Subject: HP425s in high demand!!!
To: None <port-hp300@NetBSD.ORG>
From: David Jones <dej@inode.org>
List: port-hp300
Date: 06/17/1997 18:53:27
Wow!  I never thought this could be in so much demand!

I have received 10 (yes, TEN) replies asking me for my source's address.


I haven't talked to this guy yet (he's on business) but I gather he doesn't
want to mess around with small orders too much.  If you drive up to his
place in person (some do it with cube vans), he's happy to deal with you.

BUT:

- He gave me a monitor that didn't go with the motherboard.  I had to get
  that exchanged for the right one.
- The keyboard's G and H keys didn't work.  I've gotten a replacement
  keyboard, but it's missing the cable to connect it to the 425 (the other
  keyboard had the cable permanently connected)

So far no problem - he's local, and he's more than willing to get me up
and running.

But let's consider the case where the customer is in Denmark (yes,
one is):

- Shipping is likely to dominate costs
- To avoid returns, the systems would have to be tested.  This guy gave
  me my 425 untested.  He also threw in a spare for free in case the first
  one didn't work :-) [ The memory and disk wasn't spared, just the CPU ]
  Testing takes time.
- The system came unpackaged.  Parts were loaded into my car as-is.
  Shipment through organized means implies packaging and purchase of packing
  materials.  Since the bare CPUs go for $25 each, the packing materials
  are likely to be more expensive than the CPU.

All figured, I'd guess shipment of a system to Europe (with RAM and monitor)
would be in the $500+ range.

Two of the respondents were within 200 km of the source.  I'd suggest they
go for a Sunday drive.  Other than that, you have something to think about.

:-)