Old mini computer (B80)

Rumor has it that Mr Ian Primus may have mentioned these words: Whatever you do, *don't* say *collectible*!!! "Museum piece" would be another bad term to use. Customs will hear these terms and think $$$. Tell the customs agent that you have a giveaway (and seriously hint that fact being equatable to "worthless" if asked) hardware rack, obsolete wouldn't be a bad term to use... Keep responses short, sweet & to the point. Don't be a smartass[1]. Don't give 'em your life story, as they're busy folk and don't need to hear it. *Especially* don't "hum and haw" when asked a question, the Customs agent will smell fear and pull you over to inspect your cargo, asking more questions than you'd prefer. Go over your story in your head several times, and try to be prepared for any question they might ask, like "Why'd you drive to BFE to get this thing?" or "What's this thing actually worth?" A good story to use is: Part A) "I used one in high school/college but no-one uses these anymore... " and choose either Part B: Part B1) "... and this person was going to throw it away anyway, so I saved it from the dumpster." or Part B2) "... and this person said it didn't work anymore and I wanted the challenge to try to fix it." and if asked to elaborate, try: "it's a hobby just like restoring Model 'T' cars, but for geeks." Something to that effect anyway should work fairly well. Also, if the units "country of origin" was the USA, there shouldn't be any duty for it to return to the USA, no matter how much it's worth, so if there's a tag on the machine or a manual with it that states "Made in the USA" then they shouldn't give you any hassle. A good piece of advice to keep in mind WRT Customs: You are *guilty* until proven innocent. If you're thinking of making a weekend out of it, get a gas receipt, buy a candy bar, etc. once you get into Canada, because if you're looking to hit the Duty Free on the way back, if you can't *prove* you were in Canada as long as you say, you haven't. Period. I worked at a Duty Free for 3 years or so when I was a young lad, and learned quite well the powers (which are considerable) of US Customs. HTH, Roger "Merch" Merchberger [1] It only takes once to get the "wrong officer" (read: Didn't get any the nite before) to make your life hell crossing the border. 3 years ago going to VCF East (the one in Bahston), I crossed from Port Huron, MI to Sarnia, Ont.... made the trip quite a bit shorter for me. No worries... until on the way back. The guy asked me for my passport (which wasn't necessary at the time) and then for my birth certificate (also not necessary, not to mention mine had been destroyed and I'd hadn't gotten it replaced yet at the time) so the guy accused me of a) being a terrorist, and b) never having crossed the border before. I broke my own rules, as I a) rather forcefully reminded him that I was a veteran, b) I grew up on a border town and had prolly crossed into Canada more (by the time I was 20) than he ever had, and c) I knew the crossing rules better than he did. [2] Needless to say, my civil rights were violated that day because of my outburst... but remember, you're not technically in the US until *after* customs, so they can get away with it. Most don't abuse the power, but a few can & do... [2] I (barely) stopped short of both vulgarity and questioning his parentage... thank goodness! -- Roger "Merch" Merchberger -- SysAdmin, Iceberg Computers _??_ zmerch at 30below.com (?||?) If at first you don't succeed, nuclear warhead _)(_ disarmament should *not* be your first career choice.