I have a pristine G3 blue, brand new, never used

[AVStudios]

I have a blue G3 that a friend gave me about nine years ago, still in the original box. He explained that his sister was given the computer but after plugging it in and turning it on one single time she had 0 interest in it (I live in the deep south...). So, not knowing what I had, I pulled it out of the ORIGINAL BOX and styrofoam cushions and put it on a shelf in a closed in cupbard (HUUUGE mistake).

About a year ago it dawned on me the potential value of this thing and now I am diving in to find out what it is worth as individual parts or as a whole, but I am so enamored with it myself that I may just put it on a shelf in my studio with a spotlight on it, along with other things I love, sitting in spotlights.

I have done some research but have found (not surprisingly) that this is an exceedingly rare object and I have been unable to get any bearing on its true worth. So, I have two starting questions that will inform others I have:

1. Is there a record within the OS that proves how many times it has been started up (I started it up twice since it was given to me so as I understand its history, only 3 times)?
2. Is it worth more in unused parts or as a whole, being completely unused?

Thank you in advance!!! I am brand new to this forum and only joined on account of this majestic relic I am so privileged to own.

 

[AVStudios]

Oh, I also have the original mouse, no keyboard or monitor, just the tower itself and mouse.

 

[macEfan]

You should post a picture of it!

I'm guessing you have a G3 B&W Tower...which was made from 1998 to mid 1999. Unfortunately it's not super valuable...maybe $50-100 at most if you're lucky. Give it another 10-15 years and that might change, though.

 

[havokalien]

Its not even worth what it was new so value is relative.

 

[Plymouthbreezer]

I'd hold on to it - in about twenty years you could get good money for it! Keep it dry and clean - throwing it in a clear trash bag isn't a bad idea either.

 

[AVStudios]

Thanks guys! Great responses.

So...I LOVE looking at this machine enough to put on a shelf next to other collectables of mine. I will keep it dusted and beautiful, maybe hand it down to a child, where someday it will be worth more than its original asking price.

I still have the question about proving it has only been started 3x. Is this available somewhere in the OS records?

 

[havokalien]

No and also make sure to pull the motherboard battery so it does not leak and ruin the motherboard.

 

[MacTech68]

Older Macs DID have a "power on hours" variable hidden away in the PRAM (pc speak = bios). However, once the clock battery goes flat, that number is lost/reset. I don't believe that variable made it's way into the newer machines such as the B&W G3 you have.

 

[weckart]

No and also make sure to pull the motherboard battery so it does not leak and ruin the motherboard.

It is a lithium-ion battery so not prone to leaking unlike Ni-MH batteries that have trashed many a Mac.

 

[havokalien]

As a rule if he puts it away another 5 years only time will tell.

 

[2499723]

Even with the original box, the value is relatively low - possibly $100 on the upper end as another user pointed out.

Blue and white G3s are a dime-a-dozen on eBay and other sites, given that they're relatively recent models (as vintage Mac collecting goes) and there were quite a few made. The other thing you're up against is the fact that someone who wants to have a 'powerhouse' Mac OS 9 machine may be more inclined to opt for a G4 tower, as they too are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

All of this should not deter you from holding on to the machine or selling it if you have no use for it. If you're hoping to cash in on a collector's item, that might be a bit of a pie-in-the-sky dream at the moment. However, it's still a glorious machine and very well crafted. No wonder you're pleased to have one!