Opinions needed about a possible purchase

[nblsavage]

There is someone on Craigslist selling boxes of TI 99/4a stuff. I emailed her and got the ballpark figure of $500. She says there are more than 12 boxes of computers, memory expansions, p-code cards, expansion boxes, software and magazines.

I haven't seen any of it, and I'd be going a bit out of my way to go look.
Just from that, does it sound like it might be a reasonable deal? I have a feeling I could talk her down a bit but not much.

 

[Erik]

I'm guessing (and this is just a guess) that it's probably not going to be a great deal.

Figure $20 or so for a 99/4a system unit, maybe $50 or so for a PEB if you can sell 'em.

The rest are tough to call, but most of the software and mags are going to be tough to move.

Unless you really want this stuff yourself, and you'd have to really want it.

Of course pictures would help. Maybe there's a 99/4 tucked in there (not a 4a) which would up the value of the collection considerably.

 

[Terry Yager]

Some of the less common carts can fetch a pretty price too, but you'll have to do some research to find out which are of any value.

--T

 

[patscc]

994/a

994/a

Wasn't there a massive lot on eBay a few months ago(for pickup only) ? I wonder if this is part of it ?
patscc

 

[Ksarul]

Note that p-Code cards usually go for $50-$75 each, and if any of the PEB cards are third-party disk controllers, those usually go in the $75-$100 range. Many other third-party cards (except for 32K RAM or RS-232 cards) also go for prices in these same ranges. . .some are much more (HFDC, MEMEX, or Geneve cards).

Some of the books and magazines can also fetch good prices, but most of them are relatively common--so there is only a small chance of a good find in that part of the lot.

Cartridges may have some good items, mostly only amongst third-party releases though. . .almost all of the TI-manufactured carts are very common. . .

 

[barythrin]

I would certainly try to talk her down a bit, no harm done if she thinks it's worth that. Sounds high and like yourself and you already know, you're gambling on there being something worth more than the computers themselves unless an older unit is in there. She could possibly also give you a little more detail (with that price I don't see why she'd be opposed to checking a few boxes and listing things off).

- John

 

[nblsavage]

Thanks for all the advice. I decided to take a pass. I'm a collector, but I'm a cheap one
Went out and nabbed a $50 Amiga 500 instead.