Re: Talking about eBay craziness ... Message #12 Posted by Vassilis Prevelakis on 15 Oct 2002, 5:34 a.m., in response to message #1 by John Smith
And if that were not enough, the HP 82490A, HP41 Translator Pac for the HP-71 (Item # 1386397239) went for $210.50.
Outrageous! This kind of behaviour must be
outlawed. :-)
Seriously, I am a bit tired of the continuous bitching about high prices on eBay. If you don't like it, don't use it. Complaining about it won't make any difference.
People who have the time to shop around find good prices, people who don't (or do not know how to shop around), pay high prices. This is how the market works.
However, lets look at the beneficial aspects for these "high" prices. If an HP71B cost $30.00, then it wouldn't be worthwhile creating an auction for the translator module. The owner would either leave it were it was, or just throw it away.
Here the difference between user and collector becomes significant. I use my HP41CXs and my HP33C every day. I woudn't use an HP48G or an HP49GX because they are ugly, their form factor is inconvenient and I find their user interface too heavy for my casual use.
I have also purchased replacements for these calculators in case they break down.
I am not a collector. I don't care one bit that I am using scanned manuals from the MoHPC CDROM, I couldn't care less that my HP33C does not have a battery pack, or charger (it uses two NiMH cells that are charged in an external charger). And if one of the calculators did come in a box, I'd probably throw it away (especially if it was one of these infernal styrofoam contraptions that shed bits all over the carpet).
I, therefore, do not mind getting calculators without boxes or manuals. And since I indend to use them, I don't mind the odd scratch here and there.
This allows me to purchase stuff that go for lower prices, but I have to wait longer for the right price. Patience and vigilance are eventually rewarded.
For us users, the MoPC is an invaluable resource, because it provides us with information and access to manuals and programs that are extremly difficult to find on the open market. The collector will always purchase an original manual, this means that scanning it and contributing to the MoHPC will not reduce its retail price. I encourage people who have manuals that are not in the MoHPC collection, to scan them and contribute them, as they are the lifeblood of the museum. Special thanks are, of course, due the currator.
Thanks Dave.
**vp
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