News

2012-02-04 00:29 I could murder an Amstrad

An Amstrad PCW 9512 makes its Starring-the-Computer debut: a very brief appearance in a new Midsomer Murders episode A Rare Bird.

2012-01-31 22:23 iBook G3

Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams has a very brief outing for Starring-the-Computer's first Apple iBook G3.

2012-01-22 23:13 64 is 30

The Commodore 64 just turned 30 and here it is making a brief appearance in the 1985 film Chiller.

2011-12-20 23:58 Parker's 8800

The first episode of season 12 of Parker Lewis Can't Lose features both a Atari Mega ST and a MITS Altair 8800.

2011-12-13 22:59 A couple of PCs

Working Girl features a IBM PS/2 Model 50/70 and the season 9 Facts of Life episode Dear Apple has a vital role for a IBM PC XT.

2011-11-25 23:35 Victor 9000/Sirius 1

The second series Bergerac episode A Message for the Rich has a small role for Starring-the-Computer's first Sirius 1.

2011-11-18 19:28 Hot Tub Freaks

Two more computers make their Starring-the-Computer debuts. There is a Casio Cassiopeia E-100 in Eight Legged Freaks, and an Alienware Area 51 m15x in Hot Tub Time Machine (along with the briefest of glimpses of an Apple IIc).

2011-10-25 22:45 Aptiva S

Thanks to Bruce for spotting that the mystery computer in Bullet Ballet was an IBM Aptiva S.

2011-10-22 00:11 Mega Mac Update

Here's a big update of Apple Mac appearances. The Park is Mine, The Shaman and Hot Pursuit all feature a Macintosh. The Only Fools and Horses episode The Jolly Boy's Outing has a Macintosh SE. Jurassic Park III has a Macintosh IIcx/IIci. Mosura 2 - Kaitei no daikessen and Home Alone 3 both feature Power Macintoshes with Home Alone adding a Powerbook 5300 and two Starring-the-Computer newcomers, the IBM Thinkpad 760 and the Palm Pilot 1000/5000. Les Poupees Ruuse has an iMac G3 and a Macbook. Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay has a iMac G5, an Macbook and a Nokia 770. The Devil Wears Prada has an iMac G5 and a Macbook Pro. Chloe and Bedtime Stories both feature the Aluminum iMac and also have a Macbook and a Macbook Pro respectively.

2011-10-18 22:49 VTech Laser 128

The film Prison offers Starring-the-Computer's first appearance of a VTech Laser 128.

2011-10-15 22:57 Three Compaqs

Three Compaq PCs make their Starring-the-Computer debut in this update: The Last Seduction II features a Deskpro 386N and The Airzone Solution has roles for a Deskpro 386S and a Prolinea.

2011-10-13 01:11 VERSA vs VERSA

Two NEC VERSA laptops make their Starring-the-Computer debut. A 4050H appears in Masterminds and a 6060 has a brief role in Lethal Weapon 4.

2011-10-10 22:46 A Couple of Dinosaurs

A couple of 1960s dinosaurs have new appearances in the database. The McCloud episode Butch Cassidy Rides Again features an IBM System/370 and one of Boris Karloff's final films Fear Chamber has a vital role for a Honeywell H200.

2011-10-08 17:31 Kaypro Robie

The Miami Vice episode Forgive Us Our Debts might be the epitome of 1980s television; it is certainly a showcase of 1980s computing with glimpses of an Apple II, AT&T PC 7300s, Commodore Amiga 1000s, and, a Starring-the-Computer newcomer, the Kaypro Robie.

2011-09-29 20:03 Two times IIc

Family Sins and The Best of Times both have small roles for the Apple IIc.

2011-09-24 00:25 Computercide

Computercide has a scene with a couple of IBM AN/FSQ-7 panels standing in for a library computer. Not remarkable in itself, as this machine appears in many many films, but it is the first appearance that I have found on my own without the help of Mike Loewen's excellent site on the subject!

2011-09-19 00:03 IBM PS/2E

Bad Boys features a couple of models of IBM PS/2, the Model 30/55 and, a Starring-the-Computer newcomer, the PS/2E.

2011-09-12 22:15 Convergent Workslate

Thanks to Mark J.Cairns for pointing out that Airwolf regularly featured a Convergent Workslate as part of the helicopter's computer equipment.

2011-09-11 01:24 Tektronix 4051 and a bundle of SAGEs

Battlestar Galatica features Starring-the-Computer's first Tektronix 4051 as well as some IBM AN/FSQ-7 panels. The following also feature SAGE panels: the first episode of the second season of The Invaders, the final episode of FlashForward, The Time Tunnel (alongside Burroughs B205 tape drives), Electra Woman and Dyna Girl and Brave New World.

2011-08-19 23:35 Otros Dos Amigos

Another couple of Commodore Amiga 1000 appearances have been added to the database for Game Set and Match and an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents called User Deadly.

2011-08-18 00:05 Clary Mason

The Season 6 episode of Perry Mason The Case of the Meddling Medium features a small but import role for Starring-the-Computer's first, and probably only, Clary DE-60.

2011-08-15 19:49 LEO III

Thanks to P. Machin for spotting that the computer in Hot Millions is in fact a LEO III — a great addition to the database!

2011-08-13 22:29 A Pair of Laptops

Two laptops make their Starring-the-Computer debut: The Expendables has a IBM Thinkpad R50, and The Parent Trap has a Toshiba Satellite Pro 4200/4300.

2011-07-31 19:54 Missions Impossible

All three Mission Impossible films have something to offer to Starring the Computer. Mission: Impossible has an Apple Powerbook 540c and an IBM Thinkpad 701, Mission: Impossible II has an Apple Powerbook G3 and Mission: Impossible III has an OQO Model 1 and, making its Starring-the-Computer debut, a Getac M220.

2011-07-23 14:52 A Pair of Cyborgs

Two films featuring cyborgs and the odd computer have been added to the database. Eliminators has an Amstrad CPC 6128 and an ICL 7500, and Programmed to Kill has an Olivetti M20, a Tandy TRS-80 Model III, and a Starring-the-Computer newcomer, the Data General Eclipse MV/20000.

2011-07-21 00:26 Amiga 3000

The Lovejoy episode Scotch on the Rocks provides the Commodore Amiga 3000 with its first Starring-the-Computer appearance.

2011-07-07 19:41 Zenith of the Nerds

Revenge of the Nerds II features two Zenith portables that make their first appearance on Starring the Computer: the Z-171 and the Z-181.

2011-07-02 20:50 Baader Bond

Der Baader Meinhof Komplex features a Siemens System 4004 and Never Say Never Again has a fleeting glimpse of some Olivetti M20s. Also, there is a Commodore 64C in Sensations, a Commodore Amiga 1000 in The Tower and Interface has loads of Tandy TRS-80 Model 12s.

2011-06-25 21:34 SPARCstation 1, System 4, Z-120 and PC1512

Episode 5 of the first season of Press Gang features an important role for the Starring-the-Computer newcomer Amstrad PC 1512, and an Apple Macintosh SE. The Zenith Z-120 make its first appearance in The Barbaric Beast of Boggy Creek, Part II and a Sun Microsystems SPARCstation 1 and English Electric System 4 also appear for the first time on the site in The Pelican Brief and Hot Millions, respectively.

2011-06-18 18:50 Another Bunch of Apples

Joe Somebody has a Power Mac G4, Silent Law has a Macintosh Plus, Happy Here and Now has a Powerbook G3 and a Power Mac G4 and Another Stakeout has a Macintosh SE and a Powerbook 180.

2011-06-07 23:48 Operation: Commodorefest

Operation: Zeitsturm is a bit of a gold mine. In lesser roles are found a Commodore Pet, 16 (making its Starring-the-Computer debut), Amiga 1000 and an Atari Portfolio. Then in vital roles are a Commodore CBM-II and a SX64.

2011-06-04 16:46 A 1990s Trio

Three 1990s films have been added to the database, each of which contributes a new computer. Iron Thunder offers a Brother Opus WP510 as well as an Epson HX-20, Evolver has a pair of PS/2s, a IBM PS/2 Model 55 and newcomer Model 53, and New World Disorder has Starring-the-Computer's first Toshiba Satellite 300CDT.

2011-05-28 22:34 Big Fat TV Update

Starting with some Apples, The Facts of Life, Season 5 Episode 10 has an Apple II, Twin Peaks, Season 2 Episode 11 has a Macintosh Portable, and the very first episode of The Ray Bradbury Theater has an Apple Macintosh, and a rare appearance for a Grid Compass. The Paper Chase, Season 2 Episode 7 features a TRS-80 Color Computer, Amazing Stories, Season 2 Episode 12 has a Commodore Amiga 1000, Murder She Wrote, Season 8 Episode 5 has a load of IBM PS/2s, Step By Step, Season 1 Episode 13 has a crucial role for a Zenith Supersport and Step By Step, Season 1 Episode 13 has a brief glimpse of a Sony SMC-70. Finally there are four machines making their Starring-the-Computer debuts. The very first episode of Mannix has a IBM 1460 which is replaced with a Burroughs B200 for the remainder of Season 1, The New Avengers, Season 2 Episode 2 has ICL 7500 hardware and there is a Torch 300 in Dempsey and Makepeace, Season 2 Episode 2. Phew!

2011-05-27 21:54 Real Stepfather Trackers

Thanks to Bear for pointing out the (new to Starring the Computer) Symbolics 3600 in Real Genius. The Stepfather has a couple of Apple machines: an Aluminum iMac and a Macbook Pro. Finally, the Australian film Sky Trackers has an important role of an Atari ST.

2011-05-19 19:39 Most Wanted

Most Wanted features several Apple Powerbook Duos, one in a pivotal role.

2011-05-13 22:12 RCA Spectra 70

The episode Frauds: DR-28 from the 1960s incarnation of Dragnet features Starring-the-Computer's first RCA Spectra 70 in an important role.

2011-05-10 23:08 SGI O2

The Lexx episode Lyekka vs. Japan has a maiden Starring-the-Computer appearance for an SGI O2.

2011-05-06 20:54 An HP, a PC and an Epson

Vendetta dal futuro has a HP 110, Turk 182! has a IBM PC XT and Pirates of Silicon Valley has an Epson QX-10 (thanks Louis!).

2011-04-20 18:55 Apple Millennium

The two remaining episodes the the Millennium trilogy Flickan som lekte med elden (The Girl Who Played with Fire) and Luftslottet som sprängdes (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest) both feature a number of Apple computers, including the Aluminum iMac, Macbook Air and Powerbook G4, and a Starring-the-Computer newcomer, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1.

2011-04-19 22:08 An Aussie Trio

Three Australian films have been added to the database. Garbo has a Starring-the-Computer debutant, the HP 21MX. Takeover has a pair of Commodores, a 64 and a Amiga 1000, and a pair of Starring-the-Computer newcomers from ICL, the One Per Desk and the Quattro. And finally, the really obscure film Brainblast has a couple of Apple Macs.

2011-04-11 21:55 A Mixed Bag of Apples

John Tucker Must Die has an iBook G4, a Power Mac G5 and a Powerbook G4, the Bloodhound Gang segment of 3-2-1 Contact often featured a Apple II, 10 Things I Hate About You has a Powerbook 3400, Any Given Sunday a few Powerbook G3s and Män som hatar kvinnor (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) has a Powerbook G4.

2011-04-04 23:08 New DEC, Apple and Grid

Three computers make a first Starring-the-Computer entries. The first season of Riptide regularly features a Grid Compass, The Jackal has a number of Apple Macintosh Quadra 650s and The Stone Tape has some nice shots of a DEC PDP-8/F.

2011-03-26 10:46 Darkside of the Rainbow

Thanks to Dirk for spotting that an episode of Tales from the Darkside has a DEC Rainbow in a crucial role, and also a brief glimpse of a HP 150.

2011-03-23 23:28 A Box of Newcomers

The Box has very brief views of a number computers, all new to Starring the Computer: a HP 9830, a DEC PDP-8/i, a DEC PDP-11/34 and a DEC PDP-12. Thanks to Dave (who supplied the computers to the movie's producers) for the tip.

2011-03-13 16:29 A Team of Computers

A number of episodes of the A-Team feature computers. Bounty and Trouble Brewing both have a Tandy TRS-80 Model 4, Mission of Peace has Starring-the-Computer's first shot of a Vector Graphics Vector 4, and an Olivetti M20 makes a number of appearances in Season 5. Thanks to Richard for pointing these out to me.

2011-03-09 23:15 A Pod of Powerbooks

All of the following films feature Powerbook G3s or G4s: Mr Deeds, Something's Gotta Give, Bringing Down the House, Cafe Luminere, Catwoman and Daredevil.

2011-02-26 15:31 Paws

The Australian film Paws has Starring-the-Computers first Apple Macintosh Quadra 630 and a pocket computer that I wasn't able to identify. Do you know what it is?

2011-02-23 23:56 A Mixed Bag

Think Big has a role for a Zenith Supersport, Tricks of the Trade has some brief shots of the AT&T PC 7300, Stowaway to the Moon features panels from the IBM AN/FSQ-7, and Call To Danger has some good shots of another IBM machine, the System/370.

2011-02-13 17:44 Birds of Prey

The miniseries Bird of Prey and Bird of Prey 2 have machines including the Apple II, Commodore Pet and Acorn Electron and three Starring-the-Computer newcomers the Sharp PC-3101, Apricot PC and the HP 9836.

2011-02-10 23:54 The Time Machine

The 1978 TV movie The Time Machine is a bit of a rich seam for computers of a certain age with shots of panels from the IBM AN/FSQ-7 and SDS Sigma 7, and a Starring-the-Computer debut for a Sperry UNIVAC 1100/40. Thanks to Mike for the tip.

2011-02-04 20:39 CDC 3100

Making its Starring-the-Computer debut in the film The Mad Bomber is the CDC 3100. And another debutant, an Atari Mega STE makes an appearance in Consenting Adults.

2011-01-28 22:36 Six More C64s

All of the following feature Commodore 64s: Nu ji xie ren, Control Alt Delete, an episode of Ashes to Ashes, Suck, Fortress, and Notte prima degli esami which also has a Commodore Amiga 2000.

2011-01-27 00:22 Torpedo Data Computer

A rare appearance for an electromechanical analog computer, Run Silent Run Deep is probably the only film to feature the Arma Torpedo Data Computer, and an extremely accurate portrayal it is too.

2011-01-22 20:11 The Stepford Wolf Gang

The Stepford Wives has an Apple Powerbook G4, Cry Wolf has the first appearance of a IBM Thinkpad T20 and The Sasquatch Gang has an Apple Macintosh Classic.

2011-01-16 21:51 709 on 66

Another computer makes its Starring-the-Computer debut, this time a proper bit of ancient big-iron. Season 1, Episode 18 of Route 66 features an IBM 709 mainframe.

2011-01-12 12:12 Junior SGI

Junior has a number of shots of the SGI Indy. As far as I know, that's every on-screen appearance of the Indy recorded on Starring-the-Computer. Please prove me wrong!

2011-01-11 14:00 Mad-1-ness

Thanks to Joe for letting me know that, in addition to the machines already listed for the film, Runaway also features a Starring-the-Computer newcomer, the Mad-1.

2011-01-08 14:33 A Man, a Woman, and a PET

A Man, a Woman, and a Bank has a brief but important role for a Commodore PET 2001. Made in 1979, this is the earliest appearance of the PET so far.

2011-01-02 19:56 More Knight Rider

Making its Starring-the-Computer debut, the TI PC appears throughout season 2. Also from season 2, episode 5 has a Commodore VIC-20, and episode 19 has an Apple II. Season 3, episode 3 is the second Knight Eider episode to feature an HP 110, and from season 4, episode 3 has a Commodore PET 2001 and episode 20 a IBM PC XT.

2011-01-01 15:53 New Year's Update 2011

Le démon dans l'île has a Tandy TRS-80 Model III and there's a Tandy TRS-80 model 1 in an episode of Beyond Westworld. Cubbyhouse features a Apple Clamshell iBook G3 and an episode of Beverley Hills, 90210 has a brief view of an Apple Newton Messagepad. There's a Commodore Amiga 1200 in Erskineville Kings and a Commodore 64 in an episode of Everybody Hates Chris. Finally an episode of The Equalizer has a Kaypro II.

2010-12-27 23:58 Pirates of Silicon Valley

Pirates of Silicon Valley is, as one might expect, a rich seam for Starring-the-Computer. Appearances include MITS Altair 8800s, Apple IIs, Apple IIIs, an Apple Lisa, Apple Macintoshes, Apple Power Macintoshes, a DEC PDP-8/e and IBM PC XTs. Making its Starring-the-Computer debut in this film is the Xerox Alto, and there is another machine that I've not been able to identify, apparently an NEC PC.

2010-12-08 22:43 Matlock

Two episodes of Matlock have new entries in the database. The Author has a Commodore 128 and People vs. Matlock has several AT&T PC 7300s. Thanks to James for the tip.

2010-11-30 22:52 Suicidal Apple

The infamous Japanese gore-fest Jisatsu sâkuru (Suicide Circle) also turns out to be an Apple-fest featuring a G3 iBook, a Power Macintosh 5500, a Power Macintosh G4, and Starring-the-Computer's first Power Macintosh outrigger.

2010-11-27 14:55 Three PCs

F/X has the briefest of views of a IBM PC XT, an IBM PS/2 has a more substantial appearance in the episode of Cheers called Indoor Fun with Sammy and Robby, and Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego? has an important role for a Compaq Presario 425 (making its first Starring-the-Computer appearance, thanks to DualDFlipFlop for the tip).

2010-11-23 23:26 Apple III by Night

There is a rare appearance for the Apple III in the 1982 film Night Shift. Thanks to Geekmo for the tip!

2010-11-16 23:11 Six Newcomers

All of the following feature computers that have not previously been featured on Starring the Computer. An episode of The Equalizer has a Data General One, The Thief Who Came to Dinner has a IBM System/370, Where the Heart Is has a Toshiba T3100, Legally Blonde 2 has a Gateway 450, Eyes Wide Shut has a Apple Power Macintosh 5000 and Short Circuit 2 has a Tandy 2000.

2010-11-01 22:54 Towering PDP-8

The Tower has a IBM PC XT and a rare appearance for a PDP-8/E.

2010-10-22 21:19 A Barrel of Apples

The DVD rental company has recently sent me a stream of movies featuring Apple Computers, so I've been saving them up to do one big update. The following titles all feature Apples: Antitrust, Epic Movie, Sex and the City, The Proposal, Air Panic, Kiss of the Dragon, House on Haunted Hill, Trapped, Soul Assassin, Unbreakable, Get Carter, Men in Black II, The Beach, and The Cell. Machines include the Powerbook G3, the iBook, the Power Mac G4, the G4 Cube, the Powerbook G4, the iMac G3, and a Starring-the-Computer debutant, the Aluminum iMac. Phew!

2010-10-16 15:06 Lockheed System Five-O

The 1975 episode of Hawaii Five-O called Computer Killer features an IBM System/360 and a debut appearance for the Lockheed System III.

2010-10-06 00:19 IBM 705

The 1961 film The Honeymoon Machine gives us a new computer to the database, an IBM 705. Thanks to Mike Loewen for identifying the computer for me.

2010-10-02 11:55 Police Academy 64

Police Academy 3 has a few shots of some Commodore 64s to relieve the tedium.

2010-10-01 23:12 PC AT From Beyond

From Beyond has a role for the (rather under-represented on this site, I feel) IBM PC AT. Thanks to Dirk for bring this one to my attention.

2010-09-27 23:48 Crosstalk

The Australian film Crosstalk features another first-time appearance on Starring-the-Computer, this time for the world's first colour home computer the ISC Compucolor II.

2010-09-26 16:27 Mosquito on the Tenth Floor

Movies featuring scenes in computer shops are often rich pickings and the Japanese film Mosquito on the Tenth Floor is no exception with brief glimpses of a NEC PC8801 and, a Starring-the-Computer newcomer, the Hitachi MB-6891 as well as a larger role for a NEC PC8001.

2010-09-19 15:03 Big Fat Liar

Big Fat Liar briefly features an Apple Clamshell iBook and an Apple G4 Cube but it also features three portable machines making their Starring-the-Computer debuts: the Cybiko, the Intermec 6651 and the Compaq iPAQ 3650.

2010-09-11 22:18 Take This Apple II and Shove It

As well as being the first film to feature a monster truck, Take This Job and Shove It also has a role for an Apple II.

2010-09-04 22:49 Siemens on Wires

The classic Fassbinder science fiction film Welt am Draht has a crucial role for a Siemens System 4004. Thanks to Ralf for bringing it to my attention.

2010-09-04 01:01 Copycat Martians

Martians Go Home has an important role for an Atari ST, and another minor appearance for an AT&T PC 7300. There's also a Compaq Contura 4/25cx making its Starring-the-Computer debut in Copycat.

2010-08-30 22:09 Daemon Mac

Made in 1985, the obscure British children's film Daemon offers Starring-the-Computer its earliest Apple Macintosh appearance.

2010-08-22 13:20 A Flotilla of Commodores

A Commodore 128 appears in Stealth Hunters, a Commodore Pet and Amiga 2000 appear in Wayne's World, and another Amiga 2000 plays a role in an episode of Inspector Morse.

2010-08-14 15:35 Apple Lisa

In a rather inglorious Starring-the-Computer debut, there is an Apple Lisa in the film Meatballs III: Summer Job.

2010-08-14 00:32 Enemy of the Ultra 10

Enemy of the State features Starring-the-Computer's first Sun Ultra 10. I've also fixed the computer in Blown Away — it was a Sun 30/80, not an Ultrasparc. Thanks to everyone who pointed out the error.

2010-08-06 23:49 Terminating Vaios

A Sony Vaio UX appears a few times in the latest Terminator sequel Terminator Salvation. There are other Sony laptops in this film, but I've not been able to work out which models.

2010-08-01 16:24 KISS Dawn's Early Light

By Dawn's Early Light and KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park add two more brief appearances for Starring-the-Computer's most prolific computer the IBM AN/FSQ-7.

2010-07-24 19:57 Apple Outbreak

Outbreak features a number of Apple computers including Macintosh IIs and Starring-the-Computer newcomers Macintosh IIxcs, as well and a Compaq LTE laptop. The Wedding Planner also offers an Apple, with another appearance for an iMac.

2010-07-19 22:51 Flatliners NeXT?

This is a pretty dodgy one. I have been told that there is a NeXTcube in Flatliners. I see a monitor and a printer that are definitely NeXT, and if the machine were a NeXTstation then you'd expect to see it under the monitor, but I'm not convinced that I can actually see the Cube at all. Normally this would disqualify this appearance from Starring-the-Computer but, mostly because I'd love to have a NeXT machine in the database, I'm going to allow it. Feel free to moan about my inconsistency!

2010-07-17 01:06 Apple Camp

A couple of Apple computers make brief appearances in Camp Nowhere, a Powerbook 1XX and a IIGS.

2010-07-15 22:41 Exported Beebs

There is a very rare (unique?) appearance of Acorn BBC Micros in an American feature — they appear fleetingly in Supergirl.

2010-07-10 21:12 Quantum of Solace

There's another appearance of a Sony Vaio UX in the latest James Bond film Quantum of Solace.

2010-06-20 13:19 Honeywell is Easy

Murder is Easy features Starring-the-Computer's first Honeywell 6000 Level 66 computer. This will be the last update (and comment approval) for two weeks as I'm away on holiday.

2010-06-12 00:36 Sony Vaio UX

The Sony Vaio UX makes its debut on Starring-the-Computer with appearances in two films: Paul Blart - Mall Cop and The Pink Panther 2.

2010-06-04 23:02 Cool Surfer

Be Cool has another role for a Panasonic Toughbook 29, and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer has some good shots of a Nokia 770.

2010-05-26 00:22 Some of these computers are Primeval

The fourth episode of the first season of Primeval has a couple of classics, a Commodore 64 and a Sinclair ZX81, alongside a newcomer — an HP iPAQ rz1700 in an important role.

2010-05-17 22:02 Cloaked Fame

Cloak and Dagger features a fairly prominent Atari 800 and an episode of Fame provides Starring-the-Computer with its first Tandy 1000SX.

2010-05-10 23:44 Alien Christmas

There's a brief appearance of a Apple Mac Plus in Christmas Vacation and the terrible B-movie Alien Species has a fairly important role for a Toshiba T4600 laptop.

2010-05-06 08:14 Denise Calls Up

Denise Calls Up is a haven for early 1990s laptops, all Starring-the-Computer newcomers. There are two Apple Powerbook 100s, a Toshiba T1000SE, and a Compaq SLT.

2010-05-03 10:54 Sahara Shooter

Sahara is awash with laptops. There is an Apple Powerbook G4, a Panasonic Toughbook 29 and two Starring-the-Computer newcomers, a Sony VAIO TR and a Samsung X30. Shooter has a Toughbook 51 and, another debutant, a Rugged Notebooks RNB230.

2010-04-30 00:32 Knight Rider Season 1

Two machines make their Starring-the-Computer debut thanks to Knight Rider. A Datascope from an Entrex 480 appears throughout Season 1. The episode The Topaz Connection offer a brief view on an IBM Displaywriter. Finally, there are two more Intertec Superbrain appearances to report in The Final Verdict and White Bird.

2010-04-26 22:46 MacGyver's NEC

The Ugly Duckling episode of MacGyver has a IBM PC XT and, more interestingly, two Starring-the-Computer newcomers from NEC: the PC8001 and the PC8801.

2010-04-21 22:30 Tough Luck

Three new additions feature Panasonic Toughbook Laptops: Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Rendition.

2010-04-17 20:38 Nuke Philadelphia Day Care

Nukie has a small part for a Atari ST, The Philadelphia Experiment has a very brief glimpse of Starring-the-Computers's first Osborne Executive, and Daddy Day Care has an Apple Powerbook G4.

2010-04-12 23:50 A French Connection

Three French films make new additions to the site. Kamikaze is a bit of a Hewlett Packard showcase, including HP 150s, HP 150IIs, and HP Vectras. Mes nuits sont plus belles que vos jours and Le Professionnel both have Bull computers making their Starring-the-Computer debuts: the Micral 60 and the Micral 80/22 respectively.

2010-04-10 15:48 Desmond's Vice

Three more Commodore appearances for the database. The very first episode of Desmond's features a Commodore 64, Shakma an Amiga 1000, and an episode of Miami Vice an Amiga 2000.

2010-04-05 17:41 Two More Acorns

The first episode of Ashes to Ashes season 3 has a blink-and-you-miss-it appearance for the BBC Micro and season 4 of Blake's 7 offers Starring-the-Computer's first, and probably only, Acorn System 1.

2010-04-05 15:09 Sperry Nice

No Way Out features Starring-the-Computer's very first Sperry computer, the Univac 90/80.

2010-04-02 14:15 A Pair of Dolls

A pair of IBM S/360 Model 30 appearances have been added: Doll Squad and How to Make a Doll.

2010-03-30 00:16 Four More Debutants

Three more features have been added to the database that between them contribute four new computers. Ghostbusters II has a small role for an HP Vectra. Blood Diamond has shots on an IBM Thinkpad 701. And finally, the Hong Kong film Zui hou yi zhan features two Vtech machines: the Laser 2001 and the Laser 3000.

2010-03-23 23:52 Futureworld Beneath the Sea

A couple more IBM AN/FSQ-7 appearances to report in Futureworld and in City Beneath the Sea (alongside an SDS Sigma 7 and Burroughs B205 tape drives).

2010-03-19 23:29 Big Fat Update 6

The Rogue Warrior episode of Airwolf has an IBM 5140. The very first episode of Parker Lewis Can't Lose has a very brief shot of an Epson HX-20. An episode of I Dream of Jeannie has an SDS Sigma 7 in an important role. There are a few IBM PS/2s in Alien Nation: Dark Horizons and Defense Play has a few AT&T PC 6300s. There are also the inevitable Apples: 40 Days And 40 Nights has a G4 Cube and a Powerbook G3, Quintuplets has an iMac and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People has a Macbook and, rather unexpectedly, a Sinclair ZX Spectrum.

2010-03-16 22:23 Heavy Petting

The Italian horror movie Incubo sulla città contaminata features a Commodore Pet 2001, and episodes of Tales of the City and The Company both feature later models of Pet.

2010-03-13 15:52 Four Debutants

I've just added four new machines to the database: an NEC PC-8401 in Dangerous Game, a Commodore Amiga 600 in an episode of Father Ted, an ICL 2900 series machine in Spies Like Us and an Outbound Notebook in Ghost in the Machine.

2010-03-09 22:37 Early Appearance

The Night the World Exploded has an important role for a Burroughs B205 computer. This film dates back to 1957, making it the earliest appearance so far for the 205 as well as Starring-the-Computer's earliest digital electronic computer.

2010-03-05 23:10 Two More 1301s

Two more appearances for the ICT 1301. James Bond seems to like the ICT because a second Bond film For Your Eyes Only features the machine. It also appears in the Hammer Horror film The Satanic Rites of Dracula.

2010-03-02 23:27 Tres Amigas

Puppet Master II and the Bergerac Episode There for the Picking both feature a Commodore Amiga 2000, and the film Quantum Apocalypse has a, new to Starring-the-Computer, Commodore Amiga 4000.

2010-02-28 23:11 Monkee vs Sigma 7

An episode of The Monkees called Monkee vs Machine has an important role for a Starring-the-Computer first — the SDS Sigma 7.

2010-02-27 11:48 Grange Hill

Two more episodes of Grange Hill feature computers. Episode 9 of the sixth series has a Commodore PET and Episode 5 of the eleventh series has a classroom full of BBC Micros.

2010-02-23 22:55 Five Commodores and a Sergeant with a Tandy

Commodore 64s appear in an episode of Smallville, the Greek film To Computer Tou Thanatou and the Italian film Sotto il vestito niente 2, which also features a Commodore Amiga 1000. Extreme Prejudice has small roles for a Commodore SX64 and a Tandy TRS-80 Model 100. Thanks are due to Richard for his Commodore tips.

2010-02-22 23:31 Killing Birds

Killing Birds has a brief glimpse of a Zenith PC and some rather good shots of a computer new to Starring-the-Computer: the IBM 5140 PC Convertible.

2010-02-19 23:24 Disaster Angel

Two more films, Disaster Movie and Dark Angel, add another few Apples to the database: Macs, a Mac SE, a Macbook, and our first Macbook Air.

2010-02-13 00:01 Blown Away by a SPARCstation

Blown Away features some nice shots of our first Sun SPARCstation. For some reason, Sun computers are very rare in movies/TV. Please let me know if you spot one!

2010-02-10 22:34 Duplicitous Red Malice

Duplex has an Apple Powerbook G3 and Powerbook G4, The Hunt for Red October shows the top centimetre of an AT&T PC 6300 and Sexual Malice has an Atari ST. Also, Shock Treatment has a scene involving a computer I've not been able to recognise - please help!

2010-02-08 23:49 Seven FSQ-7s

All of the following features panels from the IBM AN/FSQ-7: Planet Earth, Earth II, Paper Man, The Power, Project X, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Scarecrow and Mrs King.

2010-02-06 12:50 Apples, Apples and...

I've added another little batch of Apple appearances. The Kid has a Powerbook G3, as does Night at the Museum which also has a brief glimpse of Starring-the-Computer's first iMac G5. What Women Want has the Powerbook G3 along with an iMac and a Power Mac G4.

2010-02-05 22:31 Apple Nash

The very first episode of Nash Bridges is awash with Apple machines including a MessagePad, a Powerbook 540c and a Powerbook Duo.

2010-02-03 09:14 Horror Macs

A pair of horror movies featuring Macintosh computers have been added to the database: Deadly Friend and Monster High.

2010-02-01 08:54 Hey Jim, this is IBM calling.

An episode of The Rockford Files has a very brief glimpse of an IBM 1620.

2010-01-29 23:24 Apples by Twilight

Two films from 2008 feature Apple laptops. Zac and Miri Make a Porno with an old iBook whereas Twilight is a bit more up to date with a Macbook. (Thanks, Christie!)

2010-01-27 23:18 Sorting Triumph

Italian film Il muro di gomma has some shots of a number of Triumph Alder Alphatronic PCs. I identified these using Sorting the Computer, so thanks to Pablo for building a really useful resource!

2010-01-26 12:19 Univac 422

There are some very nice shots of a Univac 422 playing an important role in The Genius - the second episode of The Patty Duke Show.

2010-01-25 09:22 Rosalie n the Hood

Boyz n the Hood has a brief appearance of an Apple IIc, and Rosalie Goes Shopping has Starring-the-Computer's first Zenith Z150 in a pivotal role.

2010-01-21 23:42 Another pair of Macs

Two brief appearances for Macintosh computers have been added to the database. Flubber has a Mac Plus and the short zombie film (which you can watch online) Parasol Island Dead has a Mac SE.

2010-01-21 00:20 CDC 924

Thanks to Mark and David from the controlfreaks mailing list for spotting a rather unlikely CDC 924 in The Terminator.

2010-01-17 22:16 Bergerac

Two episodes of Bergerac have been added to the database. Winner Takes All has a number of IBM PC XTs whereas There for the Picking offers the much more interesting Acorn Archimedes and, a Starring-the-Computer first, a Microwriter Agenda in a crucial role.

2010-01-14 13:58 Magnum

Two episodes of Magnum feature Kaypro machines. Kiss of the Sabre has the odd brief glimpse of a Kaypro II (a first for Starring-the-Computer) and Little Games has what looks like a Kaypro 10 keyboard and Starring-the-Computer's first Casio PB-100.

2010-01-12 23:51 8 Million Dead Brains

8 Million Ways to Die has a brief outing for an Apple Macintosh, and Brain Dead has a bizarre continuity error where an IBM PS/2 changes into a Commodore Amiga 1000.

2010-01-02 14:08 Flight of the Star Wreck

The Finnish low-budget Star Trek spoof Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning features a pair of Commodore 64s in a minor role and a Commodore VIC-20 appears in the first season of Flight of the Conchords.

2009-12-12 19:55 Yet More G4s

All of the following films feature Apple iMac G4s: School of Rock (along with a Powerbook G4, Meet the Fockers (along with Starring-the-Computer's first iBook G4), Love Actually and Hulk.

2009-12-07 23:10 Psyched to see a Portable III

Episode four of the current season of Psych has the briefest of roles for a Commodore 64 and Starring-the-Computer's first Compaq Portable III.

2009-12-07 08:58 Scared Stiff in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Weekend is a good showcase for Apple machines, exhibiting several Apple IIes, an Apple II and an Apple Mac. Scared Stiff also features an Apple computer - the IIc.

2009-12-01 13:28 Le rouble à deux faces

Le rouble à deux faces (The Hot Line) has an IBM S/360 on show at the beginning of the film.

2009-11-27 09:30 Terminal Tangents

Tangents (also known as Time Chasers) has a crucial role for a Commodore 64 and a cameo by an IBM PC XT. Terminal Entry also has good parts for an Apple II and a Tandy TRS-80 Model 1.

2009-11-24 21:39 More G4s

Both Never Back Down and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days feature Apple iMac G4s.

2009-11-19 00:21 Pacify the Toughbook

The Vin Diesel film The Pacifier features an Apple iMac G4 and, a Starring-the-Computer debutant, the Panasonic Toughbook.

2009-11-17 08:56 AT&Trio

Wanted: Dead or Alive and Broadcast News both feature AT&T PC 7300s and Wall Street has a couple of AT&T PC 6300s. Can anyone identify this strange machine from Broadcast News?

2009-11-09 09:15 Three more FSQ-7s

Three more appearances for Starring-the-Computer's most prolific machine the IBM AN/FSQ-7: The Cat From Outer Space, an episode of Get Smart (paired with a B205 tape drive), and a episode of It Takes a Thief.

2009-11-03 23:55 Risk an Atari

Prime Risk has roles for an Atari 800 and a Compaq Portable.

2009-10-31 14:18 A Trio of Newtons

The Love Bug and Fear both show off Apple Messagepads, whereas the Outer Limits episode The Second Soul has the more unusual, and Starring-the-Computer's first, Sharp Expertpad.

2009-10-30 22:23 Coco Camp

Party Camp has some nice shots of a TRS-80 Color Computer 2. Looking back I realise the it was the Coco 2 in Revenge of the Nerds too, so I've fixed the entry for that.

2009-10-27 13:03 Je Suis Un Rockstar

Terminus has French rock star Johnny Hallyday in the leading role, sharing the limelight with a Compaq Portable II and a Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Sex Kittens Go To College has a small role for Conway Twitty and a much larger role for a Burroughs B205.

2009-10-26 22:27 The Adolescence of C-64

Hide and Seek is a TV-movie version of Thomas J. Ryan's book "The Adolescence of P-1". Unfortunately, unlike the book, it does not feature any IBM S/360 systems, but it does offer a collection of Commodore 64s and PETs. Incidentally, I've reorganised the entries for Commodore PETs on the site. Previously everything was lumped in with the PET 2001, but I've now separated out the 3000/4000 systems.

2009-10-23 21:34 Weep Creep

Read it and Weep has a crucial role for a Gateway CX210 tablet PC, and one of Creepshow's stories has a part for an Apple II.

2009-10-23 09:16 What a Boon!

I've just added two episodes of the Boon TV show to the database. Taken for a Ride has two machines making their debut on the site - an Apricot Xen and a Data General Eclipse S/120, and Have a Nice Day has some nice shots of an Atari Mega ST.

2009-10-22 08:30 Big Thanks

Thanks to Mike for working out that the Unisys PC in Big was a PW2 series 500.

2009-10-21 09:09 Big Fat Update 5

First up a small gaggle of Sony laptops - a Vaio FJ in The Holiday, a Vaio PCG-SRX in Johnny English and a Vaio Z in Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Then a small bunch of Apples - an iMac and a G4 Cube in Absolutely Fabulous and a IIGS in Kindergarten Cop along with a fleeting glimpse of a PS/2. And finally, Runaway offers a couple of Starring-the-Computer firsts - a Multitech MPF-1 and a Sharp PC-5000.

2009-10-16 22:31 Police Story

Police Story has a couple of Ataris that are a little difficult to spot but do play a role in the plot. There's an 800 and a couple of 800XLs.

2009-10-11 16:44 From Agnes with UNIVAC

The Twilight Zone episode From Agnes - with Love has a vital role for a UNIVAC 1 (or its tape drives, at least). Also added is an episode of Magnum, P.I. that has some good shots of an Atari 400.

2009-10-10 15:29 More Micro Men

Here's the second batch from Micro Men. We have an Amstrad CPC464, an Apple II, a BBC Master, a Commodore 64, an Atari 800, a Commodore PET, an Amstrad PCW, and a Tandy TRS-80. There are also a few more Starring-the-Computer debutantes: an Oric-1, an Atari 400, a NorthStar Horizon and an Epson HX-20. I'm sure there are some more that I have missed too, so please get in touch if you spot any.

2009-10-10 00:42 Micro Men

The BBC drama Micro Men is Starring-the-Computer heaven! There are so many computers in it that I haven't been able to work through them all yet. For now, I've just added those that play a significant role in the plot. With the exception of the BBC Micro and ZX81, all of these computers are making their Starring-the-Computer debut, too. There is the Acorn Atom and Electron and then the Sinclair MK14, ZX80, Spectrum (finally!) and QL. For those in the UK, this programme will still be on the BBC's iPlayer service for a few days.

2009-10-06 23:28 FSQ and PS/2

A smattering of IBM machines have been added to the databases. The ever-popular FSQ-7 appears in Wargames, Way... Way Out and 12:01 which also includes a PS/2. Presumed Innocent adds a final PS/2 to the tally for this update.

2009-10-03 00:55 Check Doctor Who

Blank Check has a minor role for a Mac Plus and a significant role for Starring-the-Computer's first Performa 600. The Doctor Who Story Terror of the Autons also has a significant role for a computer, the somewhat older ICT 1301.

2009-10-01 00:26 MacGyver

I've just added a couple of episodes of MacGyver to the database. Countdown has an Olivetti M20 in shot quite frequently, although you only get to see its rear end. The Enemy Within has a Commodore 64 playing a small role in the plot.

2009-09-28 16:33 Klatwa doliny wezy

The Polish film Klatwa doliny wezy is a reach seam, including an Apple II, a Commodore 64, a Commodore 128, a couple of Atari 800XLs and not one but two mystery machines that I've not yet managed to identify.

2009-09-26 10:26 Apple III

There's a very brief view of an Apple Mac in Can't Hardly Wait, but there's a much more interesting sighting in season one of Remington Steele - a rare appearance for an Apple III.

2009-09-22 23:41 Commodore PETs in the 25th Century

An episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century has a pretty important role for a Commodore PET.

2009-09-21 23:25 Wonky Macs

The 1971 film Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has an appearance for an RCA Spectra 70 computer (rebadged as a Siemens). An episode of NCIS has a couple of old Apple machines: a Mac Classic and a Powerbook Duo.

2009-09-03 19:35 Nail Gun Massacre

The Nail Gun Massacre proves that even a genuinely terrible film can be useful by providing Starring-the-Computer with its first Tandy TRS-80 Model 12. Last update for a couple of weeks, I'm afraid, as I'm away.

2009-08-31 15:12 Ancient Computer in the Orphanage

El Orfanato (The Orphanage) has a couple of surprising appearances, both Starring-the-Computer debutantes, a Sinclair Spectrum +2 and a Sony Hit-Bit 75. There's also an Apple II in an episode of TJ Hooker.

2009-08-27 08:02 Knight Rider Revisit

Jon from the HP Museum spotted an HP 150 II in an episode of Knight Rider that I'd missed. Also the Karate Kid rehash Sidekicks as fleeting glimpses of an Amiga 1000 and a Amiga 2000.

2009-08-22 14:04 Airwolf Season 2

A number of computers appear in season 2 of Airwolf. There are Commodore PETs in Firestorm and Condemned, and Moffett's Ghost has a Commodore 64 and two Starring-the-Computer debuts: a Compaq Portable and a Dynalogic Hyperion.

2009-08-20 23:45 AT Last...

An episode of Sledge Hammer! adds the first IBM PC AT to the database, along with another Amiga 1000, and an episode of Bones has a role for Starring-the-Computer's first Amiga 1200 and an IBM PC XT. Sorry for the slow updates recently... Other commitments are likely to keep the updates at a trickle for the next few weeks.

2009-08-06 08:52 Spot the Commodore

My recent discovery of the excellent Spot the Commodore article on Richard Lagendijk's Commodore Info Page has allowed me to add a little fleet of Commodores to the site. Crash and Burn, Bionic Showdown: The Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman, The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie: Strange Brew, The Substitute, Me Myself I, The Gods Must Be Crazy II and episodes of ALF and the Swedish kids TV show Ebba och Didrik all exhibit Commodore computers. These include a Plus/4 and a C128 (both Starring-the-Computer newcomers), a PET, two A500s and A1000s and four A2000s.

2009-07-31 23:08 Where the Apple IIs Roam

Where the Buffalo Roam is, at 1980, the earliest film I've come across so far to feature an Apple II computer.

2009-07-30 23:49 Look Around Yog

The promising-sounding Computers episode from season 2 of Look Around You has a Commodore PET and Starring-the-Computer's first HP 64000. Also, the very first episode of Being Erica has a brief role for a Commodore 64.

2009-07-27 23:03 Only Fools and Amstrads

In the first episode of series 6 of Only Fools and Horses, Rodney uses an Amstrad CPC 6128 whilst studying for a computer diploma.

2009-07-22 22:38 Chuck

The very first episode of Chuck has a deliciously unbelievable appearance for an Apple Macintosh Classic as well as an OQO handheld and an Apple Power Mac G5. All three of these machines are making their Starring-the-Computer debut.

2009-07-21 22:57 Pump Up the PS/2

A number of IBM PS/2s appear in the 1990 film Pump Up the Volume.

2009-07-17 23:43 DecMate II

Another computer makes its debut on Starring-the-Computer. This time, it's a Digital DecMate II making an appearance in the comedy horror House.

2009-07-16 23:18 Pandora's Clock

Yet more Apples, this time in Pandora's Clock. We'll forgive it though because it features an Apple Newton Messagepad in addition to the normal dull Macbook.

2009-07-13 22:38 Slap Her Pomme

In another Apple whitewash, Slap Her... She's French offers an iBook, several iMacs and our first Power Macintosh G3.

2009-07-11 15:52 Season Three's an IT Crowd

The IT Crowd, season 3, offers a wide range of Starring-the-Computer goodness including reappearances for the Commodore Pet and Sinclair ZX81 and a range of firsts for the database: a MITS Altair 8800, an Amstrad CPC 464, an Oric Atmos, and, in the fifth episode, an Asus EEE PC.

2009-07-06 22:47 The 1301 Strikes Again

Another appearance of the ICT 1301 has been added to the database, this time in The Pink Panther Strikes Again.

2009-06-30 22:47 More Apples

The Glass House has a fair role for an Apple iBook. It's all Apples at the moment!

2009-06-29 08:48 Clockstoppers

Clockstoppers is a wall-to-wall Mac-fest including an iBook, iMac, Powerbook and, a Starring-the-Computer first, a Power Mac G4.

2009-06-20 09:41 CDC Remote Calculator

Well, I've been vacillating over this one for some time. I've come across a number of films that have a CDC remote calculator in them and, up until now, I'd not put them on the site. This beast was essentially a very specialised terminal. It had no processor of its own but connected to the CDC 6600 to make that machine's computing power easily available to scientists and mathematicians. I don't normally include terminals, but this is such a specialised piece of kit that was only ever used with the 6600 so I've decided to include them, but counting them as 6600 appearances. The films in question are Soylent Green, Westworld, and Marooned.

2009-06-19 23:14 Powerbook sees Daylight

Daylight has a brief role for a Powerbook 540c, the second Stallone film to feature this machine.

2009-06-17 08:04 Marooned Trancers

Marooned has a small section from an IBM 1620 panel, and the straight-to-video sequel Trancers II has small roles for an Amiga 2000 and an Apple IIGS.

2009-06-09 22:18 Master of iDisguise

Another entry marked "I've watched it so you don't have to"! The Master of Disguise is another product-placement coup for Apple with an iBook and an iMac. There were also a couple of Sony laptops that I couldn't identify.

2009-06-08 09:25 The Client

The Client as a couple of IBM PS/2 machines lying unused in the background a Model 30/55 and a Model 50/70.

2009-06-04 08:44 Turn your 11/05 on, son - you're nicked!

An episode from season 3 of The Sweeney features our first DEC PDP-11/05 in a pretty important role (although you get to see more of the attached VT52 than the machine itself).

2009-06-02 22:18 Spun Boys

An episode of The Hardy Boys features panels from the familiar IBM AN/FSQ-7 and the film Spun had a few Mac SEs knocking around the set.

2009-05-19 09:01 Nim's iLand

Nim's Island features a Powerbook G4 and, I can't believe we've got this far without one, an iMac G4.

2009-05-16 17:19 A pair of STs

The Dolph Lundgren film Joshua Tree (also known as Army of One) and the final Chocky TV series, Chocky's Challenge, both feature Atari STs. Chocky's Challenge also as a role for, Starring-the-Computer newcomer, the Epson QX-10.

2009-05-14 08:52 Chock-IIe

The followup series to Chocky, Chocky's Children features an Apple IIe.

2009-05-12 23:46 Torrente Blue

French film Le grand bleu has the briefest of glimpses of an Apple Mac Plus and Spanish comedy Torrente 2 has a Commodore 64 and some more Apple Macs.

2009-05-11 23:32 Homeward, Amiga!

The sickly Disney remake Homeward Bound has a small but plot-related role for a Commodore Amiga 1000.

2009-05-09 15:28 Chock-tari

There a nice view of an Atari 800 in the kids sci-fi drama Chocky (I've not watched that since it was first on TV in 1984 - good stuff!) There's also an HP Jornada in Hidden Agenda.

2009-05-07 00:02 Children of Mac

A second Twentieth Anniversary Mac has been added thanks to Children of Men.

2009-05-06 12:45 Grange Hill

The series 12 opener of Grange Hill features an Amstrad PCW8256 - the first PCW on Starring-the-Computer.

2009-05-05 23:03 Mac Portable

The Waterdance gifts Starring-the-Computer its first, and maybe only, Apple Macintosh Portable. The German film Der Himmel über Berlin has a fleeting glimpse of a Commodore 64.

2009-05-04 15:49 Computers on Television

A few TV episodes has swelled the database a bit: an episode of Simon and Simon has a vital role for an Apple II, an episode of Night Court offers our first Epson PX-8, there's an Atari ST in the background of a Married with Children episode and another episode of Whiz Kids includes a brief glimpse of a Commodore 64 and PET.

2009-05-02 11:34 TRS STacy

Two more computers making their first appearance here: the TRS-80 Model III in an episode of Seinfeld, and a very indistinct view of an Atari STacy in Nothing But Trouble.

2009-05-01 22:59 Ashes to Miracles

The TV series Ashes to Ashes has a Commodore PET that pops up now and again, and the film Miracle Mile offers a fleeting glimpse of a Tandy TRS-80 Model 100 - another debut on the site.

2009-05-01 13:42 Notice the VAX?

The season 2 opener of Burn Notice features to machines not seen before on Starring-the-Computer: a VAX 7000 and a Vye notebook.

2009-04-29 23:37 Gremlins 2

Gremlins 2 has AN/FSQ-7 panels and a range of Apples (Mac Pluses and Mac IIs). Another couple of AN/FSQ-7 appearances to report in Winter Kills and Battle for the Planet of the Apes (which also has some B205 panels).

2009-04-29 00:20 Whizzy Atari

Episode 9 of Whiz Kids gives Starring-the-Computer its first Atari 1200 XL in a pretty important role.

2009-04-28 22:45 MITS in the Middle

The first MITS Altair makes its appearance on Starring-the-Computer thanks to an episode of Malcolm in the Middle. It's an Altair 680 not a 8800, but hopefully I'll be adding an 8800 soon.

2009-04-28 00:12 Time Walkers

I've just added a second Atari 800 to the database. It's in the early-80s B-movie Time Walkers.

2009-04-25 10:41 Whizzy ZX81

Episode 11 of Whiz Kids offers Starring-the-Computer its third Sinclair ZX81. Thank you Scoelho for pointing out that the Apple in Back to the Future II was a Mac plus, not an original Mac as I had previously had it.

2009-04-24 23:43 Disorderlies

The film Disorderlies features a couple of Amiga 1000s and a rather unlikely appearance for a Sinclair ZX81. I've been able to cross the Compupro 816 off the list of unidentified machines - thanks to all who got in touch about that one. However it leaves space for a new machine to identify: some sort of Univac panel in That Touch of Mink.

2009-04-23 13:34 Apple On the Beach

The 2000 remake of On the Beach has a few Powerbook G3s, one in a fairly important role. Also, thanks are due to David for spotting that the unidentified computer in The Thing was in fact an Intertec Superbrain.

2009-04-22 08:50 Not Quite Human

The Disney made-for-TV movie Not Quite Human features a Commodore Amiga 1000 and, a first for the site, an Apple IIe.

2009-04-14 13:49 The Mega Game

British TV miniseries The One Game offers the first Atari Mega ST for the site. There's also a luggable PC that I've not yet been able to identify. Speaking of machines I couldn't identify, I'd like to thank Jan who pointed out that the mystery computer in 23 was an IBM AS/400.

2009-04-11 15:54 Any Comments?

I've been meaning to do this for a while, and the Easter break has furnished me with the time to do it. It is now possible to add your own comments about appearances - just click the "Add a comment" link. At the moment, it could only be described as ugly but functional. Hopefully the ugliness will improve with time!

2009-04-10 23:42 Atari 800

Max Dugan Returns provides Starring-the-Computer with its first Atari 800, albeit in a very minor role.

2009-04-10 15:03 A Couple of Commodores

The Turkish sci-fi spoof G.O.R.A. has a rather unlikely role for a Commodore 64, and the poor horror film Food of the Gods II has a more plausible part for a Commodore Amiga 1000.

2009-04-06 08:11 UNIVAC-tastic!

The Invisible Boy provides Starring-the-Computer with its first mention of another important early computer - the UNIVAC.

2009-04-04 11:20 The IBM Most Likely To...

The IBM System/360 makes its first appearance on the Starring-the-Computer, featuring in The Girl Most Likely to.... There are also a couple more appearances of the veteran IBM AN/FSQ-7 to report in an episode of Columbo and in the deliciously awful Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. And the final bit of big-iron added in this update is the Burroughs B205, which lends its tape drive to The Right Stuff.

2009-03-29 11:48 Free Willy 5300

I've not added an Apple appearance to the database for more than three weeks, which makes a refreshing change, but here they come again! Free Willy 3 has a Apple Powerbook 5300c in it. Thanks to Marc for spotting this!

2009-03-26 23:08 Collateral Palmage

Collateral Damage has a small role for a Palm IIIc. I've also added yet another appearance of the IBM AN/FSQ-7, this time in Westworld.

2009-03-24 23:29 Silver Spoons

The Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer plays a crucial part in the plot of an episode of Silver Spoons. There's also a machine I have not yet been able to identify in the pilot of the series.

2009-03-21 00:04 First Kid

First Kid has a clutch of SGI machines with Indigo2s and an Indy playing an important part in the plot. There's an old Compaq LTE laptop in there too.

2009-03-13 23:13 ICT 1301

The ICT1301 is a new addition to Starring-the-Computer with two appearances initially - The Man With the Golden Gun, and Blakes 7.

2009-03-05 17:47 The Firm

The Firm has a sprinkling of Macs, none of which have featured on Starring-the-Computer yet. On display: a Powerbook 180, a Quadra 605, and a Mac IIsi.

2009-03-02 21:22 Spies Like Apples

Spies Like Us includes shots of an Apple II, and a mystery computer. Thanks to Jason L for bringing this one to my attention. I've also added another couple of AN/FSQ-7 appearances to the database: Snowball Express, and Zontar: The Thing from Venus.

2009-02-23 20:46 Honeywell Ryder

When I added Casino Royale to my DVD rental list I mistakenly asked for the 1967 spoof, rather than the 2006 film that I know has some fairly boring laptops in it. I watched it anyway and struck lucky - there's a Honeywell 200 series machine on display. Much more interesting than a couple of modern laptops! Also added to the database are a couple of disappointingly minor appearances in an episode of Wiseguy: a Mac and an A2000.

2009-02-17 23:36 It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

An episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia features a Mac SE in a very minor role.

2009-02-14 22:11 Nuke National Lampoons

Two more movies that I've watched so you don't have to! The Class of Nuke 'Em High II has a Commodore Vic 20 (well it could be a C64, but its white colour makes me think it's a Vic 20), and National Lampoon's Vacation has an Apple II.

2009-02-10 22:23 For Philips Eyes Only

For Your Eyes Only appears to be a marketing coup for Philips - just about every bit of electronic equipment in the film is Philips branded from cassette recorders to computers. Computer-wise there are a couple of Philips office computers: the P5003 and the P330. I've also managed to identify the minicomputer in Phase IV that has been on the help page for ages - it's a GEC 4080.

2009-02-07 23:20 Short Circuit

Short Circuit provides us with an Apple Mac and a TRS-80, as well as a couple of mysteries (a big chunky PC thing, and a colourful keyboard).

2009-02-06 23:55 Amstrad's Eternal Sunshine

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has lots of nice shots of an Amstrad PPC640 portable PC - an improbable tool for an impossible job!

2009-02-04 22:50 Big Question

Big has a brief glimpse of an Atari 600/800 XL, as well as a couple of mystery PC clones including this Unisys. Can you identify it?

2009-02-04 09:30 Hackers

I've finally had a chance to add Hackers to the database and, yes, it's an Apple-fest. On show we have Starring-the-Computer's first Apple IIGS, a Messagepad, and a couple of Powerbooks: a 540c and a 2300c.

2009-01-31 00:29 Single White Outbound

I've just added Single White Female to the database. It has the normal array of Apples (in this case Mac IIs) but, more interestingly, it also has the Outbound portable Mac clone.

2009-01-24 23:40 What's that Thing?

The Thing features an Apple II in a minor role at the beginning of the film, and a more major role for a mystery computer. Can you identify it?

2009-01-21 00:23 Un Commodore: Gris

The French/Swiss/Polish film Trois Couleurs: Rouge has the most fleeting of glimpses of a Commodore 64.

2009-01-17 11:16 I've Lost my Apple!

The second season of Lost has lots of nice shots of an Apple II, playing a pretty crucial role in the plot. I've also added a couple of minor IBM AN/FSQ-7 appearances: one from Lost and one from the Woody Allen film Sleeper.

2009-01-12 23:04 The Life Aquatic

Following on the The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic is the second Wes Anderson film to feature 1980s home computers, in this case the Tandy TRS-80 model 4.

2008-12-31 10:40 Pennsylvania 6-5160

An episode of ALF has a PC lying around in the background and, more interestingly, a Commodore SX64 actually in use on Air Force One no less.

2008-12-31 09:39 Destination Moon

Sci-fi classic Destination Moon has the briefest of glimpses of a Differential Analyzer at work.

2008-12-30 15:43 Dos Amigas

Screwball Hotel has a small but important role for a Commodore A2000, and Stepfather III has a A500 playing a largish part in proceedings. There... I've watched these awful movies so you don't have to!

2008-12-27 15:34 Big Fat Update 4

I've been saving these up, and it's Christmas... Eve of Destruction, Beverly Hills Cop 3, Independence Day, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, That's So Raven, Return to the Batcave, Austin Powers in Goldmember, Soap, Invasion of the Bee Girls, Virus, Damnation Alley, and The Towering Inferno all feature panels from the IBM AN/FSQ-7 (as well as the odd Burroughs B205 tape drive.

2008-12-08 23:27 Back to the Mac

Back to the Future Part II has an Apple Mac in the window of an antiques shop in 2015. Never mind a Mac - the iMac will be an antique in 2015!

2008-12-06 10:31 Le Gendarme et les gendarmettes

Another foreign language film for Starring-the-Computer: the French film Le Gendarme et les gendarmettes features a French computer - the Bull Questar M.

2008-12-02 22:33 Bird on a Red Dwarf

Bird on a Wire provides Starring-the-Computer with its first Mac II, and there's another Commodore 64 appearance in an episode of Red Dwarf.

2008-11-24 23:05 Go Commodore!

Continuing a good run for Commodore, there's a role for a C64 in the TV mini-series Nightmares and Dreamscapes (based on a book of Stephen King short stories).

2008-11-21 21:00 Another VIC-20

Following last week's addition of What Waits Below, VIC-20s also appear in Airplane II.

2008-11-14 21:58 What Waits Below

There are some nice shots of a Commodore VIC-20 in the British science-fiction adventure What Waits Below.

2008-11-13 17:53 You've Got Mail

Having watched it absolutely ages ago, I've finally found time to add You've Got Mail to the database with its Apple and IBM laptops playing important roles.

2008-10-31 21:11 Friday the 13th on October the 31st

Rather appropriately for Halloween, I suppose, I've just added Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter to the database as it includes a brief appearance from a TRS-80 Color Computer.

2008-10-23 19:14 A View IIc a Kill

There's an Apple IIc in the Bond film A View to a Kill.

2008-10-14 23:11 The Peacemaker

The Peacemaker has large numbers of SGI machines: Indys all over the place and, a Starring-the-Computer first, a few Indigo2s as well. There's also a little DEC notebook in there too.

2008-10-13 23:17 Time Traveling B205

The 1964 B-movie The Time Travelers (I want to type Travellers, but it is Travelers) has lots of lovely shots of the Burroughs B205 standing in as the time machine.

2008-10-06 13:44 Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Ferris Bueller's Day Off includes an IBM PC XT.

2008-10-02 21:15 Hogan's Heroes

The Burroughs B205 make the most fleeting of appearances in a Hogan's Heroes episode.

2008-09-25 14:00 The Machattan Project

These titles keep getting sillier! The Manhattan Project has minor roles for an Apple Mac and a, Starring-the-Computer newcomer, DEC PDP-11/40.

2008-09-24 14:00 Get Smart, Amiga!

Get Smart, Again! adds the first Commodore Amiga 1000 to the Starring-the-Computer database, along with an IBM AN/FSQ-7. We've had a recent glut of the IBMs, not through any design on my part, but simply because of the order the rental company has sent the DVDs to me. It maybe because I added them all to the rental list at once after discovering Mike Lowen's excellent web page The AN/FSQ-7 on TV and in the Movies. As you can see from that page, we still have a fair few AN/FSQ-7 appearances to go!

2008-09-20 11:58 Stand By XT

An IBM PC XT makes a brief appearance in the 1986 film Stand By Me.

2008-09-19 20:55 23 Nichts ist so wie es scheint

23 is Starring-the-Computer's first foreign language film, but it was certainly worth bearing with the subtitles. As well being a very good "computery" movie, it also adds loads of new computers to the database: Commodore's 64C and SX64 as well as an Atari ST and a very chunky Ericsson Portable PC. A veritable smorgasbord of 1980s computing!

2008-09-16 14:00 Tom Selleck reaches his Zenith

Well, he might well have reached his nadir, actually, but nonetheless Tom Selleck stars in Her Alibi along with a Zenith Supersport laptop. Oh, and another SAGE appearance, this time in Spaceballs.

2008-09-09 21:58 The Tandy Kid

The Heavenly Kid has very minor roles for two TRS-80 computers: a Model 4 and a Color Computer.

2008-09-09 13:59 Big Fat Update 3

Dodgeball, Tomb Raider, Accepted, Electric Dreams and an episode of Knight Rider have all been added to the database. Three computers make their first Starring-the-Computer appearance: the Apple Powerbook G4, the Tandy MC-10 and (almost unbelievable that it's taken this long to find one) a Commodore 64.

2008-09-07 16:23 Another SAGE pair

Another couple of appearances of the IBM AN/FSQ-7: Airplane! and The Swarm (which also features another Starring-the-Computer veteran the Burroughs B205 tape drive.)

2008-08-28 18:07 A SAGE pair

The IBM AN/FSQ-7 (SAGE) appears in both sci-fi prequel Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and sixties spy-comedy The President's Analyst.

2008-08-19 12:05 Debbie and Damon

Damon and Debbie, despite being an obscure soap spinoff, is to me an exciting addition to the site. It features new computers - a Toshiba HX-10 and a Sun 3/50 (I don't believe it's taken this long to get a Sun machine in the database), and well a few Beebs, but the main point of interest is that it takes place at my place of work - the Computer Science Department at the University of York. Also, it's just possible that I might own that particular Sun 3/50 (or its motherboard, at least). Thanks to an anonymous colleague for rescuing this from a mouldy betamax tape!

2008-07-25 22:18 Buckaroo Banzai

It was on my list for an Apple II, which wasn't visible at all, but Buckaroo Banzai does have a DEC Rainbow and another machine that looks like an S-100 system. I couldn't identify it. Can you?

2008-07-23 22:56 First success of the help page!

A big thanks to Velibor who spotted the TRS-80 from The Royal Tenenbaums on the help page.

2008-07-23 13:42 Dr. Goldfoot and the Burroughs Machine

The Burroughs B205 (or its tape drive, at least) appears in Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine, making it joint equal with the Commodore PET as the mostly popular computer on Starring-the-Computer!

2008-07-21 22:31 Zoolander

An iMac plays a moderately important role in the film Zoolander. Not my kind of film at all, but I suppose it provides Starring-the-Computer with its first "Z" entry...

2008-07-18 23:38 Big Fat Update 2

xXx, Lost in Space, Sliders and Alien vs Predator have all been added to the database. New machines: a Motorola Accompli and a PDP-11/03. That's certainly helped clear the backlog that was building up!

2008-07-18 00:11 Applenapping

Ransom proves to be another coup for Apple's marketing department. At least this time as well as the inevitable dull PowerBook, there's a more interesting Messagepad.

2008-07-16 23:40 Help!

I've added a new help section to the website, where you can help me improve starringthecomputer.com. Please have a look and get in touch if you have any relevant information.

2008-07-14 12:43 Elliott 903

The 1974 film Phase IV features the first, and quite probably only, appearance of an Elliott Automation computer (the 903) in a movie.

2008-07-09 08:17 Differential Analyser vs the Flying Saucers

The classic cold-war sci-fi flick Earth vs the Flying Saucers features some nice shots of the GE Differential Analyser doing impossible things.

2008-06-30 22:44 Fantastic Voyage

A Fantastic Voyage into the world of 1950s computers is now logged in the database with appearances by a Burroughs B205 and an IBM AN/FSQ-7 (SAGE).

2008-06-13 07:50 Indy Maguire

The Toshiba Satellite actually plays a fairly important role in the plot of Jerry Maguire, but I was watching it for the SGI Indys.

2008-06-11 08:58 The Saint

The Saint features more Apple laptops (yawn), and a more interesting Nokia Communicator.

2008-06-11 08:31 Naploleon Dynamite

The TRS-80 Model 4 make its first appearance on Starring-the-Computer (albeit a very fleeting one) in the film Napoleon Dynamite.

2008-05-30 07:35 Legally iBlonde

Yet more Apple product placement is in evidence in Legally Blonde: a Clamshell iBook.

2008-05-14 07:11 Palm Breach

Breach, the true story of American FBI agent Robert Hanssen who spied for the Soviet government, features the historically accurate Palm III.

2008-04-25 00:03 Dark Season

The BBC children's series Dark Season is notable for being an early work of Russel T. "Dr Who" Davis, and an early role for Kate Winslet. It also stars an Acorn Archimedes and a Toshiba T1000 laptop.

2008-04-23 09:20 The Rachel Papers

This poor rendition of a Martin Amis novel is slightly redeemed by the inclusion of a Commodore Amiga 500 playing Battle Chess.

2008-04-22 23:00 Angry Red Planet

Of its many cinematic appearances, this must be the Burroughs B205's finest hour, being on screen for a very significant part of The Angry Red Planet.

2008-04-19 18:29 Turn that Coco up to 11!

The Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer makes a fleeting appearance in This is Spinal Tap, something that I'd not spotted in the many times I've seen it.

2008-04-18 09:03 The Philadelphia Experiment

This could be an early Commodore 64, but in the absence of other evidence I'm going to say that The Philadelphia Experiment features a Commodore VIC-20. Also, for the first time, a computer makes a meta-appearance: a DEC Rainbow appears in a TV advert in the film.

2008-04-14 09:34 Look Around Your Beeb

The first series of Look Around You features a BBC Micro in its title sequence, and the "Maths" episode has a Pet.

2008-04-08 14:00 More Angels, in the Outfield this time.

The 1994 remake of the 1951 film Angels in the Outfield features something the original could not: an Apple Messagepad.

2008-03-31 08:39 Charlie's Angels

The Sony-owned Columbia pictures film Charlies Angel's features a Sony Vaio C1.

2008-03-11 23:36 Big Fat Update 1

Assassins has Powerbooks everywhere, When Worlds Collide goes old-school with a Differential Analyzer, and Ghostbusters has a bevy of eighties favourites: a Cromemco System I, a DEC Rainbow 100 and a Franklin Ace 1000.

2008-02-24 13:15 Evilspeak

This horror film was banned in the UK as a so-called "video nasty", although it feels more comic than horrific these days. It does star an Apple II in a pretty central role, though.

2008-02-22 08:43 Nothing sucks like Seven VAXen!

Seven provides Starring-the-Computer with its first VAX.

2008-02-19 23:39 Arresting Groove

The Arrested development episode Family Ties has a brief glimpse of a Pet and nice shots of a Kaypro 10. There are very fleeting glimpses of an iMac, a Palm III, and IBM PC XTs in Groove.

2008-02-08 09:03 Independence Day

In one of cinema's less plausible plot lines, Jeff Goldblum infects alien technology with a computer virus he writes on his Apple Powerbook in Independence Day.

2008-02-07 23:46 Reptilian aliens use Sony Computers

At least they do in V: The Final Battle - an SMC-70 in fact.

2008-02-06 09:33 Terminator 3

A Commodore Pet is one of the computers in the disused bunker at the end of Terminator 3.

2008-01-31 18:00 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes

Added this 1969 original to the database. It contains the tape drive of a B205.

2008-01-22 22:23 Die Hard Nokia Fan

It's been ages since the last update - not because I haven't been trying, but simply because Blockbuster haven't sent me any of the Starring-the-Computer DVDs from my list. Anyway, Nokia have their claws well embedded in Live Free or Die Hard (also known as Die Hard 4.0), with appearances from the 9300 and 770. There are also some other PDAs and Alienware machines that I can't positively identify. Ideas, anyone?

2007-11-22 09:41 The Secret of AT&T's Success

AT&T's product placement department was working overtime for The Secret of My Success, with a bevy of AT&T computers (a number of 6300s and a 7300) on display.

2007-11-20 13:36 Street Hawk

A small collection of home computers appear in the 1980s Knight Rider ripoff Street Hawk.

2007-10-25 14:19 Honeywell 200 looks a Billion Dollars

The Billion Dollar Brain has sumptuous images of the Honeywell 200 computer.

2007-10-18 23:24 Jewel of the Nile

Just added The Jewel of the Nile to the database because of a very brief view of a collection of Commodore CBM-II machines.

2007-10-15 08:20 Love the Strange IBM, Doctor

I've just added Doctor Strangelove to the database. It features some lovely shots of an IBM 7090.

2007-09-30 17:46 Holy IT Crowd, Batman!

Two more additions to the database: the 1966 TV spinoff Batman - The Move features an ancient Burroughs machine, and season one of the IT Crowd has a bevy of old home computers (a Beeb, a Pet and a ZX81).

2007-09-24 07:58 2010

Dr Heywood Floyd uses the, by then, 26-year-old Apple IIc in 2001. Technology has improved, though, because it can run without a power supply!

2007-09-19 09:06 Another Acorn

Acorn computers are having a bit of a run now. I've just added Clockwise to the database which has a nice little cameo by a BBC Micro, complete with its user manual!

2007-09-18 09:37 Rajah 1200

An Acorn Master Compact makes a guest appearance in Only Fools and Horses, disguised as the Rajah 1200.

2007-09-18 09:07 How to Make a Monster

I had heard that How to Make a Monster contained SGI equipment, and whilst it has plenty of SGI flat-screen monitors there are no visible boxes. A Plam PDA and a Compaq laptop make a pretty poor substitute.

2007-09-10 08:22 Three more films added

A PET makes a suprise appearance in Star Trek II, there's a library full of Televideo TS-803s in Pretty in Pink, and, in common with many other feature-film adaptions of Michael Crichton novels, Congo has a load of SGI kit on display.

2007-09-04 09:20 The Royal Apples

I've just added The Royal Tenenbaums to the database, features Apple computers old and new. I've been told that there's a TRS-80 in there somewhere too, although I've been unable to spot it.

2007-08-06 13:17 First Commodore

I can't believe we got 35 computers in before Commodore made an appearance, but here it is: an A500 playing a rather important part in the Costa-Gavras movie Betrayed.

2007-08-03 17:56 Yet more Apples

House of Sand and Fog, has a fleeting glimpse of an old Mac SE.

2007-08-02 15:30 Tandy makes an entrance

I've just added Revenge of the Nerds to the database starring a Coco - the first Tandy to make it to starringthecomputer.com.

2007-07-20 20:04 Another early PDA

This time it's a Psion playing a vital part in Executive Decision. All that, and Hercules Poirot is the bad guy!

2007-07-18 06:16 First Newton

Apple's revolutionary Newton appears in Under Siege 2, which I've just added to the site - the first Newton to appear here (but not the last). This film also features the much less interesting Toshiba T4600C laptop.

2007-07-12 09:39 SGIs in Disclosure

There are Indys all over the place in the Michael Douglas Thriller Disclosure, which I have just added to the database.

2007-07-11 09:24 Brainstorm

Brainstorm joins Colossus: The Forbin Project in rolling the IBM 1620 out of retirement.

2007-07-09 15:42 Batman and Robin

Added Batman and Robin, with more Apple product placement.

2007-07-07 17:26 Early PCs

I've just added Real Genius and Beverly Hills Cop which both feature non-IBM standard PCs: the HP 150 and DEC Rainbow respectively.

2007-07-07 14:21 Added the news feature.

Here it is! In fact I've found a few hours to pull the web site together a bit, so it should look a bit better now.