Beginner into Micros, etc.

From: Mike Ford <mikeford_at_socal.rr.com>
Date: Thu Oct 19 19:07:46 2000

>Besides money, you must also invest time in searching out old computers.

Its really time OR money. Many of us on the list are bargain hunters with
old computers the choosen prey. There is nothing wrong with just BUYING
what you want and letting someone else do the hunting. Years ago on the
Compuserve Hifi forum somebody was lamenting that try as they might they
could not find a certain very desirable old Marantz tube amplifier. The
advice he got was to make a "serious" cash offer, which he did, and half a
dozen of them magically became available. He was able to buy a matched pair
in mint condition, for what later turned out to be a VERY fair price ($500
each if I remember correctly).

If you REALLY want some certain item, that is what I would suggest, make a
large serious cash offer and pick the finest system out of what you are
offered. This list has a HUGE bias toward buying near junk at cheap prices
and spending the rest of your life fixing it, and looking for parts and
manuals. If that is what you like, and its more or less my personal
preference, then hop in the mud is fine.

If you want a "working" system without a LOT of time spent, buy the
absolute best unit you can afford. A complete working system that has never
been out of a clean room with conditioned power that has all the software,
manuals, and spares is a WORLD apart and better than many of us start with,
or end up with.

>If you've only been at this for a few short months and are frustrated
>because you haven't found many old computers, don't be. You are still
>just a beginner. It takes years to assemble a significant collection.

Kind of funny the two main questions from collectors are;

Where can I find more stuff.

Where can I put all this stuff I found.
Received on Thu Oct 19 2000 - 19:07:46 BST