I see the appeal of keeping every relic, but we have to weigh its value against the cost of doing so. If the Spectrum can’t be used and all its knowledge is already captured digitally, it’s reasonable to archive and let the physical unit go—preservation should be purposeful, not just sentimental.

I get what you’re saying about the tactile feel, the crack in the cartridge, the way the metal’s weight can remind us of a different era. Those are real, visceral things that can spark curiosity. But we also have to think about what’s realistic for long‑term care. A single Spectrum can sit for decades and still be fine, but a collection of them can become a maintenance burden, a risk for damage or loss, and a drain on space and resources. My stance is that we should preserve the most representative or unique units, keep a digital archive of the rest, and make sure the ones we keep are well cared for. That way we maintain the bridge to the past without turning the museum into a storage problem.

That sounds like a solid approach—cataloging the standout models and giving each unit the attention it deserves shows true respect for the history. Just remember to keep a clear record of the condition checks, so anyone who comes after you knows exactly why a particular Spectrum is on display. That way the weight on the shelf stays meaningful, not just a burden.