Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: danny_galaga on November 24, 2007, 10:09:44 am

Title: is this the holy grail of home computers?
Post by: danny_galaga on November 24, 2007, 10:09:44 am

ok, so for arcade machines finding a mint computer space is the holy grail. in terms of home computers, could it get any better than this (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140181846533&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:middle:au)

assuming your into this sort of stuff. would you build it? probably rhetorical because you can get a ful reproduction from here:

http://www.altairkit.com/
Title: Re: is this the holy grail of home computers?
Post by: bishmasterb on November 24, 2007, 11:07:04 am
I wonder how much the guy at altairkit.com is charging. I couldn't find pricing anywhere on his site. His reproduction work looks amazing though.
Title: Re: is this the holy grail of home computers?
Post by: danny_galaga on November 24, 2007, 11:27:33 am

i think i saw somewhere that its $999. which is pretty expensive, but not when you compare to that ebay auction or to the original price which im sure would have been hundreds back in the day...
Title: Re: is this the holy grail of home computers?
Post by: quarterback on November 24, 2007, 12:27:34 pm
I wonder how much the guy at altairkit.com is charging. I couldn't find pricing anywhere on his site. His reproduction work looks amazing though.

From the home page:

Quote
Availability:
4/21/07 - The first 25 kits have been sold.  20 more kits will be available in about 2 months..  These kits are available for sale at $1499.  Discounts for veterans and active military are available.  Possible educational discounts available.  Reservations for the next run of 20 units may be made now.  I will not expect or accept any money until a kit is ready to be sold/shipped.
Title: Re: is this the holy grail of home computers?
Post by: FrizzleFried on November 24, 2007, 12:28:34 pm
Hell,  I will sell you my Vic-20 for $500!

Title: Re: is this the holy grail of home computers?
Post by: bfauska on November 24, 2007, 03:23:31 pm
That's the machine that started some people's fortunes.  I worked on some exhibits at the Start-Up museum in Albuquerque this summer and they have one of Paul Allen's (lesser know co-founder of Microsoft) Altairs on display.  The people I was working with said that his original is sitting in his office like a decoration.  Gates and Allen started out with BASIC on an Altair and worked it into the ridiculous amount of money that they have now. There were a couple controversial steps along the way but from the (probably biased) multi-media presentation at the museum it all sounds fairly above the boards to me.  Sure makes a guy wish he'd been in the right hobby at the right place at the right time though.
Title: Re: is this the holy grail of home computers?
Post by: MaximRecoil on November 24, 2007, 06:28:36 pm
That guy went to a level of detail in his reproduction that makes reproducing arcade artwork look like child's play. Read the "Creation of a Kit..." link.
Title: Re: is this the holy grail of home computers?
Post by: danny_galaga on November 24, 2007, 11:28:42 pm
That guy went to a level of detail in his reproduction that makes reproducing arcade artwork look like child's play. Read the "Creation of a Kit..." link.

yeah, it's a nice piece of work isn't it? i reckon if i had a bit of cash it would be fun to get one. what a learning experience that wold be...

edit: just reading the 'creation of a kit' more thoroughly. thats dedication, getting the original manufacturer of the case to make them again!
Title: Re: is this the holy grail of home computers?
Post by: danny_galaga on December 02, 2007, 01:56:21 am


$6801! wonder if it still has warranty?  ;D