21 Oct
2005
21 Oct
'05
10:56 a.m.
Hans,
You make excellent points!
I'd do the same thing as I'd be very interested in seeing what was on that hard
drive and actually running the machine in it's final re-incarnation. But maybe I
would put the new cards in an later serial number box for operating (like a nice Star Trek
game or Supercalc) and put other original cards, PS, and motherboard in the serial number
3 case. But I only have one already later model modded 8800 and didn't have nine
grand Canadian either!
(Now if it was an IMSAI, that would be another story....except for the nine grand!)
<grin>
---- EDITED ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW-----
From: "Hans Franke" <Hans.Franke at
siemens.com>
Subject: Re: Big dollars paid for Altair 8800 on Ebay
To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts"
<cctalk at classiccmp.org>
Message-ID: <43591700.32111.10A59295 at localhost>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Now, regarding your implication, yes, a nice like new car has it's value,
but then again, a special sub serie might even catch a higher price when
not shiny, and then there are modifications. Thing of a Shelby GT with
added race trim. that would definitly catch a better price than a regular
(already expensive) Shelby GT.
Now, the above Altair could be compared again to a hot-rodded Model T.
Lager engine (Z80) added high performace stuff (Hard Disk) and so on.
Such a Car has a value in itself, and restoreing it to a factory like
version should be considered vandalism.
Gary Fisher
Tristone Capital Inc.
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I suppose the buyer is going to restore the
original MITS cards as it was
first available, or is he going to keep it intact as it was sold to him?
It would be interesting (to me) to know peoples collecting philosophies
about that.
Well, tough question. As for myself, I guess I would keep it the way
it is right now. THe usage, the add ons _and_ the fact that it's ser#3
add together for a very unique exhibition piece. 'Restoring' it would
take away the life and history.
Don't get me wrong, this isn't a 'do not touch' thing, unlike some
weired car collectors, who buy cars and let them rust on purpose, I
would go ahead and restore (if needed) the Altair to its last working
condition. Make it show room able, but don't take away it's history.
If the original cards where available with the unit, I wouldn't put
them back in, but rather use as part of a proposed displa, maybe
mounted on a wall behind the unit.
Gruss
H.
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