Peter.Howard
Active member
How rare is the original 128k Mac?
How many do you think are still out there and able to turn on?
How many do you think are still out there and able to turn on?
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How rare is an original 128k?
- Thread starter Peter.Howard
- Start date
jsarchibald
Well-known member
In Australia, rare as hen's teeth.
Elsewhere, difficult to obtain. They don't come up very often at all, especially over here. You are more likely to chance upon one than find someone selling one legitimately. The best thing to do is get something similar, such as a Plus or an SE, as they are much easier to find (which is still not that easy).
To find one in working condition, you would be up for big coin.
Elsewhere, difficult to obtain. They don't come up very often at all, especially over here. You are more likely to chance upon one than find someone selling one legitimately. The best thing to do is get something similar, such as a Plus or an SE, as they are much easier to find (which is still not that easy).
To find one in working condition, you would be up for big coin.
Peter.Howard
Active member
Yeah, they pop up sometimes on ebay USA, but then there is the hassle and expense of shipping.
I am hoping, foolishly that one will pop up here in Oz for me.
But I was also curious about our American friends, how rare are they over there.
I am hoping, foolishly that one will pop up here in Oz for me.
But I was also curious about our American friends, how rare are they over there.
Mac128
Well-known member
Oh brother. Not this again. In the US working 128Ks turn up routinely. I have been monitoring them on eBay and the average is about 52 a year. Hardly rare. And this does not count local Craigslist sales, nor garage sales, and Thrift shops around the country. In fact there are more 128Ks than the market for them.
jsarchibald
Well-known member
But not in Australia. I've been looking for 6 months and can honestly say I've not seen an original 128K for sale. There was a 128K logic board recently, but that was it.
As far as a fully operational 128K in Australia, good luck. Seems our American friends are spoilt for choice...
As far as a fully operational 128K in Australia, good luck. Seems our American friends are spoilt for choice...
Concorde1993
Well-known member
You guys have the rare black Mac TV & Director's Edition Performa. Seems like a fair trade-off (although I would prefer the Director's Edition Performa to a 128k any day).
applefreak
Well-known member
the Macintosh TV was never sold in Europe
on the other hand, the black Performa and black PowerMac was available
on the other hand, the black Performa and black PowerMac was available
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jsarchibald
Well-known member
A Directors Edition Performa is better than you guys with the 128K, TAM, and Mac TV. Hell no!
Concorde1993
Well-known member
Why not? It is far more capable than a 128k (but any Mac model could outrun a 128k), elegant, and very unique. Same with the TAM, and to a lesser extent, the Mac TV (never cared for it).
Interesting. I thought they were sold only overseas.
jsarchibald
Well-known member
Just because it is more capable doesn't make it as sought after. I'd take a 128K any day over a Director's Edition. Just because the G3 B&W is more capable also does not make it as sought after.
Mac TV was never sold over here, although I wish it was. There was one for sale several months ago over here, and they were asking $600 for it. Not sure if it sold, but a nice machine.
Concorde1993
Well-known member
Well, I'm the type of person that if I am going to collect something, not only must it be a good example to add to my collection, but it must have some useful qualities. For instance, my 512ke/Plus hybrid. It was worth purchasing/repairing because I have loads of programs on 800k floppies to run, and utilize. I also have an Apple SC20 drive filled with very good programs, like Adobe Illustrator 88, which I can run off the Plus (although it's better when I run it off my SE).
An original-stock 128 would just be a period-piece to add for the sake of adding in my case, hence why a Director's Performa, or a TAM would be a lot more valuable for me.
jsarchibald
Well-known member
Fair point. If I had a 128K, I would not use it anywhere near as much as I use my TAM. I am finding myself only acquiring machines I will use, hence the G3 Wallstreet I hust picked up. It is my only laptop, and most likely will be my only one, unless another pops up somewhere.
I'll do you a deal. If I find a Director's Edition, I'll swap you a working 128K. Deal?
Concorde1993
Well-known member
Yeah, if I had a working 128k to swap! (the oldest Mac in my collection is that 512ke/Plus hybrid, while the oldest non-Mac is a "non-working" Commodore VIC-20).
jsarchibald
Well-known member
We both have a month to find one, I'll be near you next month driving from Montreal through to Niagara Falls.
Concorde1993
Well-known member
Ok, PM me when you're in Ontario. If I don't find anything, and you manage to find a Director's Performa, cash is always the best option (unless you want to trade for an Amiga 2000HD, or a VIC-20).
JDW
Well-known member
Today, I saw an Australian HD20 auction and I immediately remembered this thread. The seller posts the title as: "Macintosh Hard Drive 20 (faulty? - has cable chopped off)"
http://cgi.ebay.com/Macintosh-Hard-Disk-20-faulty-has-cable-choped-off-/160505872128?pt=AU_Computers_Vintage&hash=item255ee53f00#ht_711wt_1141
Yes, friends, a hacked off cable would be the very definition of "faulty" now wouldn't it.
But the main reason for my posting this is that I see the seller says: "selling off my collection" and "accumulated over 30 years." You Australian Mac 128k seekers may wish to inquire if this hen has teeth. Perhaps he may have a Mac 128k ready for sale as well as a TAM, albeit with hacked off cables.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Macintosh-Hard-Disk-20-faulty-has-cable-choped-off-/160505872128?pt=AU_Computers_Vintage&hash=item255ee53f00#ht_711wt_1141
Yes, friends, a hacked off cable would be the very definition of "faulty" now wouldn't it.
But the main reason for my posting this is that I see the seller says: "selling off my collection" and "accumulated over 30 years." You Australian Mac 128k seekers may wish to inquire if this hen has teeth. Perhaps he may have a Mac 128k ready for sale as well as a TAM, albeit with hacked off cables.
