Developing Your Business: Office Setup

Where Do Old Computers Go to Die?

While some things increase in value over time, computers don't. The demons of depreciation and rapidly developing technology combine to turn a high-end machine into a heavy paperweight in a matter of months. That computer you paid a lot of money for is now probably worth next to nothing.

This problem isn't new. In the mid-80s my father heard rumors of a place that bought and sold used PCs for $50. So we loaded up our Compaq "Portable" (about 15 pounds and resembling a sewing machine) with the broken monitor. Since no one could use it anymore and we had paid so much a few years before, it seemed like a shame to throw it out. Inside the mysterious warehouse, we saw chaotic shelves heaped with hundreds of piles of hard drives, monitors, keyboards, mice, and random computer guts. They were mostly sorted by machine: PCs, PCJrs, various Acorn, Apple, Franklin and Commodore models.

The proprietor looked at our machine and said, "Can't give you anything for it—I already have 20 Portables no one wants anymore."

This proclamation disappointed Dad, but he decided to look more closely at the Compaq pile. Thinking ahead, he bought two more of the same model—one with a working monitor and one with extra memory. He decided to keep the original "for parts." My mother was thrilled when Dad returned home with not one, but three obsolete computers.

Unfortunately, Dad's quest isn't unusual. Countless old computers are gathering dust in basements, garages, and closets. No one wants these techno-
antiques and what's worse, as prices of new machines continue to drop, it's more economical to buy a new machine than to upgrade.

I speak from experience. Three years ago, I decided my 386 couldn't keep up with what I was doing, even with a "high-speed" 28.8 Kbps modem. A local computer store said it would take $800 for a new motherboard, to upgrade the operating system from Windows 3.1 to 95, boost the memory, add speakers, and other improvements. Or, I could get a new system with all those features and more for $700. And they told me they'd "let" me keep my modem and monitor. Since I liked my computer but wasn't terribly attached to it, it was easy to let go.

The new Pentium 166 showed dramatic improvement. And the Coeur d'Alene School District loved my 386. They couldn't guarantee it would stay intact, but they had plans for the parts. Plus the donation receipt showing higher than market value was nice when tax season rolled around.

Now, I'm in the market again, and things haven't changed much. No one seems to want the P-166, and prices for new machines are even lower. But I've done my homework, and found that there are more disposal options out there than there were when Dad was trying to dump the broken Compaq.

Here's a list of seven possible disposal options:

1. Find someone who needs one. Nonprofits or schools can't always afford to upgrade often. Plus, since tech jobs are more in demand, schools or vocational programs like to let students dissect old ones. Contributions are tax deductible. Those who work from home can deduct the cost of a new machine and include an Idaho tax credit for donating the old one to certain institutions if the donation is made before Dec. 31. Check with your tax advisor to make sure the donation is done right.
2. Save it. Hanging onto anything is always a gamble. But in enough time, supplies of computers drop, and you might find yourself with something valuable. Millions may own a PC clone like yours now, but some early models are now prized by technology buffs. At the Smithsonian in 1993, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a TRS-80 Model 1 on display, just like the one my dad bought in 1981, which still gathers dust next to the Compaqs in the basement.
3. Give it to friends or family. A second machine may be great for those who can't afford a new one, or need a spare for a teen or college student. Seniors also like something simple to type and do e-mail on, rather than fancy new programs they don't understand. If you like games, give an old machine and a modem to a friend, and then you can play together.
4. Make a super computer. I personally have no idea how to do this, but a power nerd may be able to help you improve the computer's processing power by linking two machines together.
5. Make it into art or crafts. I've seen quite a few creations from recycled computer components. A Seattle gift store has book covers made from motherboards, and cute pins from transistors. Surf the `net and you'll find lots of creative ideas.
6. Sell it. Someone somewhere may need a Timex Sinclair for their own reasons. Old-time gamers still collect some of the cool, unduplicated programs for the TI-99. You can offer it up for auction on just about any online auction house. I even found a few stores in Kootenai County willing to sell newer pre-owned computers (P-100 and higher) on a consignment basis. Prices are in the low hundreds, but it beats the next option.
7. If all else fails, destroy it. Be careful in exercising this option, however. Landfills are getting concerned about all the heavy metals and other yucky things that are used in PCs, especially the big monitors. Check your area's disposal rules before you literally "hit any key to continue."