WANTED: Amiga 3000

[chfriend]

After several years without an Amiga since my 500 went to computer heaven, I'd like to pickup another Amiga.  For my needs the 3000 seems to be the best bet due to the internal scan doubler and the standard VGA port.  My only question is since I've never owned a big box Amiga before, what should I look out for and what can I expect to pay?

I'm already aware of the exploded battery issue, as the trapdoor expansion card in my 500 was corroded due to a blown-up NiCD (thankfully it didn't effect functionality of the card except for the clock function).

[orb85750]

I'm not sure where you're located, but in the USA basic A3000 systems (with keyboard and mouse) usually sell in the $200-300 range, depending on condition.  I've seen a couple over the years with failing video output, but the battery is probably the most common issue for most Amigas.

[chfriend]

I'm not sure where you're located, but in the USA basic A3000 systems (with keyboard and mouse) usually sell in the $200-300 range, depending on condition.  I've seen a couple over the years with failing video output, but the battery is probably the most common issue for most Amigas.

There's one on eBay right now for $50 and 4 days left, but the person selling it responded that the battery is leaking slightly (but he didn't see any damage to the motherboard) and the last time he tried booting it a few years ago it had no video through RGB or VGA.  No KB or mouse included either and the KB he has listed separately is missing the right shift key.

Is the failing video issue fixable or is it a terminal problem?

[matt3k]

There's one on eBay right now for $50 and 4 days left, but the person selling it responded that the battery is leaking slightly (but he didn't see any damage to the motherboard) and the last time he tried booting it a few years ago it had no video through RGB or VGA.  No KB or mouse included either and the KB he has listed separately is missing the right shift key.

Is the failing video issue fixable or is it a terminal problem?

Stay away from motherboards that have battery damage that haven't been properly fixed.  I have refurbed 6 3000's and if you have damage to a trace, it will be very difficult to correct.  Since VGA not working the damage is done.  Find a one in good working order, for the few hundred more you won't regret it (IMHO).  One of the MB's I worked had video issues with the battery acid damage and I couldn't recover the video.

Heck if I didn't have mine in storage, I would offer to sell one to you...

Expect to pay 2-4 hundred for a real winner.  

One last thing, the 3000 is a major tank and workhorse, it's only flaw is the leaky battery.  I have owned about every Amiga and the 3k is by far my favorite.  You will enjoy it, just pick a good one from that start.

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Matt

[amigadave]

I have an A3000T that I have been toying with the idea of selling.  It is more expensive than the desktop models, but if you are interested, you can contact me via email and we can discuss how much it is worth.

If you are just looking for the least expensive A3000 you can find, then mine is not the correct one to look for.

[chfriend]

I messaged Amigadave regarding the A3000T.  What sucks is someone near me in Lowell, MA had one on Craigslist for ~$300 but it had no hard drive so I didn't email him immediately and by the time I did it had sold.  He has a 1000 but for $100 with no kickstart disk I think I'll wait until I find the one I think is right as opposed to just buying something because it's there.

Honestly if I could find an processor-upgraded A2000 with a scandoubler that would work, although the A3000 styling is much better.  Except for the normal yellowing that happens to old plastic the 3000 still looks like a modern machine to me.

Thanks,
Chris

[orb85750]

.....though if you want an Amiga mainly for games, the A3000 is not your best choice for compatibility.

[chfriend]

Games would be nice, but I actually want to play around with some of the music tracking and animation software that's available.  I would assume the 030 processor and memory capability (never mind the flicker-fixer for interlaced modes) will be useful here.

[orb85750]

Games would be nice, but I actually want to play around with some of the music tracking and animation software that's available.  I would assume the 030 processor and memory capability (never mind the flicker-fixer for interlaced modes) will be useful here.

Yes, sure.

[mousehouse]

The 3000 is a very, very nice machine. My guess is that if you're going to use it regularly you will want a slightly faster CPU - like a WarpEngine with a 68040...

A 4000 is also very nice if you're able to get one with an Indivision or PicassoIV, but will set you back many $.

Good luck on your search!