Unopened classic what should I do??? - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

14 Sep 1999

The model 12 was no great thing . . . Unopened and in unused condition,
however, it might bring a fair price on eBay.  That's what I'd do if I had
to deal with this.

Dick

-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Duell &lt;ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk&gt;
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
&lt;classiccmp(a)u.washington.edu&gt;
Date: Monday, September 13, 1999 7:36 PM
Subject: Re: Unopened classic what should I do???

...
 >
> > I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!!  I just got a TRS-80 Model 12!! nyah
nyah!!
...
 > > It's un-opened!!! It's un-opened!!! 
WHOO HOO!!!!
> >
> >
> >Dilemma:
> > Should I open it and smellthe sweet scent of the ancient '80's air
trapped
...
 > >in it's plastic bags or let it be, and
keep it's un-opened pristine
> >state???
> >
> Just having the original packaging is remarkable.
>
> As for me and my collection, we say keep it intact and untouched for as long
...
   as you can.

This is certainly a YMMV thing....

I'd say the opposite -- open it (as carefully as possible) and keep the
packaging (assuming you have the space ;-)).

I collect old computers because I enjoy using them, I enjoy fixing them,
I enjoy figuring out how they work, I learn from them, etc. Not because I
want to own 'valuable' objects.

So a computer (in unknown working condition, remember!) in a sealed box
has no interest to me at all. The same machine upacked, tested, and
operational would be fun.

For the same reason (and I know I'll draw flames here), if I ever
obtained an unbuilt kit for something, my first aim would be to build it.
A box of components is not interesting to me, the final object is.

-tony