Grrrrrr

From: John B <dylanb_at_sympatico.ca>
Date: Thu Nov 25 07:26:43 1999

-----Original Message-----
From: Enrico Badella <enrico.badella_at_softstar.it>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu>
Date: Thursday, November 25, 1999 4:06 AM
Subject: Re: Grrrrrr


>
>
>Mike Ford wrote:
>>
>> >> Grrrrrr.
>> >
>> >I agree with you, Dave- it seems that recently there's been a surge of
>> >"this or that computer is junk, it's only worth scrap for metals
content.
>> >I'll enjoy scrapping this one" As I recall, indiscriminate bashing of
any
>>
>> This is an iceberg kind of thing, 90%+ of old computers are going to the
>> shredders, or just as bad sitting in some deteriorating environment. 90%
of
>> the rest is getting dismantled for parts, and only a tiny number are
being
>> kept "operational".
>
>Agree.
>
>However is seems that a lot of people just want to have them operational
>in their house, garage etc. If this cannot happen just let the machine got
>to the shredder. This is exactly what I was told by local hobbyists I
>approached to find help in saving an IBM 4381 mainframe.
>

Exactly, reality kicks in. You can't run a big IBM in your home... sorry,
not going to happen. People only want the minis they can run easily at home
and something that does not disrupt the house as it is.

Most collectors want:

The first computer they ever touched (that's where I come in)
An old transistor mini
Maybe a PDP-8/11....

 Most others aren't worth the cost of shipping.

>Now I have found at my university floor space, power supply and internet
>connection, but almost nobody seems interested in it. Only the LInux 370
>community gave some feedback.
>
>Have I 'invested' on the wrong thing to save? 8-(
>
>e.
>
>========================================================================
>Enrico Badella email: enrico.badella_at_softstar.it
>Soft*Star srl eb_at_vax.cnuce.cnr.it
>InterNetworking Specialists tel: +39-011-746092
>Via Camburzano 9 fax: +39-011-746487
>10143 Torino, Italy
>
> Wanted, for hobbyist use, any type of PDP and microVAX hardware,software,
> manuals,schematics,etc. and DEC-10 docs or manuals
>==========================================================================
>
Received on Thu Nov 25 1999 - 07:26:43 GMT