What's the value of. . . (Was: Apple I back up on ebay)

value useful I don't know that there is an authoritative answer to that, or to most other "what's it worth" type questions about vintage computer equipment. Consider for example "The Antiques Roadshow", or auction houses like Sotheby's. There are a number of folks out there who are experienced at appraising artwork, old furniture, classic automobiles, and a plethora of other items. Most of which has been around for many many years. Can the same be said of the computer and/or electronics industry? I think the market is still in it's infancy, and there's probably not enough interest in the vintage equipment to support expert opinions. (Yet.) Case in point: Check out this VERY cool Predicta television: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72154009 at N00/2186381451/ I'm sure there are a number of folks out there who could give you a reasonably accurate opinion about the overall value of this unit. This is in part due to the niche market interest in old electronics such as this. And it's been around for a number of years. Now, who could tell me definitively, the "value" of this 1976 Magnavox? http://www.tvhistory.tv/1976%20Magnavox%20TV.JPG Probably not a whole heck of alot of people. There were a large number of them made. But there's not alot of interest in it, because it's still "fairly" new, and by the time it started to wear out, we had moved into an age when people didn't hold on to their old electronics, they just threw them out, and got new stuff. I find that people who ask "what's it worth?" can be divided into two categories. Either they haven't a clue, and are too lazy to do the research, or, they have an idea of what they want, but don't want to lose out by paying too much, or charging too little. Buyer's / Seller's remorse. Do the research! Find out what they've sold for in the past. Look at ALL the prices, high and low, and see if it jibes with what you think it's worth. And don't assume that you'll get the same amount as others have; there are simply too many variables. Research is sometimes very difficult with unique or limited-availability items, which brings us back to the original topic: Is a potentially non-working Apple I clone worth $2000 to me? No. Is it worth $200 to me? No. But then, I'm not a collector of Apples. As a rule of thumb, we shouldn't be asking the question "What does someone else think it's worth?", we should be asking the more important question, "What is it worth TO ME?" This applies to both buying and selling. Either way, if you buy and sell based on the opinions of a limited number of people, you'll eventually end up getting burned. Um, yeah. . . If you give me $10, I'll be happy to haul away that old Altair for you. . . ;-) Regards, T ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Note: The opinions expressed above do not necessary reflect the views and opinions of the author.