The TAM has always fascinated me, (and I'm sure I'm not the only one).
A few days ago I was talking to a retired guy who said he had one. Asked whether he might be interested in selling it, I was surprised to get a positive reply. Even more surprising was the fact he lived within 20mins from me. So today with nothing to loose - and as I'd never seen one 'for real' - I took a drive out to visit him.
It had been boxed up in his garage (not with the original box unfortunately) for the last 14 years, and I was told it had been a gift, and he'd used it for no more than 4 years. Since then unused. He'd connected everything up yesterday, and confirmed everything was working well.
Today was the 2nd power-up in many years. All the accessories were available, keyboard/trackpad, subwoofer & power supply, a superbly presented manual, original booklet with all CD's, and a separate modem.
I must confess, although this unit looked in excellent condition cosmetically, to my great surprise the design didn't 'blow me away'. I'd seen many glossy photos, and videos, but 'in the metal' it was somewhat of a slight disappointment. And I'm still trying to figure this out!
Boot time seemed fairly long, which I guess is normal for the original OS 7.6.1. LCD image was good and clear, although the +/- luminosity control on the l/h side didn't appear to make any changes. CD flap lowered ok from front consul control, and 2 CD's played faultlessly. Speakers & subwoofer ok. I tried several track changes, and all were selected and played correctly. On completion, CD flap was opened correctly using the software eject command.
Next check I made was to see the state of the PRAM battery. I wasn't familiar with the battery installed, but guess it was original, with no signs of leakage. In fact internally the condition looked remarkably like new, barely a speck of dust on any component - including the fan and inlet - which in my experience is rare with any used equipment. I was impressed! Other than the doubt with screen luminosity control, the only other slight blemish was on each leather palm-rest - a few superficial indentations, but no puncture or tearing.
I'd set an approx budget of 1k euros. He wanted 1.4k ($1.6k). I offered 1.2k ($1350) he refused, but said he'd reserve it for me should I change my mind.
Now I have a few questions which I'd much appreciate clarification on, for those who may have one or are very familiar with the model:-
What are the most important things a prospective buyer should look out for on these TAM's?
The screen luminosity control. Is this something I should be really concerned about?
Any other known 'issues'?
To be honest the 'Finance Minister' has certainly not given the green light - I told her of my interest - and an amber flag was waved. But as that's not an absolute red, I might be able to still creep in under her radar.
A suivre........
A few days ago I was talking to a retired guy who said he had one. Asked whether he might be interested in selling it, I was surprised to get a positive reply. Even more surprising was the fact he lived within 20mins from me. So today with nothing to loose - and as I'd never seen one 'for real' - I took a drive out to visit him.
It had been boxed up in his garage (not with the original box unfortunately) for the last 14 years, and I was told it had been a gift, and he'd used it for no more than 4 years. Since then unused. He'd connected everything up yesterday, and confirmed everything was working well.
Today was the 2nd power-up in many years. All the accessories were available, keyboard/trackpad, subwoofer & power supply, a superbly presented manual, original booklet with all CD's, and a separate modem.
I must confess, although this unit looked in excellent condition cosmetically, to my great surprise the design didn't 'blow me away'. I'd seen many glossy photos, and videos, but 'in the metal' it was somewhat of a slight disappointment. And I'm still trying to figure this out!
Boot time seemed fairly long, which I guess is normal for the original OS 7.6.1. LCD image was good and clear, although the +/- luminosity control on the l/h side didn't appear to make any changes. CD flap lowered ok from front consul control, and 2 CD's played faultlessly. Speakers & subwoofer ok. I tried several track changes, and all were selected and played correctly. On completion, CD flap was opened correctly using the software eject command.
Next check I made was to see the state of the PRAM battery. I wasn't familiar with the battery installed, but guess it was original, with no signs of leakage. In fact internally the condition looked remarkably like new, barely a speck of dust on any component - including the fan and inlet - which in my experience is rare with any used equipment. I was impressed! Other than the doubt with screen luminosity control, the only other slight blemish was on each leather palm-rest - a few superficial indentations, but no puncture or tearing.
I'd set an approx budget of 1k euros. He wanted 1.4k ($1.6k). I offered 1.2k ($1350) he refused, but said he'd reserve it for me should I change my mind.
Now I have a few questions which I'd much appreciate clarification on, for those who may have one or are very familiar with the model:-
What are the most important things a prospective buyer should look out for on these TAM's?
The screen luminosity control. Is this something I should be really concerned about?
Any other known 'issues'?
To be honest the 'Finance Minister' has certainly not given the green light - I told her of my interest - and an amber flag was waved. But as that's not an absolute red, I might be able to still creep in under her radar.
A suivre........
