I have a couple SGI systems i'd like to trade for a NeXT machine. I have an R5K O2 and an R5K Indy. The O2 is pretty entry-level (180? MHz, 256MB? ram, 4GB disk, no video option, working cd-rom), with skins in decent-to-good condition (no cracks, a scratch or two). Comes with SGI branded keyboard and mouse if needed. Note that this machine takes VGA monitors, instead of the 13W3 - i have read that it prefers sync-on-green, but have only tested it with a 21" Sun display. Comes with IRIX 6.5.30 preloaded. The Indy is an R5K 150MHz with 24bit graphics, 192MB RAM, 4GB disk. Skin in good shape, some scratches across the top from a monitor base sitting on it, but they are not terribly noticable given the pebbled texture of the Indy case. Takes 13W3 display, has video-in, etc. I will pre-install IRIX 6.5.22 on the system, and can include a working SCSI cd-rom drive to use on the Indy, although i don't have an external enclosure. I only use it to install the OS media, with the case open and the drive hanging out the side. Also, the Indy has a Sony power supply (quieter, and supposedly more reliable than the original nidec(?) power suppy.) I'd rather part with the O2, as i am rather fond of the Indy, but would be willing to trade either. I am interested in any NeXT system (working, complete) with NS3.3/OS4.2, preferably a fresh install. I'd like a color system, but am willing to negotiate on anything, just to check a NeXT machine out. I'm not really sure what the market value is for SGI versus NeXT hardware, as there are so few sources of prices for NeXT to make a comparison based on, so if cash is necessary to sweeten the deal, depending on the system configuration, i am willing to negotiate. The only requirement I have is that the system is complete as-is: i am new to the NeXT hobbyist scene and would rather not have to go part-hunting from the get-go. Just want something i can plug in, turn on, and check out. SGI systems are both functioning, but provided as-is. Potential traders please be aware of the caveats with both systems. (media/parts availability and so on.) proably goes without saying in a hobbyist community, but just the same.
Thanks!
A complete NeXT system (machine, keyboard/mouse, CRT) generally runs around $100 + last time I checked. I have no idea what those SGI machines are worth.
Quote from: "helf"A complete NeXT system (machine, keyboard/mouse, CRT) generally runs around $100 + last time I checked. I have no idea what those SGI machines are worth.
The last Indy R5K with similar specs I picked up was a freebie off Freecycle. There are 5 R5K Indy's, XZ graphics, 64mb ream, 2gb drive, CD-R copy of Irix on ebay for $10. This is slightly different specs that the Indy being offered, so YMMV. The shipping will cost more than the little blue pizza box. Sgi MIPS machines are at the bottom of the depreciation cycle at this time while NeXT boxen seem to be on the up swing based on recent sale prices.
I have no interest in this transaction as I have two R5K O2's and two Indy's. I am just commenting as an observer who monitors sale prices of equipment I already own. I will state that the Indy was my first Sgi machine and remains one of my favorites.
Helf-
Where can I get a complete NeXT system ((machine, keyboard/mouse, CRT) for "around $100+"? If one were to depend on ebay, the prices appear to be more like $200 - $300 lately for complete systems. Of course I don't have the exact figures on hand, but that's the impression I've been getting from following the auctions. Also, a non-Turbo monochrome slab complete system is going to cost less than a Turbo Dimension Cube with 21" monitor complete system.
eBay :(
I have seen non turbo slabs go with a monitor for less than $100 before. I bought my Turbo Mono slab for 250 almost 2 years ago. Your best bet it to probably watch eBay, unless someone here has one they may give up.
Oh well: sounds like i'm better off just buying one. I have noticed a drop in the price of SGI hardware, but didn't realize it was _that_ bad.
mdeburgh-
If you are interested, item number 110074133016 on ebay is a complete system. There are no bids on it now, it starts at $1 and ends in 5 days. Remember if you buy a system through the mail - beg for thorough packaging of the monitor! I've had two monitors shipped to me thusly: cardboard box filled with peanuts - monitor plopped in box. Amazingly, one survived. The other was busted to pieces. Expanding-foam-in-a-bag packing seems to be what professionals use to mail electronics if they don't have the original packing. Even foam rubber padding works better than a bunch of styrofoam peanuts poured in a box (the peanut method seems to be favored by FedEx packers at Kinko's, so beware of sellers that use that service).
On an up note - I have never had any other piece of NeXT hardware damaged in shipping even if the box arrived all busted up! Ideally you'll find someone on Craigslist close to you who wants to sell a system. I bought a system about a year ago that way and saved a lot on shipping, worry, etc. I haven't seen one locally since then though.
I've noticed that Slabs are cheaper than Cubes by a significant margin. I guess they just don't have the "museum piece" quality that the Cubes do.
As for SGIs, well, there are a lot more of them out there. A LOT more. Companies are liquidating them by the thousands, and finding that the used market for the things is so small that they have to literally give them away.
idylukewild - thanks for the heads up. i'll keep an eye on it, though i'm typically not the most lucky ebayer.
anyone buy from black hole inc. lately? i figured i'd attempt to contact him about either a NeXT system, or NS3.3/OS4.2 for intel (more interested in the software than hardware, honestly), but mail to his sales@ email address just keeps bouncing back.
Quote from: "mdeburgh"idylukewild - thanks for the heads up. i'll keep an eye on it, though i'm typically not the most lucky ebayer.
anyone buy from black hole inc. lately? i figured i'd attempt to contact him about either a NeXT system, or NS3.3/OS4.2 for intel (more interested in the software than hardware, honestly), but mail to his sales@ email address just keeps bouncing back.
Check out this thread below for some of the "experiences" that people here have had concerning blackhole.
http://www.nextcomputers.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=505Chef
figures. any other sources for intel ns/os media, besides waiting it out on eBay/craigslist/etc? searching around isn't turning up much.
thanks!
Quote from: "mdeburgh"figures. any other sources for intel ns/os media, besides waiting it out on eBay/craigslist/etc? searching around isn't turning up much.
thanks!
Not Legally for the intel version, as far as I know currently. If you had a original NeXT system, that would be a different story.
Chef
ive got 2 next mono slabs that i would glady trade for a sgi machine