This is the first Apple II I've tried to buy, after a very robust period of collecting Atari computers, and it's arrived in the mail with the case's left side more or less shattered. The eBay vendor sold it to me in cherry condition (at least in the photos), and it did arrive with an extremely clean motherboard, keyboard, power supply, top cover and bottom plate. There are no blemishes, no carvings made by teenagers. The 64K/80 column card is clean, and the Disk II interface is perfect as well. The seller says it was tested working, something I believe and will inspect in due course; I have no reason to doubt this works. But for the case being all busted up, I would be tickled pink with the condition of this computer.
So now I'm on the hunt for an empty IIe case, with or without the top cover.
My question is: Are these cases now fragile like eggshells or something because of aged plastic?
This computer was well-packed, wrapped in bubble wrap and the shipping box stuffed with foam peanuts (alas); the box was marked "Fragile. Handle With Care" and there are zero signs of abuse. The box is in perfect condition. I'm mystified what could have happened. I tend to suspect that Customs in the country where I reside busted it in the process of opening it up for inspection, and will never talk. Or did I somehow do this carefully unwrapping it? I'm gutted.
If anybody can speak to the durability of Apple IIe cases — are the earlier ones more robust, for example — and Apple II Plus computers by comparison, I am undaunted despite the heartbreak and will get back to assembling some Apple IIs to show the kids. I'd appreciate any intelligence anyone can share.
So now I'm on the hunt for an empty IIe case, with or without the top cover.
My question is: Are these cases now fragile like eggshells or something because of aged plastic?
This computer was well-packed, wrapped in bubble wrap and the shipping box stuffed with foam peanuts (alas); the box was marked "Fragile. Handle With Care" and there are zero signs of abuse. The box is in perfect condition. I'm mystified what could have happened. I tend to suspect that Customs in the country where I reside busted it in the process of opening it up for inspection, and will never talk. Or did I somehow do this carefully unwrapping it? I'm gutted.
If anybody can speak to the durability of Apple IIe cases — are the earlier ones more robust, for example — and Apple II Plus computers by comparison, I am undaunted despite the heartbreak and will get back to assembling some Apple IIs to show the kids. I'd appreciate any intelligence anyone can share.
