🚀 go-pugleaf

mapesdhs@yahoo.com wrote:
> FOR SALE:
> 
>   O2 Workstation (good condition case, everything intact)
>   R5200SC 300MHz (1MB L2) CPU
>   256MB RAM
>   36GB disk (full IRIX 6.5.26m with lots of extras - see below for
> details)
>   Audio-only board (upgrade to AV and O2Cam available if required)
>   Newer-type SGI granite keyboard & mouse
>   365 UKP + shipping (or collect)

You have got to be kidding.

Geoff

Geoff Winkless wrote:
> You have got to be kidding.

It's an R12K/270 btw. Sold my last one with 512MB/36GB for 445 no
problem. I'm not eBay. If someone just wants raw hw, eBay is a good
source, but it has lots of risk. If they want a complete setup with
all sw installed (about 8GB or more), ready to use, clean, with full
guarantees (plenty of stock to cover any problems), no bad-seller
eBay b.s. and no risk, then I'm a good source. I don't aim for the
ultra cheapo parts market and eBay risk arena (I don't need to, and
it's not that interesting either).

*Nobody* sets up SGIs for sale like I do, or packs them like I do so
that damage in transit is impossible.  I supply many companies aswell
as hobbyists, including the BBC, numerous hospitals and research
institutions, universities and industrial firms. Sometimes the more
valuable items I have, like higher spec O2s, are not advertised in a
manner that's particularly aimed at hobbyists, or at least not at
those who are capable of sorting out the basic hw bits & pieces
themselves; quite a different matter though for anyone who wants a
proper complete system, without any worries of not having all the
useful software installed, etc.

I'm still cheaper than UK dealers though, which is what I'm trying to
do, offer a quality service inbetween raw 2nd-hand with no guarantees
or support, and support-capable dealers with their higher corporate
prices.  You think 365 is a lot? Cordnet would charge 2500 + tax! 8D

If all you're looking at is the price, then why bother with an SGI at
all? All too often, someone gets an O2 off eBay, it has a naff OS
install, or more likely pwd locked, few or no CDs, filthy as hell,
and little support for getting it sorted beyond that point. Ideal for
someone who just wants some hw bits and knows what they're doing, but
useless and uneconomic for someone who doesn't know much about SGIs
or IRIX and wants a complete system, ready to use, without all the
fuss. Quite often eBay deals don't include a keyboard or mouse, or
they're just downright wrong (there's on on eBay UK atm which purports
to include an AV board, but it doesn't really have one - just the old
trick of removing the blanking cover to reveal the unused sockets; I
feel sorry for whoever wins it).

An item is only ever worth what someone is willing to pay. Obviously,
if you're just after raw hw and you know what SGIs are all about,
then you're more likely to go eBay bargain hunting. For someone who's
new to the whole thing though, or who doesn't want the hassle, or
companies who want cheaper prices than normal dealers but still with
a good service, then I'm your man. All depends on one's target
market. ;)  Indeed, some companies can't even use eBay because of
their internal rules (often a problem at academic institutions
aswell), so I fill a useful supply gap in such cases. As anyone who's
bought a system from me and you'll see what I mean.

Cheers! :)

Ian.

SGI Depot: http://www.futuretech.blinkenlights.nl/sgidepot/
Email: mapesdhs@yahoo.com       (eBay ID: mapesdhs)
Backup email (send copy to this too): sgidepot@blueyonder.co.uk
Home: +44 (0)131 476 0796 (best to call this number first)
Mobile: 07743 495403  (usually off; leave a message and I'll call back)

SGI/Future Technology/N64: http://www.futuretech.blinkenlights.nl/
Doom Help Service (DHS):   http://www.gamers.org/dhs/

[snip]

> prices.  You think 365 is a lot? Cordnet would charge 2500 + tax! 8D
>
> If all you're looking at is the price, then why bother with an SGI at
> all? All too often, someone gets an O2 off eBay, it has a naff OS
> install, or more likely pwd locked, few or no CDs, filthy as hell,
> and little support for getting it sorted beyond that point. Ideal for
> someone who just wants some hw bits and knows what they're doing, but
> useless and uneconomic for someone who doesn't know much about SGIs
> or IRIX and wants a complete system, ready to use, without all the
> fuss. Quite often eBay deals don't include a keyboard or mouse, or
> they're just downright wrong (there's on on eBay UK atm which purports
> to include an AV board, but it doesn't really have one - just the old
> trick of removing the blanking cover to reveal the unused sockets; I
> feel sorry for whoever wins it).

Exactly! I have a number of machines to sell and they all (bar 1) have
a full non-broken,non-pasword locked OS install. I'm no dealer, I just
don't have the space for them anymore :-( but you place an ad here and
all you get is abuse saying it's too expensive, and they provide you
with links to eBay auctions which don't even provide the same hw as I'm
selling. I had one guy send me a link to a bare machine, nothing on
there saying if the OS was actually installed on it. Definitely had no
keyboard or mouse or moosecam or IRIX media! Well, you takes the risks!

I've based my prices on Ian's base prices as I know that they're fair,
but if Ian wants to reprice my kit, then let me know ;-D and I'd be
prepared to go with what he says.

Luke.