A Very Vintage Tech Christmas

Nothing could be more American than this middle-class nuclear family from 1986. At least that's what computer and electronics kit manufacturer Heathkit wanted you to think when you saw this cozy living-room scene in the company's winter catalog. And it should come as no surprise that every member of the family is engrossed in a Heathkit product. Dad learns electronics with the ET-3100-B Trainer, Mom manages a spreadsheet on her new Zenith Z-181 Portable Personal Computer, and the kids--bless their hearts--program their HERO 1 Robot to drop toys in the fireplace. Meanwhile, Grandma's probably in the kitchen baking apple pies with her Heathkit Bionic Arms. Life doesn't get any better.