Obsolescence Guaranteed

What do you actually get? A replica of a fabled historical Blinkenlights computer. Like the PDP-11 (where Unix grew up). Or an Enigma cipher machine (remembering the WW II codebreakers that triggered the computer revolution). Done in scale 2:3, most have a width of ~12 inches. Fully functional, full of ancient software.

These are not mass-produced. They're hand-built by our small team. For the last 11 years, we've been doing this: taking time, care, and a genuine love for the craft.

Our replicas have a remarkably lively community of enthusiasts and users. Among them is a strong representation of thought leaders and business figures in the IT industry — including founders and CEOs who have taken an active personal interest, and in the case of the PiDP-10, even pushed its development forward.

Pictured here with permission is Ken Thompson, co-creator of Unix and Turing Award winner, with his PiDP-11.

These machines were designed by a passionate group of computer history hobbyists (called "Obsolescence Guaranteed"), for fellow enthusiasts, universities and museums. But then a technology executive contacted us and ordered a hundred PiDP-11s, to give to his clients and prospects. That made us realise: these machines resonate far beyond the retrocomputing community. So we are making this page for companies who might appreciate the same thing. If your business contacts are seriously tech-minded, with an appreciation for computing culture, we are quite sure they will absolutely love this. As a conversation piece on their desk. Or in the reception area. For really tech-minded people, these historical machines have a huge credibility.

Mix any models freely within a single order.

Enigma (1923–45)

WWII's infamous cipher machine, part of the Alan Turing story that triggered the computer revolution.
From $148

PDP-11/70 (1975)

Where Unix grew up, where Windows NT has its roots (RSX-11). The most influential minicomputer ever.

From $296

PDP-10 (1968)

The machine that gave birth to hacker culture and the ARPANET. Home of MIT's legendary ITS OS.

From $396

PDP-8/I (1968)

The first mass-produced minicomputer. Its minimalist, elegant design inspired everything from microcontrollers to MS-DOS.
From $244

PDP-1 (1959)

The original hacker machine. First videogame (Spacewar!), first text editor, first computer music.

From $280

What you receive

Each PiDP is a fully working replica — a Raspberry Pi running emulation software behind a faithfully reproduced front panel with genuine toggle switches and Blinkenlights, booting into period operating systems pre-loaded on the SD card. Each PiDP measures roughly 30 cm wide and runs on any Raspberry Pi (please budget ~$30 extra per unit if you want us to include a Pi).

These are not promotional trinkets that end up in a drawer. A PiDP replica earns a permanent spot on a desk — a substantial, beautiful machine that tells a story every time someone walks by.

And they are not dead objects. Around each PiDP there is a vibrant community of enthusiasts who write new software for them, restore period operating systems, share tips, and keep the history alive. When your client or prospect receives one, they join something real.

We provide genuine support — if they have a question, we answer it. And because this gift comes from a group of passionate Makers rather than a faceless supplier, it reflects well on the company that chose it. You are not just giving a machine; you are supporting a community and a craft.

These replicas were designed by a whole group of serious computer history enthusiasts — people whose names any client with a passing interest in computing history might well recognise and like. Obsolescence Guaranteed is an informal group of insiders who come together on these projects, each bringing deep knowledge of the machines they are recreating. That authenticity is why these replicas are found in universities and museums worldwide.

Rated 4.9 / 5 from 22 reviews on Tindie

Each replica has its own standard price — the PiDP-11 differs from the PiDP-8, and the Enigma touch differs from both. But for corporate orders we offer a simple volume discount on top of the standard price.

Example: 10 PiDP-11s at 10% off = $3,330 total. 50 Enigmas at 20% off = $9,400 total.

You might wonder, why no bigger discounts? We are a group of computer history hobbyists and Makers. We're not here to maximise profit, but to keep doing what we love. Our standard prices are already close to cost price. You are buying from people who care deeply about keeping these systems alive through replicas, and that is precisely what makes these gifts special.

The informal Obsolescence Guaranteed group started 11 years ago, and for the first 8 years, we made them at home. As the replicas multiplied (PDP-8, PDP-11, PDP-10, PDP-1), it became clear we needed a proper micro-factory, for the passion to do each replica justice: enough storage for parts, a proper assembly bench, and people who care about the work.

So we kick-started CEDS (Chiriquí Electronic Design Studio) in Panama. Jose — our lead Maker — runs the studio together with three younger team members. They hand-assemble every PiDP, test each one, pack it with care, and ship it out. No assembly line, no automation for the sake of it — just careful, deliberate work by people who take pride in what they build.

Every unit has a small "Assembled by" label with the Maker's name.

Options to make the gift your own:

• Engraved plaque — aluminium plaque mounted on the front cabinet, with your company logo or a short message. +$15 per unit.
• Custom SD image — a startup banner with your company name. One-time $200 setup for orders of 20+.
• Custom packaging — branded outer sleeve or box insert. We will quote.

Request a quote → oscar@ceds.dev

Tell us which models you are interested in and roughly how many units. We respond within 48 hours with a firm quote.

Lead times: orders up to 25 units ship within 2 weeks of order confirmation; up to 50 units, 4 weeks; up to 100 units, 2 months. Need a sample unit to evaluate first? We can arrange that — just ask.

Can I order a sample before committing to volume?
Absolutely. Contact us and we will arrange a single unit of any model for you to evaluate.

What is the minimum order?
There is no minimum — you can order a single unit at standard price. Volume pricing kicks in at 10+ units.

What if a unit arrives damaged or defective?
We test every unit before it leaves our studio, but if something goes wrong, we replace it. Just let us know.

What payment methods do you accept?
We can invoice companies on payment terms (net-30 available), accept credit cards, or bank transfer — whatever works for your procurement process.

Can you send gifts to multiple recipients?
Yes — we can split a single order across multiple destinations. Let us know when you enquire.

Do I need to supply anything extra?
Each PiDP replica requires a Raspberry Pi computer (not included). Any model from Pi 2 to Pi 5 works, including the Pi Zero 2. Budget roughly $35–80 per unit. Your local electronics distributor can supply them in bulk.

Do you provide support for our end customers?
Absolutely. If your clients or prospects receive a replica from you and have questions about it, we handle the support directly — setup help, software questions, or any issues. Your company does not need to become a retrocomputing help desk. We take care of that.

How do you handle delivery?
We can ship a bulk order to your offices (the better idea), or send each unit straight on to your end clients if you prefer. Trouble-free, all import duties paid, fully tracked.