These computers were stored on the farm without being used or exposed; because they were so numerous and weighed as much as 11 cars, it was impossible to move them. However, By offering it for sale on eBay, Pellegrini found a unique opportunity to recoup his investment after 20 years.
In the late 1980s, James Pellegrini had an ambitious vision. An engineer and technology enthusiast, Pellegrini wanted to create a telephony system for small businesses using NABU computers, A brand, though now forgotten, that once promised to revolutionize the way people communicate.
To realize his idea, Pellegrini acquired 2,200 NABU computers at an auction in 1989. He never revealed the exact price he paid, but he always maintained that it was an irresistible offer.
The computers were equipped with the Z80 processor and were innovative for their time. They were designed to connect to networks and download software, and had capabilities that made them unique. However, Pellegrini’s dream never came to fruition. For reasons he did not specify, the project never took off and the computers were stored in his barn for more than 20 years.
Over time, the weight of the computers began to strain the structure of the hangar, bringing it to the brink of collapse. That’s when Pellegrini decided he had to do something with this massive inventory.
Rather than throw them away, Pellegrini opted to sell them online. He initially posted ads on Craigslist for $20 each, but it didn’t generate much interest. YesHowever, when he moved the sale to eBay and set the price at $59.99, the story took an unexpected turn.
Forgotten for decades, NABU computers have found new life on an online sales platform. The community of vintage collectors and hardware hackers quickly became interested in these machines, due in large part to their almost new condition. Each unit was “new old stock,” meaning it remained in its original box without any use.
Initial interest was moderate, until popular vintage YouTuber Adrian Black posted a video about NABU computers.In the video, Black demonstrated the capabilities of the machines and the possibility of modifying them and using them in current projects. This sparked a buying frenzy, and in just three days, Pellegrini was able to sell nearly 25% of his inventory.
NABU computers did not attract attention as collectors’ items only. Despite their age, they had features that made them effective even in today’s context. They can go online, download software, make purchases, and access banking services. Additionally, they served as entertainment hubs, allowing users to play titles like “Managers Baseball,” which used the real names and statistics of MLB teams and players.
The emergence of these computers is also partly due to the history of the brand. NABU, which stands for “Natural Access to Two-Way Utilities”, It is a Canadian initiative that was launched in 1983, long before the Internet became a global phenomenon.
The brand offered a service similar to AOL, but over cable networks rather than telephone modems. The service was intended to revolutionize communication, but it was ahead of its time and ultimately failed.
Not only did the eBay sales success bring Pellegrini a windfall, it also revived interest in NABU among vintage technology enthusiasts. Figures like Sean Malseed of the Action Retro YouTube channel and DJ Sures, a programmer and NABU enthusiast, have helped keep the history of these machines alive.
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