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I confess: the idea for this article was sparked by my old Axis Orion LXN266 PC.
In late 2005, I acquired a new Dell to take the place of my 1998 Axis workhorse. After transferring all my files, the Axis was relegated to the kneehole under my desk, "just in case". A couple of weeks ago, I decided that it was time to make room and donate my old PC to the local Goodwill. I was shocked to discover that I would have to PAY Goodwill to take it! That's when I instituted an online search to discover if it would be worth listing it at auction. Alas, it turns out that my Axis is really not worth the effort, but my curiosity had been piqued: which vintage computers are "collectible"?
As might be expected, First's, Early's, and Unique's are all in demand by collectors. That's why a NeXTcube Turbo Dimension system can command $1,000+, a Digital 8m gets $1,500, and a 1975 MITS Altair 8800 can sell for over $2,000. Remember the old Commodore 64's, Amigas, and Ataris,? Complete systems are garnering bids up to $500+. And parts can be just as desirable with, for example, a CMD SuperCPU for Commodore 64's and 128's having recently sold for $499 online.
Another popular family of computers are the all-in-one (tiny screen, keyboard, and processor) designs exemplified by the Hewlett-Packard HP-85 and the IBM 5110. Even though some have been described in unknown working condition, more than a few collectors have been willing to shell out up to $500+ for these units.
And, of course, Apple's Mac computers have a following all their own, with prices comparable to those mentioned above.
If you've invested in these "antiques," you're also going to want the software to run them, but this is where things can get sticky, because most old software programs are still protected by copyright laws. It is perfectly legal to sell an original program (original tape, floppy or disk), but beware of trafficking in copies. Check out the "Abandonware" site (below) where Dan Rose has a detailed explanation of the distinction.
Vintage software prices (including those for games) generally range from a few dollars to $100+, depending on rarity, condition, and completeness of packaging and instructional materials.
So, which computer systems today might be the collectibles of the future? Lisa Roberts, in her book "Antiques of the Future" bets on Apple's iMac G3, because she considers it one of "the best designs in (its) time."
For more information on this area of collecting, check out these resources:
Books:
"Antiques of the Future," by Lisa S. Roberts, Michael Graves
http://digbig.com/4reem
"A Guide to Collecting Computers and Computer Collectibles: History, Practice, and Technique," by Kevin Stumpf
http://digbig.com/4reen
Websites:
Computer History Museum
http://www.computerhistory.org
Great site with exhibits, "search the collection" feature, more.
Dan's 20th Century Abandonware
http://www.dans20thcenturyabandonware.com/index.html
Highly informative site devoted to vintage software and hardware. Offers pics, links, more.
Kim Moser's Computer History
http://www.kmoser.com/computerhistory
Terrific site has lots of pics and info.
The Mothership
http://www.macmothership.com
"Devoted to the preservation of Apple computer history."
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