There's no doubt this has been happening on
eBay. More and more older
computers are being listed with descriptions like "Collectors Look!
Antique Computer!!!" Then you read the description and the sellers say
things like, "We're not sure what this is and we have no way to test it,
but surely some collector will be interested..." Gee, how about a test
where you plug it in and turn it on?
No, Bad, Bad idea...
I'd much rather have something that's untested (and which I've got a fair
chance of repairing) than something that was damaged by being switched on
without checking PSUs, fans, etc first. Admittedly this is more of a
problem for old radios than old computers, but anyway.
I wasn't referring to anything extraordinary. To the average
high-volume junk peddler on eBay, an Apple IIc has become a "Rare
Collectible Antique Computer!!!" and a TRS-80 Model 1 is now officially
"The First Computer Ever!"
--
mor(a)crl.com