Last
update: 08-27-2005
Welcome!
This is a simple page with tips and information for those who want to
start their Chess Computer collection.
Hopefully you will be able to learn something from my mistakes and the
little experience I've got so far in my endeavor.
Please, keep in mind that these are suggestions only based on my humble
opinion. Again, my only goal is to share information.
Also, I am not responsible for the use you make of the data contained
here, just a standard disclaimer ;)
Ismenio [ Email: contact@ismenio.com
] I also speak Portuguese (Tambem falo
Português)
NEW! You
can now see in one page almost off chess computers that are currently
available for sale on eBay!
Just click here
- carefully selected keywords will give you most
items in one page!
The first consumer chess computer was released in 1977, the Fidelity
Chess Challenger 1 and to this date we still have companies
releasing
dedicated units. They are facing fierce competition from the combo
PC+software but there are still those who prefer to play against a
dedicated machine and those who are interested in collecting dedicated
units. If you're reached this page I'm assuming you have an interest in
this! So here are some tips if you're starting this new hobby:
- Do your home work. Check sites like this and others for
information on the units you are interested in
- Ask questions, check the prices before you buy or bid on any
unit. Prices, even for new units can vary greatly
- The best place to find units that are no longer in production is
really eBay. But also check garage sales, classified ads and any
thrifty store in your area
- When bidding on eBay also try to find closed auctions to have an
idea about the prices and you may want to check my eBay auction watch
list (link on the main page)
- Also on eBay, be sure to check if the item you're trying to find
is
available in other countries. In advanced search, select Location and then Any Country. Usually I find that the
best countries to find them are: United States, Germany and England.
Below is a sample screen shot of the eBay advanced search page:
- Still on eBay, make sure you use the right keywords. If you are
looking for chess computers in Germany, use "Schachcomputer".
Also check for "Electronic Chess"
and "Computerized
Chess"
- Set up watch lists so that eBay can send you an e-mail when an
item becomes available. You can do that on eBay Favorites
- You're dealing with sellers who don't speak your language, I
recommend the use of these tools:
- Some collectors will sell duplicates in their collection, usually
when they get a better unit so be sure to contact them. I'll be
releasing a forum section soon and hopefully attract some collectors
and folks interested in this, so be sure to check it out!
- Also, patience is a great virtue! Some models may only show up on
eBay a few times a year so just be patient and watchful
(c)2005
by Ismenio Sousa
Quick
links
www.chesscomputers.org
Chess
computers forum
Ismenio's
collection
