Buying a Mac Plus - Where to Start?

[rjkucia]

Hi all, I'm going to pick up this Macintosh Plus locally for $40:
https://madison.craigslist.org/sys/d/beaver-dam-macintosh-plus-1mb/7420814827.html

I asked for some pictures of the battery compartment because I've heard those can leak and have issues, but it looks like there's just general corrosion in a lot of places that I can probably clean up.

I'm brand new to working with computers of this vintage and had several questions:

• Is there anything anyone sees from this post that should make me worry? I figure worst case it's a $40 conversation piece in my office, but if it doesn't look like there's a chance it works anyways then I probably won't bother.
• Are there things I should inspect prior to powering it on for the first time?
• It doesn't appear to come with any accessories. It looks like there are quite a few SCSI to SD adapters I can use, but what are some good solutions for keyboard & mouse? Since this isn't ADB, originals are a lot more expensive, and seem hard to find adapters for.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Drake]

Hi all, I'm going to pick up this Macintosh Plus locally for $40:
https://madison.craigslist.org/sys/d/beaver-dam-macintosh-plus-1mb/7420814827.html

I asked for some pictures of the battery compartment because I've heard those can leak and have issues, but it looks like there's just general corrosion in a lot of places that I can probably clean up.

I'm brand new to working with computers of this vintage and had several questions:

• Is there anything anyone sees from this post that should make me worry? I figure worst case it's a $40 conversation piece in my office, but if it doesn't look like there's a chance it works anyways then I probably won't bother.
• Are there things I should inspect prior to powering it on for the first time?
• It doesn't appear to come with any accessories. It looks like there are quite a few SCSI to SD adapters I can use, but what are some good solutions for keyboard & mouse? Since this isn't ADB, originals are a lot more expensive, and seem hard to find adapters for.

Thanks in advance!

In my opinion I would skip this unit, I can see that battery electrolytic has gotten all the way down to the bottom ports (notice how the one is fuzzy green?)
Also rusting on the serial connector.
for $40 you can get a much better system, heck. Ask around the forums here and someone likely has a spare in much better shape!

 

[rjkucia]

Ah, thanks, I was worried about that. I was comparing the price to FB Marketplace, eBay, etc. and by comparison this seemed like a steal, particularly since I wouldn't have to pay shipping.

Is the battery stuff fixable or is it really just not worth my time?

 

[Drake]

Ah, thanks, I was worried about that. I was comparing the price to FB Marketplace, eBay, etc. and by comparison this seemed like a steal, particularly since I wouldn't have to pay shipping.

Is the battery stuff fixable or is it really just not worth my time?

It depends, sounds like the seller can't be bothered to test the unit (likely means it doesn't work anyway). If the battery had leaked onto the logic board to a good degree it may be scrap OR it could be salvaged with some minor repairs.
You really won't know unless you open it up and roll the dice.
In my opinion you should keep your eyes peeled for an SE, Classic any iteration of those two. You'd have access to more upgrades and easier to find peripherals.

 

[rjkucia]

Thank you! Sounds like I should skip this one. What's the best place to look for old Macs? Is this forum the best bet?

 

[Drake]

Thank you! Sounds like I should skip this one. What's the best place to look for old Macs? Is this forum the best bet?

I can sell you one that's already recapped and vetted, my only caveat is I will take awhile to get a proper box and packing together.
PM me and we can iron out the particulars.
- your best friend Drake
xoxoxoxo

 

[Stephen]

My $0.02

As another perspective, you may want to drive a bargain on the flakey Craigslist Plus.

Specifically, if you have any plans to repair or learn more about the Macintosh Plus, it’s great to have a sacrificial computer to learn on.

That being said, if you’re exclusively looking for a machine that’s collectible and needs very little or no work at all - this machine is the polar opposite.

You will likely pay much more for a machine that is already recapped.

 

[rjkucia]

Thanks Stephen. It's about an hour drive away and I was hoping for something that I could get working with only a little bit of work, but this probably isn't that.

It sounds like people on here (like Drake!) have better, confirmed working models that wouldn't cost that much more. Or at least, still be cheaper & more reliable than your average posting on eBay etc.

 

[Stephen]

Thanks Stephen. It's about an hour drive away and I was hoping for something that I could get working with only a little bit of work, but this probably isn't that.

It sounds like people on here (like Drake!) have better, confirmed working models that wouldn't cost that much more. Or at least, still be cheaper & more reliable than your average posting on eBay etc.

if it helps at all, my personal rule is no more than $70 for a working, good condition Plus by itself. I'll go up to $120 USD for the keyboard and mouse. It's important to note:

• $120 is on the lower side for a complete working Mac Plus, but I live in an area where there are a lot of e-waste options.
• I will tolerate some discoloration and staining.
• I will tolerate minimal scratches / cracks but only if they do not majorly impact the overall aesthetic.
• The Mac Plus is a somewhat "stateless" machine because it doesn't have a hard drive — none of the machine's history goes with it. As a result I really like property tags on my Plus' as part of their provenance. Even better if I can buy from the original owner.

6 months... a year... maybe more all of these prices could be meaningless.