A remarkable testament to durability and simplicity thrives in the heart of Brownsburg, Indiana, where Hilligross Bakery continues to ring up its delectable doughnuts using technology that predates many of its customers. Two Commodore 64 computers, first released in 1982, have been faithfully serving as cash registers at this establishment, challenging modern assumptions about the necessity of constant technological upgrades.
The story gained renewed attention when Tony Lyon shared photographic evidence on X (formerly Twitter) of these vintage machines still in active service. While the initial photos were taken in 2010, subsequent documentation from 2021 confirms the computers’ continued operation, demonstrating extraordinary longevity in an era of planned obsolescence.
These venerable machines, which originally retailed for $595, have proven that sometimes simpler is better. Powered by a modest 1MHz CPU and equipped with 64KB of RAM (the specification that inspired its name), the Commodore 64 might seem woefully inadequate by today’s standards. However, for the specific task of processing bakery transactions, these specifications have proved more than sufficient.
The Commodore 64’s endurance at Hilligross Bakery offers a compelling counterpoint to the modern cycle of constant technological turnover. While many businesses feel pressured to regularly update their systems, this Indiana establishment has demonstrated that older technology can remain perfectly viable when matched appropriately to its task. The bakery’s impressive customer ratings – 4.7 stars on Google Maps and 4.4 stars on Yelp – suggest that vintage technology hasn’t hampered their ability to serve customers effectively.
This preservation of functional older technology also connects to a broader historical significance. The Commodore 64 holds the distinction of being the highest-selling individual computer model of all time, with estimated sales between 10 and 17 million units. Its widespread adoption and reliability have created a lasting legacy that extends far beyond its initial home computing role.
The bakery’s story highlights an often-overlooked aspect of sustainability in technology: the environmental and economic benefits of maintaining functional older systems rather than unnecessarily replacing them. While the rest of the world races to adopt the latest innovations, this small Indiana business demonstrates that reliability and functionality should be the primary considerations in choosing business tools.
For technology enthusiasts and collectors, the enduring appeal of the Commodore 64 is reflected in today’s market, where working units command prices ranging from $100 to $1,250 on eBay. This preservation of value speaks to both the machine’s historical significance and its continued functionality.
The Hilligross Bakery case study presents an intriguing paradox in our relationship with technology. While the digital world continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, with new devices and systems appearing almost daily, this humble bakery proves that sometimes the best tool for the job might be one that’s four decades old. It’s a reminder that innovation isn’t always about having the newest technology, but about finding the right solution for specific needs.
As businesses worldwide grapple with decisions about technological upgrades and digital transformation, the story of these resilient Commodore 64s serves as a compelling reminder that the latest isn’t always the greatest. In a world obsessed with cutting-edge technology, there’s something sweetly satisfying about doughnuts being sold with the help of a computer that helped launch the personal computing revolution.
The continued operation of these vintage machines also highlights the engineering quality of early personal computers, supporting the notion that older hardware was indeed built with durability in mind. While modern devices often follow a pattern of planned obsolescence, these Commodore 64s stand as monuments to an era when longevity was a key consideration in product design.
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