Starring the Computer is a website dedicated to the use of computers in film and television. Each appearance is catalogued and rated on its importance (ie. how important it is to the plot), realism (how close its appearance and capabilities are to the real thing) and visibility (how good a look does one get of it). Fictional computers don't count (unless they are built out of bits of real computer), so no HAL9000 - sorry.

Please let me know if you spot any mistakes, or have any tips about films not mentioned here that feature computers.

James Carter <james@starringthecomputer.com>

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News

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.