9 Mar
2007
9 Mar
'07
9:42 a.m.
OK, so this is a pretty dumb question, but what is the
'value' of a
typical PDP/8? Now I appreciate that configuration can vary wildly and
beyond that it is a matter of one what can be located for or what your
prepared to pay, luck and circumstance etc.
I think the standard answer is "whatever it's worth to you" :-).
There's a fair bit of variance in the prices of the rarer gear,
depending on the venue and the demand at any particular moment.
In terms of basic model I was thinking either a
Straight-8 or PDP8/E.
There's a world of difference between what those two are worth, I
think.
Now
I know only a few years ago a reseller had a number of the latter in
stock, tested, for about 400 UK pounds each. Albeit likely with no
peripherals, just the card cage and some sort of base config.
That sounds about right. I'd guess an 8/E would go for $1000US give
or take a couple hundred on ePay. (They also appear there several
times a year, which helps stabilize prices.)
A straight-8 would probably go for 3-5 times that. I've never seen
one available, though, so there might be some pent-up demand leading
to a bidding war (and even higher prices). I don't have much hope
of ever getting a straight-8 for my collection. (I also dont have
room for one, so I'd also have to get rid of other stuff to make
space for it.)
eBay is considered an "expensive" venue, but generally has the most
stuff available.
I've always wanted to own an 8 and have recently
been considering
the idea of trading some less easy to run equipment.
They're not at all practical, but I like them :-).
Another point is that you will have a bit of trouble locating
peripherals for them. The easiest peripherals to find are the
ones also used on pdp-11's. Terminals and RX02 are obtainable
for an 8/E pretty easily, the RX8E controller boards are around,
but sought after. Peripherals for a straight-8 would be more
of an issue. (Well, a terminal would probably be reasonably
easy :-).)
Vince