What is the price range for HP-85A models.

[Vtile]

I'm just wondering at which prices these are typically sold in not perfect condition. This one I have my eyes on is not partially filled with accessories and the starting price is 500€ (plus the printer is "not working properly" according to the seller), but I have seen one place sold one (although blamed to be refurbished) as high as $1300+. Only information I seem to get is a toner adds and prices.

Not that I would get one, but that is somehow really fascinating piece of computer history. ..Tempting, but not sane investment.

[Maximilian Hohmann]

Hello!

Very difficult question... occasionally I have one on my watch list at eBay. Never bid on one though, it's just for curiosity as I briefly worked with one in the early 80ies. Didn't like it much because the screen is really much too small for my taste. It's certainly a good instrument controller, but without instruments to control, there is not much it can do. Anyway, I have seen them go at any figure between 100 and 1000 Euros with no noticeable trend. Personally, I would not spend 500 Euros on one even if I had the place to store it.

Regards
Max

[rprosperi]

If you are patient and watch, you will eventually see (on TAS, other auction sites, etc.) Series-80 machines extremely cheap as well as quite expensive, without much reason either way. There are also machines for $1200-1500 from professional refurbishing specialists, which are quite nice and reliable, but well beyond my toy budget.

By monitoring for several months, I found an HP-87XM in perfect working order for $100. I was suspicious and ready to test everything upon delivery and send it back, but when it tested OK and I sent a note of the thanks to the seller, he even offered to send my some of the diskettes his dad used with the machine.

Also, I saw an HP-86 in working condition listed on TAS last week for about $75.

So if you're willing to watch for an extended period, you could get one for a very reasonable price.