Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

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Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

We always see a number of items on Egadapplesarebecomingtooexpensive or CraigslistofApplesthatareoverpriced that are advertised as "as is", "not tested", "worked when it went into a damp, spider-infested basement in 1997" and things like that.

Invariably, these computers do NOT come with a power supply, which is why they tend to be untested.

So my question is - if you saw something you wanted, but the auction was basically amounting to you rolling the dice - it might work, it might not, no power supply (meaning you now have to spend extra money for something that might not even work) - how much is too much for you to pull the trigger and take the chance?

Keeping this question to computers - would you buy an "untested, as-is Apple IIc // IIe //IIgs" for $100? $50? What's the ceiling here before it becomes too risky for you?

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

I always assume every vintage computer I buy on eBay doesn't work. Well that is also because I look for broken ones also, half the fun is making them run.

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

I'll second that. These vintage machines are easy enough to repair. And if I get something that's too far gone, well then.. spare parts come in handy for the next job.

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

I'll second that. These vintage machines are easy enough to repair. And if I get something that's too far gone, well then.. spare parts come in handy for the next job.

From a IIe point of view, I agree - I have no experience with a IIc, for instance, which is why I'm curious - if I buy one through eBay with no power supply AND then it doesn't work...what do I do with it? There can't be much of a market for "dead IIc but the power supply works!"

So how much is the right amount to take that chance?

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

The right amount is what you're willing to spend and what the value of the computer is to you.

If you get it and it doesn't work, you have 6 options that I immediately see.

1- Sell it on ebay for parts.
2- Repair it yourself.
3- Keep it for parts.
4- Trade it for parts.
5- Keep it as a decorative piece.
6- Donate/give it away.

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

When I buy something I expect it to work unless advertised otherwise.

as for dice, only you can really decide that.

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

Every time you buy computer equipment, it does not matter what kind, you take a chance.

So far I've been pretty lucky with the IIc units (regular and IIc Plus)I have bought.

Most times it's not the power supply issue. Folks are manufacturing them now and selling them on eBay.

What I find most often are dirty heads on the disk drives, but this is easily taken care of.

As for knowing when to draw the line... That is an individual choice.

Steven Smile

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

If it says AS/IS or UNTESTED I assume that it truly is untested and has some percent chance of working. However I don't assume it works straightaway.

If it says nothing, about working or non-working. I assume it is untested, but I also know I have eBay or PayPal leverage in that if it's broken I can force them to return it or refund it.

If it says working or tested, I assume it works, and I will be mad if it doesn't.

You need to roll the dice. If you are familiar with the computer and know it's most common failures, be prepared to fix those.

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

Lucky for me, it says BOTH "Untested" and "AS-IS."

Into the void!

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

Stats,

You are standing at the edge of Entropy. lol

Steven Smile

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Re: Rolling the dice - how much is too much?

So I got an "UNTESTED, AS-IS" Apple IIc for C$70. Seller is local, so I don't pay anything for shipping. Of course, I have to ALSO buy a power supply, which will arrive next week.

The machine looks to be in good shape, cosmetically, so here's hoping.

Apple IIc

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