painted for President G.P. "Bud" Peterson.

“I love vintage electronics and I have an extensive collection at home,” said Delker, who enjoys collecting and restoring old electronics in his spare time.

“I bought it [Philco] from a friend in January 2014 and I restored it over the course of six months,” he added.

More old and awesome tech devices are scheduled to go on display in the Library now through early December.

“As we look toward the future, a crucial piece of the Library's vision is to inspire people to explore the past and design the future, and we hope retroTECH is doing just that,” said Hagenmaier.

The retroTECH exhibit is located across from the Library Services Desk on the first floor of the Library.