Apple 3 worth investing in, and is it gonna be expensive to repair?

[aPple nErd]

Here it is. Im thinking about it. Very cool. Just woried that repairing it is gonna cost a fortune...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-III-V...tage_Computers_Mainframes&hash=item1c34d585fe

 

[MacTech68]

Hard to say how easy it will be. The stated problem could be any number of things.

I suspect the hardest parts would be:

finding the unique AppleIII keycaps. It looks like the key switch stems have broken too so you'd need to find replacement Alps key switches. These are the same as Mac 128, 512 & MacPlus keyboard switches and there are eBay sellers selling those keyswitches. http://www.ebay.com/itm/380465688249

alignment problems with the drives and new belts for the drive motor/flywheel.

Apart from that, there's no software or monitor, and these look best with an original AppleIII monitor.

That's my 2c.

 

[David Schmidt]

It looks like the key switch stems have broken too so you'd need to find replacement Alps key switches.

Specifically, you'd need the locking up/down keyswitch, as the caps lock key is broken.

 

[aPple nErd]

So should i just leave it?

 

[David Schmidt]

So should i just leave it?

It depends on what you want to do with a ///. Do you enjoy the hunt, finding bits and bobs here and there for repair? Do you want to use it to program for one of the first operating systems to feature loadable device drivers? If you like to fix stuff, and you are intrigued by the extensions they put on the 6502 - by all means, go ahead. But any time someone puts "Apple 3," "investing," and eBay in the same sentence, it gives one pause. Anyone in this strictly for money is at best speculating, at worst gambling.

 

[JohnGrey]

Here it is. Im thinking about it. Very cool. Just woried that repairing it is gonna cost a fortune...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-III-V...tage_Computers_Mainframes&hash=item1c34d585fe

There's not really anything to invest in. The unit has pretty significant yellowing, the badges are all stripped, and the keyboard is shot. Even with the printer and III drive, I'd still call it $50 dollars over-priced, especially with the logic board sight unseen. The only way I'd consider it was if it was a RevA, one of the original 14k from before the logic board revision.

A new keyboard replacement, which does come up on eBay occasionally, is gonna cost you another $100 - $150. A new Monitor III will add another $100 to the tab. As everyone pointed out, there's no software or manuals. I bought one about two years ago, a RevB in working condition with all of the manuals and papers, and a whole box of software for $500.

If it were me, and the Apple III is my obsession among the 6502 family, I would pass on the deal and wait for something that has more to offer.

 

[aPple nErd]

There's not really anything to invest in. The unit has pretty significant yellowing, the badges are all stripped, and the keyboard is shot. Even with the printer and III drive, I'd still call it $50 dollars over-priced, especially with the logic board sight unseen. The only way I'd consider it was if it was a RevA, one of the original 14k from before the logic board revision.

A new keyboard replacement, which does come up on eBay occasionally, is gonna cost you another $100 - $150. A new Monitor III will add another $100 to the tab. As everyone pointed out, there's no software or manuals. I bought one about two years ago, a RevB in working condition with all of the manuals and papers, and a whole box of software for $500.

If it were me, and the Apple III is my obsession among the 6502 family, I would pass on the deal and wait for something that has more to offer.

Alright. Am more of a II, lisa and mac 128 guy Anyway. I guess ill pass.

 

[JohnGrey]

Alright. Am more of a II, lisa and mac 128 guy Anyway. I guess ill pass.

Good luck with that. The Lisa is about as expensive a mistress as classic Apples get, other than prototypes and internals. There's a complete Lisa on eBay right now for 25k.

 

[aPple nErd]

Good luck with that. The Lisa is about as expensive a mistress as classic Apples get, other than prototypes and internals. There's a complete Lisa on eBay right now for 25k.

when i say lisa, i actually mean the mac xl, but its still very valued. people think the xl's are real lisas...

 

[JohnGrey]

when i say lisa, i actually mean the mac xl, but its still very valued. people think the xl's are real lisas...

Technically they are real Lisas. Re-branded Lisa 2s anyway. There's one on eBay for $1,800 right now, but I probably wouldn't pay more that $1,400 plus shipping.