Brand New TRS-80 4d Value

[SleepyBear]

Hello, I have a new unused TRS-80 4d in original box and packing though the box is quite worn. I also have a new unused TRS-80 Mini Disk in packaging and original box and was wondering what the value could be?

 

Thanks,

 

JJ

[Bill Loguidice]

Do you have specs on the 4D? It's always tough to judge value raw, but you're probably looking at at least $500 on the open market for the computer and maybe around $100 for the disk drive, although that might be pushing it a bit.

[Turbo-Torch]

Only one set of specs on a new 4D. Unlike previous models, there were no lesser options ranging down to a 16K cassette model.

Interesting that it lasted from 1986 to 1990 with a price of $1,199.00. My 1000EX with a color CM4 monitor, extra 3.5" floppy drive and a + board giving a full 640K was still less money and light years ahead of the 4D.

 

It's not possible to put a set value on these systems. If you put it on eBay, it'll depend on who sees the auction, how bad they want it and how close they are to you. Many collectors who are willing to spend a small fortune on a III or 4 will NOT have them shipped. No matter what shipping company you use, it will likely arrive with the CRT ripped out of the front bezel (all plastic broken and top case of the computer ruined) and the neck of the CRT busted.

Some guys will remove the CRT and ship it separately. If you're willing to do that, you'll probably get a much better price. You'll also be able to take pictures of the insides proving it isn't corroded due to being stored in a damp basement at some time during its life. On the other hand, it won't really be "new" anymore after being disassembled and the warranty sticker punctured.

 

In the perfect situation, I think $500 would be possible. If you put it up for auction, put a reserve on it as you could easily get stung with a high bid of less than $100.

[Bill Loguidice]

It should be OK to ship in this case if it's still sealed in the original package and then put inside a slightly larger, padded box. That's really the only way to maximize the $$$. I wouldn't worry about getting under $100 if it's genuinely sealed.

[Turbo-Torch]

The plastic bezel has a hard time supporting the CRT in the III/4. Double boxed or not, one drop by the UPS guy and it's done.

This was a problem back in the day when they were being shipped to stores brand new.

The Model II series was just as bad and it was even brought up by Mike Yetsko at the recent Tandy Assembly. RS delivered 10 from Fort Worth to FL and all 10 arrived internally smashed. When the Model 16 was created (but no one was supposed to know about it), they decided to do small shipping test runs of 10 disguised in Model II boxes to see how they held up. Once at a store destination, they were to be shipped right back to Fort Worth. That turned out to be a funny story as they got back nine Model 16s and one Model II.

Some guy got a Model 16 that didn't exist and he refused to give it back. After signing a non disclosure, he got to keep it for free.

[+sm3]

The plastic bezel has a hard time supporting the CRT in the III/4. Double boxed or not, one drop by the UPS guy and it's done.

This was a problem back in the day when they were being shipped to stores brand new.

The Model II series was just as bad and it was even brought up by Mike Yetsko at the recent Tandy Assembly. RS delivered 10 from Fort Worth to FL and all 10 arrived internally smashed. When the Model 16 was created (but no one was supposed to know about it), they decided to do small shipping test runs of 10 disguised in Model II boxes to see how they held up. Once at a store destination, they were to be shipped right back to Fort Worth. That turned out to be a funny story as they got back nine Model 16s and one Model II.

Some guy got a Model 16 that didn't exist and he refused to give it back. After signing a non disclosure, he got to keep it for free.

 

Only one set of specs on a new 4D. Unlike previous models, there were no lesser options ranging down to a 16K cassette model.

Interesting that it lasted from 1986 to 1990 with a price of $1,199.00. My 1000EX with a color CM4 monitor, extra 3.5" floppy drive and a + board giving a full 640K was still less money and light years ahead of the 4D.

 

It's not possible to put a set value on these systems. If you put it on eBay, it'll depend on who sees the auction, how bad they want it and how close they are to you. Many collectors who are willing to spend a small fortune on a III or 4 will NOT have them shipped. No matter what shipping company you use, it will likely arrive with the CRT ripped out of the front bezel (all plastic broken and top case of the computer ruined) and the neck of the CRT busted.

Some guys will remove the CRT and ship it separately. If you're willing to do that, you'll probably get a much better price. You'll also be able to take pictures of the insides proving it isn't corroded due to being stored in a damp basement at some time during its life. On the other hand, it won't really be "new" anymore after being disassembled and the warranty sticker punctured.

 

In the perfect situation, I think $500 would be possible. If you put it up for auction, put a reserve on it as you could easily get stung with a high bid of less than $100.

 

I don't know, I bought a Model 4 non-gate array in the original box and didn't have a problem with it shipping from Arizona to the east coast. Maybe I was lucky? Although I recently purchased a brand new Apple II monitor (in the original box) and when it arrived, I found it broke the 4 plastic mounts. The picture tube is just floating around in the case loose now. Surprisingly it still works!

[SleepyBear]

The boxes are not sealed as they were tested to make sure they work- They were stored in warehouse for use if needed for engraving business.

[Bill Loguidice]

The boxes are not sealed as they were tested to make sure they work- They were stored in warehouse for use if needed for engraving business.

That will likely drop the value a bit, but you're still probably looking at at least $300 or maybe a bit more as the minimum. It's techincally not new, obviously.

[atarilovesyou]

The plastic bezel has a hard time supporting the CRT in the III/4. Double boxed or not, one drop by the UPS guy and it's done.

This was a problem back in the day when they were being shipped to stores brand new.

The Model II series was just as bad and it was even brought up by Mike Yetsko at the recent Tandy Assembly. RS delivered 10 from Fort Worth to FL and all 10 arrived internally smashed. When the Model 16 was created (but no one was supposed to know about it), they decided to do small shipping test runs of 10 disguised in Model II boxes to see how they held up. Once at a store destination, they were to be shipped right back to Fort Worth. That turned out to be a funny story as they got back nine Model 16s and one Model II.

Some guy got a Model 16 that didn't exist and he refused to give it back. After signing a non disclosure, he got to keep it for free.

If he signed a NDA, how did you hear about this story?

[Turbo-Torch]

If he signed a NDA, how did you hear about this story?

 

The guest speaker who told the story was an engineer out of Fort Worth.

[+sm3]

I guess this 4D sold for $1025 it seems. The plain model 4 sold for $400 with 1 bid.