On Thu, 19 Aug 1999 12:34:18 -0400 "Cini, Richard"
<RCini_at_congressfinancial.com> writes:
> Hello, all:
>
> I had several conversations with Tom Fischer over the last
> few months. And I can understand the underlying premise of introducing
a
> "new" old computer to, IMHO, capitalize on the wave of nostalgia and
the
> desire to move down the power curve a bit.
Not to mention recent E-Bay prices.
> My other concern is cost. For $999, one gets a bullet-proof
> case, new terminated, large, partially-filled backplane, a snazzy front
> panel, and a power supply of dubious quality. No boards. Nothing.
> Non-functional, but pretty.
Well, I've always thought that this guy who's building these has been
spending *way* too much time on e-bay. I think he's counting on selling
to the same idiots who pay $500 for a 'signature' Mac 128.
> And, could the "mainframe" actually cost that much??
> Switches: 22_at_$5=$110. PS=$50. Backplane=$75. Sheetmetal=$250. FP=$100.
> Maybe I have a warped idea of what this stuff costs, but I was
expecting
> a lower number.
I dunno, your price breakdown sounds alright to me. Mebbe he figured
that
these are 'hand crafted' hence have some kinda snob appeal.
> I have some old S100 cards to play around with, but I only
> have a non-working Northstar Horizon. So, I would be Tom's target
> audience. I would prefer a kit, though, since I have the skill level
> and interest to assemble one myself.
Well that was the whole point, wasn't it, eh? You built it yourself
because you a) Had more time than money or b) That's the only way
you could get it. I dunno about you, but I certainly fell into the
'more time than money' category (and *still* couldn't afford it).
I believe his target audience has 'more money than {time | brains}'.
I dunno Rich, I always figured you as a pretty smart guy. Maybe
on a budget, too. Would be better just to buy the 'unique' bits,
and piece one together yourself (utilizing the PSU of your choice).
BTW, what's wrong with your Horizon (just curious)?
> Also, Imsai-2 is vaporware.
Um, until he comes up with at least bare boards and stuff, yep,
fer sure.
> Conclusion: although I want an IMSAI badly, I don't think
> that I'm prepared to spend $1k for an out-of-the-box non-functional
> machine.
Ah yes, as I suspected, you're way too smart to be drawn into this
'Techno chic' marketing shtick. That's all it is: chic. This guy's
just trying to 'make hay while the sun shines'.
> If I were buying an "old" non-functional IMSAI, at least I could
> restore it to functioning status. I wouldn't pay $1k for that one,
> either.
True, although this would be the way to go, assuming the price is
right. Even if you just have a pile of old boards, as i said before,
just get the 'unique' stuff, then fill in the gaps with off-the-shelf
items. That's essentially what we did in the old days.
I'm convinced that the IMSAI-2 is a product designed and marketed
expressly for the purpose of becomming a 'Hot Collectable'. I'm
confident in a couple of years you'll see E-Bay ads like this:
RARE! IMSAI-2 Chassis, Complete! One of only 24 Made! L_at__at_K!
Anyway, more then my $0.02, but hey, there it is.
Jeff
>
> Rich
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> Richard Cini
> Vice President
> Congress Financial Corporation
> 1133 Avenue of the Americas
> 30th Floor
> New York, NY 10036
> 212-545-4402 / 212-840-6259 (fax)
> rcini_at_congressfinancial.com
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Received on Thu Aug 19 1999 - 12:29:34 BST