Help with value of IBM RT-6150

From: Ethan Dicks <erd_at_infinet.com>
Date: Mon Aug 17 12:30:05 1998

> In a message dated 98-08-17 09:51:22 EDT, you write:
>
> >The computer is an IBM RT Model 135, Type 6150. It has a 5 1/4 floppy,
> >and two hard drives (100MB & 300MB), plus the usual video and
> > network card.
>
> >The monitor is an IBM Model/Type 5081-19, 19" color with RGB inputs.
>
> >I am not trying to come up with some inflated value for this thing
> >to take advantage of the insurance company, just a reasonable fair
> > value to settle the claim.

When I was broken into, I was told for the computers that are no longer
made, you can use the value of something that _is_ available to estimate
"replacement cost" (if you have that kind of insurance). In 1990, you
couldn't buy a new PET (I lost two :-P ) , so I estimated based on the value
of a C-64, the closest available approximation, $100 at the time. I documented
all of this and they paid based on that documentation.

I live with someone that passed her insurance certification test in Missouri.
She says that actuaries despise computers. They don't conform to any other
goods in depreciation, and exact replacements aren't available a few months
after the original item sells. For a couple of my computers, I xeroxed the
boxes and the insurance company applied an arbitrary deduction based on date
of purchase. If I replaced the item, they paid the rest of the cost of the
item. In all cases, the amount I was paid was in excess of what if would
really cost to drive down to the corner computer store and buy used, but it
was the amount that the insurance company itself determined that it was worth
based on original MSRP and age. Who am I to argue. It made up for getting
screwed on three loaded toolboxes that valued out at about $20 each.

I don't know if any of this helps you with your 6150 RT, but you should at
least be able to get something for the 19" monitor. Damn shame. I remember
playing with one of those years ago. I thought that IBM was coming around
in the desktop market. Right about then, IIRC, the clones hit big.

-ethan
Received on Mon Aug 17 1998 - 12:30:05 BST