How to Get Rid of Apple 2 Gs and Monitor
Honestly, the thought of trying to sell an Apple IIgs these days feels like trying to sell a fax machine at a cryptocurrency conference. It’s a relic, a piece of history that’s mostly just taking up space. I’ve been there, staring at dusty boxes of gear that once seemed cutting-edge, now just… clutter.
Figuring out how to get rid of Apple 2 GS and monitor without just chucking it in the bin requires a bit more thought. These aren’t exactly hot commodities, and let’s be real, most people don’t have a clue what they even are anymore. My own basement still holds a graveyard of forgotten tech, a testament to impulse buys and over-optimism.
So, if you’re in the same boat, staring at that beige box and its chunky monitor, wondering what’s next, you’re in the right place. This isn’t about nostalgia trips; it’s about practical, no-nonsense ways to clear that space.
The Relic Roundup: What to Do with Your Apple Iigs
Let’s cut to the chase. The Apple IIgs, bless its retro heart, isn’t going to net you a fortune on eBay. While some collectors might be interested, the market for a fully functional unit with a period-correct monitor is… niche. Think of it like trying to find a buyer for a perfectly preserved rotary phone. It’s cool, but its utility is limited.
I remember trying to offload an old Commodore 64 years ago. I listed it for what I thought was a reasonable price, maybe $100. For weeks, nothing. Then, a guy offered me $20 and wanted me to drive an hour to meet him. I ended up donating it to a local school that had a ‘computer history’ club. That’s often the reality: value isn’t just monetary; it’s about finding the right home.
So, before you list it for $500, temper your expectations. We’re talking about a machine that predates the internet as most of us know it, a machine that probably boots slower than your microwave. The goal here is disposal, not retirement funds. Seriously, even finding a buyer for the monitor alone is a long shot. It’s heavy, bulky, and uses outdated connectors. I spent around $40 shipping one of these things across the country once, only to have the buyer complain it wasn’t ‘perfect.’ Lesson learned.
Selling It? Good Luck.
If you’re determined to try and wring a few bucks out of your Apple IIgs and monitor, your best bet is online marketplaces. eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace – these are your primary hunting grounds. But you need to be realistic about pricing and presentation. Take clear, well-lit photos. Show it booting up, if possible. List the specs accurately. Be prepared for lowball offers and tire-kickers. Most people asking ‘is it still available?’ never actually show up.
Craigslist, for instance, often attracts local buyers who might be willing to pick up, saving you shipping headaches. I’ve found better luck selling bulky, older electronics locally. You can also try dedicated retro computing forums or groups. These communities are where the enthusiasts hang out, and they might appreciate the machine for its historical value rather than its gaming prowess (which, let’s face it, was limited compared to later systems).
However, I’ve seen way too many listings for vintage computers languish for months, eventually being marked down to almost nothing or simply given away. The online classifieds are littered with ‘make an offer’ listings for gear like this. It’s less about a transaction and more about finding someone who actually *wants* it, which is a different beast entirely. (See Also: How To Put 144hz Monitor At 144hz )
Why I’m Not a Fan of ‘collector’s Value’ for This Gear
Everyone talks about ‘collector’s value,’ but for many older computers like the Apple IIgs, the reality is often different. The sentimental value is huge for some, but that doesn’t translate into cash easily. My contrarian opinion? Unless it’s a truly rare, pristine model with all original packaging and manuals, the ‘collector’s value’ is largely a myth for the average Joe trying to declutter. It’s far more likely to end up as a display piece collecting dust than a profitable sale. This is why I always lean towards donation or responsible recycling first.
The Donation Route: Giving It a Second Life
Donation is a fantastic option, and honestly, often the most straightforward way to handle the Apple IIgs and monitor. Schools, especially those with computer history programs or tech museums, might be thrilled to have it. Libraries sometimes have archives or community tech spaces. Even some community centers or senior centers might appreciate older, simpler technology for basic tasks or as a learning tool for digital literacy.
You’ll need to do a bit of legwork here. Call around. Ask specifically if they accept vintage computer equipment. Don’t just drop it off. I once dropped off a box of old VCR tapes at a community center, only to find out later they just threw them away because they didn’t have a way to store or digitize them. It felt like I’d just contributed to landfill fodder.
When you donate, try to include any cables, manuals, or accessories you still have. This increases the chances that the donation will be useful and not just a bulky item taking up space in someone else’s storage. A complete unit is always more valuable, even for donation purposes. Think of it as passing the baton, not just dumping the baton.
What You Might Get for Donating
Donating can sometimes lead to a tax deduction. If the organization is a registered charity, they can provide you with a receipt for the fair market value of your donation. While you’re unlikely to get much for an Apple IIgs, having documentation for the deduction can be a nice bonus, especially if you’ve kept it in good condition. Just don’t expect to write off what you *wish* you could sell it for; it’s based on its actual resale value, which, as we’ve established, is pretty low.
Responsible Recycling: When All Else Fails
If selling and donating aren’t viable, the next step is responsible electronic recycling. These old machines contain components and materials that shouldn’t end up in a landfill. Many municipalities have e-waste drop-off points or scheduled collection days. Search online for ‘e-waste recycling near me’ and you’ll likely find options.
Big box electronics stores sometimes have recycling programs, though they might not always accept older computer systems like the Apple IIgs. Check their websites or call ahead. For instance, Best Buy often has an e-waste program, but there are usually fees or limits on what they’ll take. I’ve always found that local government initiatives are the most reliable and often free.
The monitor, especially, is heavy and contains a cathode ray tube (CRT). These require special handling for disposal. Simply tossing it in your regular trash is illegal in many places and bad for the environment. It’s like throwing away an old TV; it needs to go to a designated e-waste facility. The glass alone can be hazardous if broken. (See Also: How To Switch An Acer Monitor To Hdmi )
The Environmental Angle
Seriously, these old machines are packed with plastics, metals, and potentially hazardous materials. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has a lot of information on why proper e-waste disposal is vital. Think of it like returning your used fishing line at a marina instead of leaving it tangled in the bushes – it prevents harm. Some recycling centers will even let you see their process, which can be surprisingly reassuring. It’s a far cry from the days when you just tossed everything. We’re 30 years past that now.
What About the Cables and Software?
Don’t forget the accessories! If you have original Apple IIgs software (floppy disks, anyone?), cables, or even the original box, these can sometimes add a tiny bit more value to a collector or someone trying to piece together a system. Again, manage your expectations. Those floppy disks might be brittle and unreadable, and the software might be incompatible with anything modern.
If the software is truly obsolete and unreadable, consider digitizing it if you have the means. There are services that can transfer old floppy disks to modern digital formats, though the cost might outweigh the benefit for a IIgs. Otherwise, they become part of the historical artifact you’re trying to dispose of.
Honestly, the cables are the easiest to part with if you’re not selling. Most are proprietary or specific to the era. Unless you have a very specific buyer in mind who needs *that exact* serial cable for a modem, they’re often just more clutter. Donate them with the computer if you can.
Your Apple Iigs Disposal Checklist
- Assess Condition: Does it boot? Is the monitor working? Be brutally honest.
- Research Market Value: Check eBay sold listings. If you see units selling for less than $50, that’s your ballpark.
- Consider Selling Locally: Craigslist, FB Marketplace. Lower shipping costs, faster sales.
- Target Retro Communities: Online forums, specialized Facebook groups.
- Identify Donation Centers: Schools, museums, tech clubs. Call first!
- Locate E-Waste Facilities: Your city/county website is your best friend here.
- Gather Accessories: Keep manuals, cables, and software together.
- Document Your Disposal: Get a receipt for donations or recycling if possible.
The Future Is (mostly) Diskless
The computing world has moved on so much. Trying to get rid of an Apple IIgs and monitor means acknowledging that this technology had its moment, and that moment has passed for most practical purposes. It’s like having a perfectly good VCR when everyone’s streaming. The machine itself might have been a marvel in its time, but its relevance today is purely historical or sentimental.
I still have a couple of old video game consoles from the late 90s stashed away. I think about selling them, then I think about packing them up, dealing with shipping, and the inevitable questions. Most of the time, I decide to just keep them as conversation pieces. But a full Apple IIgs setup? That’s a different beast of burden. Its sheer size and weight make it a logistical challenge.
This isn’t about dissing Apple’s legacy. The IIgs was a significant machine. But for the average person looking to clear out space, it’s an awkward item to get rid of. It’s too big and bulky for many collectors who might want just the motherboard, and too dated for anyone looking for a functional computer today.
Where Can I Sell My Apple Iigs and Monitor?
Your best bets for selling are online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. For a more niche audience, try retro computing forums or dedicated vintage computer groups. Be prepared for low offers and expect to price it affordably if you want a quick sale. (See Also: How To Monitor My Sleep With Apple Watch )
Is the Apple Iigs Monitor Worth Anything?
Monitors for older computers, especially CRT models like those typically paired with the Apple IIgs, have very limited resale value. They are bulky, heavy, and have been largely replaced by modern flat-panel displays. Unless it’s a rare, specific model in pristine condition, its value is often minimal. Shipping costs alone can make selling it impractical.
Can I Donate an Apple Iigs Computer?
Yes, you can! Schools with technology history programs, computer museums, or even community centers might be interested in accepting an Apple IIgs. It’s always best to call ahead and confirm they can accept vintage computer equipment before dropping it off. Including any original software or manuals can make the donation more valuable.
What If No One Wants It and I Can’t Donate It?
If your Apple IIgs and monitor are not sellable or donatable, responsible electronic recycling is the way to go. Look for local e-waste drop-off points or scheduled collection events. Many municipalities offer these services to ensure hazardous materials are handled properly and valuable components can be recovered. The monitor, in particular, requires special disposal due to its CRT components.
How Much Can I Sell an Apple Iigs for?
The resale value of an Apple IIgs varies wildly based on condition, completeness, and market demand. Generally, functional units with working monitors can fetch anywhere from $50 to $200, but often less. Very rare configurations or pristine, boxed units might command more, but these are uncommon. Most units listed for significantly higher amounts tend to sit unsold for a long time.
Conclusion
So, you’ve got this Apple IIgs and its monitor, and the question of how to get rid of apple 2 gs and monitor is on your mind. It’s not like tossing out an old toaster; these things have weight and history. My advice? Don’t get hung up on trying to make a quick buck. It’s more likely to be a hassle than a windfall.
Your best bet is likely to find a local charity or a retro computing enthusiast who will genuinely appreciate it. Failing that, make sure it goes to a proper e-waste recycler. These old machines represent a significant chunk of tech evolution, and their components deserve to be handled responsibly, not just dumped.
Honestly, the most valuable thing you’ll gain from dealing with this is space back in your home. That’s usually worth more than the few dollars you might scrape together trying to sell it.
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