BassGuitari Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 What's a fair price for a Timex Sinclair TS1000 with a fully-working keyboard? I've been looking to get into this system, but can't seem to find one that works -even just loose, without the RAM pack or manuals/books- for less than $40-$50. That strikes me as really high. The TS1000 has no sound, no graphics mode to speak of, an awful keyboard, and relatively little in the way of games/software. It doesn't even have a power switch! But to cap it all off, these systems are not rare by any stretch of the imagination. Why are people trying to sell these (talking loose here) for $40, $60, $80, $100? These were El Cheapo systems even in 1982, and they're not hard to find, so the rarity factor goes straight out the window. Am I off-base here? (You may be wondering why, if I describe it to be such a piece of junk, I want one. I think they're interesting and quirky. If you know me, you know I'm a fan of things like Channel F, Aquarius, pre-1980 Atari VCS games, Odyssey 2...) I do have a Timex Sinclair, but the keyboard is bad (of course!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Interesting. I gave a bunch of loose ones with RAM packs away a few years ago because no one wanted them and I didn't want more than one. I'd be surprised if a loose one without even a RAM pack would be worth more than $10. And I'd think even that would be high! I only have my CIB one left and 1 CIB 16k pack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassGuitari Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 Interesting. I gave a bunch of loose ones with RAM packs away a few years ago because no one wanted them and I didn't want more than one. I'd be surprised if a loose one without even a RAM pack would be worth more than $10. And I'd think even that would be high! I only have my CIB one left and 1 CIB 16k pack. That's what I thought! It's not like there's this incredible demand for Timex Sinclair stuff to drive prices up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+remowilliams Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I do have a Timex Sinclair, but the keyboard is bad (of course!). Yeah sadly thats the thing. All three of mine stopped working from that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro Rogue Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I might have an extra loose one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goochman Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 well I sold my ZX-81 for $35, but that included a working cassette recorder and a few tapes. Under $20 and it usually makes it not worth folks selling. I bought mine from a cash strapped gamer for $35 thinking it would be neat to play with. Unfort the days of only having access to something that primitive are over and it wasnt really fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassGuitari Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 I might have an extra loose one. Thank you kindly, Marty, but that won't actually be necessary. (Sidebar: Don't let me forget I still need to pull the controllers out of my dead-ish Fairchild for you.) I'm pleased to report that I was able to repair the keyboard on my Timex Sinclair, with the help of this video: My original point stands, however. If I were to sell mine, I wouldn't expect more than 10 or 15 bucks, max. Now on to keying in primitive programs on a tedious and convoluted "hunt 'n' peck" keyboard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro Rogue Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I might have an extra loose one. Thank you kindly, Marty, but that won't actually be necessary. (Sidebar: Don't let me forget I still need to pull the controllers out of my dead-ish Fairchild for you.) I'm pleased to report that I was able to repair the keyboard on my Timex Sinclair, with the help of this video: Was there a repair somewhere in there? I fell asleep after the first 30 seconds. Wow that guy does not the personality for presentation or to be on camera. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassGuitari Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 Ha, no, he doesn't. But his video was very helpful to me. I feel stupid now, though, that after all my fussing around with this thing in all the time I've had it, all it took was this simple operation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesD Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I picked up a boxed one with boxed RAM pack, an after market plastic carry case, and a 2nd machine with replacement keyboard for around $40. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmax2069 Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 (edited) I might have an extra loose one. Thank you kindly, Marty, but that won't actually be necessary. (Sidebar: Don't let me forget I still need to pull the controllers out of my dead-ish Fairchild for you.) I'm pleased to report that I was able to repair the keyboard on my Timex Sinclair, with the help of this video: Was there a repair somewhere in there? I fell asleep after the first 30 seconds. Wow that guy does not the personality for presentation or to be on camera. You too huh. his voice was like taking a sleeping pill. It was a good tutorial that is if you can make it without dozing off. boy am i glad he doesn't talk on radio or it could be bad for people driving. almost like ben stein, Bueller?....Bueller?....Bueller? Edited March 14, 2011 by madmax2069 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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