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Online Sources For Older Hardware?
hubie asks: "We all know that Linux runs well on older hardware, and with the rate hardware becomes outdated there must be a lot of it out there. However I have a hard time finding older hardware to fill out an old 486 or Pentium system. I find local computer shops are very hit-and-miss in terms of what they have, and contrary to what some people suggest in articles, businesses in my area are not just putting these older systems out on the curb for junk. Are there any good on-line sources for new or used hardware people are happy with? Where are all those 500MB or 1.2GB drives or ISA cards of yesteryear?" (Read on...)
I've always looked to Computer Surplus Outlet for this kind of stuff, but I'm sure some of you have found other online sources for older hardware that you would like to share.
Ebay, etc., are one source (the problem with older systems on ebay is that the shipping costs more than the item :-) but off-line auctions are your best bet. The classified ads of your local paper probably has an "auctions" heading and there's probably one day a week (Sunday or Saturday, probably) when the local auction houses put their ads in there (once you know who they are, find out about the auctions they don't advertise). Also, look up the government surplus auctions in your area (they probably aren't advertised). Once you find the right sources, you really can find alot for next to nothing.
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Than I happen to have created :)
Freeboxen.com is a hardware sharing community that operates purely on the generosity of its members. Once hardware reaches a certain age, its economic value becomes negligable. However it still retains much of its usefulness, especially to alternative OS users. If you arent planning on using some hardware, why not give it away to someone who will?
Freeboxen serves as an online resource that connects people who want hardware to people who have hardware to give. In just a little over a month, with a modest traffic volume, there have been quite a few interesting giveaways. Most of the free hardware has been from the 486-Pentium era, but some newer hardware has been posted too. The best stuff is claimed pretty quickly so you might need to check back often if you are looking for something good. The url is www.freeboxen.com, or you can click the link in my sig.
If you dont mind paying for hardware there are a couple of other resources that are worth checking out. If there is a computer show in your community that attracts a lot of vendors, they usually have some older stuff for sale cheap. The last one that I went to had 500 MB drives for under fifteen bucks. The second resource is the small business community. Chances are you could take home some pretty sweet kit, provided you have an in with the IT folks. They also might be willing to sell some of it for a reasonable price. Its worth a shot anyway.
-BW