24 Apr
2003
24 Apr
'03
7:10 p.m.
On Thu, 24 Apr 2003, Adrian Vickers wrote:
The relative values of things to people - especially
collector items - is
so variable as to be almost meaningless. I'd have happily paid ?100 for a
Sharp MZ-80K two years ago. Now I'll baulk at anything over about ?25, and
I'd prefer it free. Why? Because I have two of them now. Their relative
value to me as a purchaser has changed significantly for reasons which are
totally unrelated to their "real" value. Same goes for the MZ-80A & B, of
which I have 2 & 1 examples respectively. I'd still pay ?50 or so for a VGC
"B", as the one I have has a slightly dubious keyboard & a nasty scratch
in
the screen which I don't think is repairable.
This is a really good point. There has to be an objective value based on
true scarcity (i.e. how many total units produced), not regional
scarcity, and generally acknowledged historical and/or technical
significance. eBay prices do not generally reflect objective value.
I think Michael Nadeau's book made great strides towards this end, but
refinement is still needed.
To be sure, prices for old computers will still not settle in the near
future.
--
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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