Yes, I know -- a price comparison isn't fair since this was included free.

Check my other eBay post for more free bonus items!

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SOLD Vintage Macintosh LC II SOLD

Click here to see more cool tech items.

Learn About Free Apple Specifications for your Vintage Mac.

If you want info on your Vintage Mac, here is a guide to look it up.
You can get free info on vintage models & check specs on your specific Mac.

Get free info on our Vintage Macs, where it shows many model specs.

The left side of the screen shot below shows an example of what it looks like...

The right side of the image above shows how you discover it.
Write down the serial number off your Mac to find your specific model:

Here is where they show exact models by your specific serial number.

It also shows info about your specific Mac's release date & max macOS.

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Here is a link to a fun restoration project by @JDW- on YouTube

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Here is a short video demonstrating how we test a color monitor before liftoff.



You've seen the LCD liftoff test , now click below & lauch into your tech space.

Deep Discount Special: 57% off a 22" LCD Screen.

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Our M1 Mac mini just sold non-profit, $150 below fair market value.

Excellent Condition Apple Mac Mini - M1 Chip, 256GB SSD, 8GB, Pre-Owned Like NOB

Click for More Upgraded Systems and even fun Vintage offers...

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My personal Mac Pro that was built in 2016, was wildly upgraded.
(It also sold as non-profit, well below value at the time).

Click for my video that explained the post.

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SOLD Network Special: nTap, Optical LC 1Channel,
MM, 62.5 Fiber, 50/50 Split Ratio Data Sniffer nTap

Monitors net traffic & passively taps into signals without disrupting data flow.

Click for nTap TO1-M6-LC-55-K facts sheet.

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Sold all Vintage Apple G4 Cube era Clear Case Pro Mice!

.

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Up next is the Apple Mighty Mouse that has a scroll wheel!
Click here for the Mighty Mouse.

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Another ComputerHobbyShop rare find...
an Apple DVI to ADC, SOLD on eBay

The Apple DVI to ADC adapter, introduced in 2002 & produced through 2006, allows a DVI-equipped
computer to connect to an ADC monitor by merging video, USB, and power into a single cable.

Why this adapter matters:

• Manufactured in 2006, even after ADC was phased out in 2004.
• Legacy Support for connecting ADC-based Cinema Displays to newer Macs.
• Still in Demand among vintage tech enthusiasts keeping classic Apple hardware alive.

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Windows 3.1 on a Packard Bell 770
Why Floppy Disk Installs Fail (and How to Fix It)

Installing Windows 3.1 on vintage Packard Bell systems--especially the Packard Bell 770 (486/DX, ISA-based)--often fails for reasons that have nothing to do with the operating system itself. The most common failure point is Disk 1 of the Windows 3.1 floppy set, which is frequently unreadable even when the rest of the disks appear fine.

This issue is usually caused by a combination of aged floppy media, drive alignment drift, and Packard Bell-specific BIOS and floppy controller quirks. Late-era Packard Bell systems are especially picky about floppy drive timing, cable wiring, and drive-select behavior, and silently ignore replacement drives that work perfectly in other PCs.

486 era SOIC Bad Chip and Repair Methods

Many 486 era Packard Bells cannot read floppy disks & changing the drive out does not help either.
If this happens, check out my SOIC Repair Guide, for a common Packard Bell hardware repair.

Key Takeaways

• 1st check for a bad SOIC chip issue, (usually due to battery acid and requires my hardware repair guide listed below).
• Disk 1 fails first because it was used the most and formatted with tighter tolerances as Microsoft designed it to fail 1st.
• Packard Bell OEM BIOSes may reject non-OEM floppy drives due to timing and signal differences which were not adjustable.
• Cable Select vs. Drive Select mismatches can cause drive non-detection on 2000 era Packard Bells not offering select changes.
• USB floppy drives are not compatible nor suitable for booting Windows 3.1 or other disk based OSes on vintage hardware.

   If you do'nt have bad chips, just a dead drive, here is an Alternate Solution

• Bypass Packard Bell incompatible floppy drive issues by using a
  Dedicated ISA 8-bit floppy/printer controller.



• Pair the controller with a known-good internal drive, eg. a TEAC FD-235HF, Panasonic JU-257, or Sony MPF-series drive.
• Consider 5.25 inch Windows 3.1 disk sets; the media often ages better than 3.5 inch disks, though drive condition still matters.
• Image original disks when possible and preserve the physical media.

Vintage PC hobbyists takeaway: Most Windows 3.1 install failures are hardware & controller compatibility issues, not just bad software. A good ISA controller + high-quality drives make Packard Bells more reliable to use.

Here is a Surface-Mount SOIC Repair Guide with video tutorial links to browse.


... and scroll down for the next post ... or ^ go back to the top menu ^

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Apple G4 Cube with Apple Keyboard, Mouse,
Power Supply, Monitor, and USB Speaker Adapter

My G4 Cube video is live now!

If you are a vintage Apple collector or just love retro tech history,
this PowerMac G4 Cube system is a dream addition for any Apple fan.


Here is the link to the article about my actual G4 Cube and accessories.

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Click here to go to the Answer of the Question

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A Customized Dual Boot Apple MacBook Air (like NIB).

Apple makes this popular MacBook model,
a powerful favorite and sleek portable for many computing needs.



Apple had shipped it in an RFB box. (RFB = Refurbished by Apple).
Moved at a huge discount & shipped in the same Apple white box package.
Click to see just how little is paid

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A Recent ComputerHobbyShop Rare Find...

Apple MacBook Pro 17" Quad-Core Intel 2.53GHz
Core i5, 8GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, & MacOS High Sierra

A smart eBuyer made a Best Offer and got a Great Deal on eBay.

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Project: "Restore 3 Apple Mac mini"

This picture shows one of three* Apple Mac minis bought from SDSU Surplus.

In this project each Apple Mac mini has the previous SDSU serial numbers on top.
Each got 1TB SSDs upgrades plus MS Office for Macintosh + common Apple software.
Each got a fresh macOS install to be restored with everything working.

Each SDSU Surplus Mac mini is the last model of an Apple Mac mini with a built-in DVD
Drive. Each mini came with an A/C power cord & I upgraded them to 16GB RAM.
As I said, I'm upgrading the old mechanical hard drive to a lightning fast 1TB SSD.

         * To get your own restored Mac mini, contact me for more info.

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^{Did you know is Non-Profit?}

See this video for how ComputerHobbyShop really became my hobby!

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I'm your host, Richard Allen McFarland

Remember way back when all the newest computers needed more RAM?
Enjoy my fun and exciting tech projects with RAM's Random Access Machine.

I'll take you back to the Good Ol' Days, when Computers were cool ...
... let's go there and back again ...



Retro Tech Fans can go to my YouTube Channel and
watch my vintage computer discovery videos ... or ...

Click to see a Gaming Computer Won for Thousands $,$$$ Less Than Normal

Care to enjoy more? Click the MORE RAM button down there!
 Click  More RAM?  Yes please, I want to Load More RAM Now!  More RAM? 

Read and enjoy my upgrade and restoration projects to learn how
Richard's ComputerHobbyShop Makes Computers Fun and Affordable.

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If you are not passionate about retro tech,
or at least a sentimental geek, this link won't interest you.


Be careful what you tell an AI, it is designed to always make you feel good about yourself and even though
it can help you sort out your ideas, it will also easily join you in a self pity party if you let it. LOL

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Here is the ComputerHobbyShop feedback from previous eBay Auctions.

The top feedback was for my restored G4 Cube.


See a Gaming Computer Won for Thousands $ Less Than Normal

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In this video Steve Jobs says it's important to ask for help.

I'm telling visitors, "All persons who donate anything or join me
here will be automatically entered into my next cool giveaway!"

I made this site for my Vintage & Retro Friends and Followers,
so any winner who did not join, will have to pay shiping costs!
(Maybe joining isn't such a bad idea after all).

When only a few subscribe to enter giveaways, or join me on Patreon
I'll again sell some items to cover costs for giveaways, so if you are in
the few who clicked my links, odds to win can be very low.

As fun as my door prizes tend to be, imagine... If only 5 people join my
Patreon Membership by my next computer Giveaway, the odds
are 1 in 5. If only 6 people have donated by my PayPal link those 6 are
added to the 5 and the odds are 1 in 11. If you donate any retro computer
or even just a part, then I add you to the list and the odds are 1 in 12.

Someone who donated a PC part already won 1 door prize drawing!

Where else could you get that kind of odds? Not in other sweepstakes
I know of. So people can call me crazy, but as Steve says in the video,
"I just ask, ... most people never ask... [separating them, as in]
people who do things [vs] the people who just dream about them."

When someone wins, an email will be sent to them.

I never ask for your personal information and only post secure links,
So if you received a Winner email, be sure it is a secure link.

See my secure shipping payment link in the original post.

Note: I've made this safe for you and am not responsible
for anyone else out there pretending to be me. Legal Notice

Did you know Gold Planet Saving Members save shipping costs?

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A great way to help save vintage tech - mail your retro computers to my non-profit. Join the mission & Your Name could be in the Film Credits of a future video!


See the full details on YouTube.

Ready to join the fun?

Simply mail your vintage computer items to:

Attn: ComputerHobbyShop
C/O Richard A. McFarland
P.O.  Box 383
Saint Anthony, Idaho 83445

Don't want to donate it, but want it fixed instead?
If parts are not needed, all you do is pay shipping fees.
Ask me to help save tech you already have.

If you came from one of my other web pages
you can  or read my next tech post below.

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Ultra-Rare Ethernet Cards for early Macintosh in last months post.

I had the earliest known Asante(TM) PDS Ethernet card set for the legendary
Apple Macintosh SE/30 -- complete with original mounting bracket, almost never included!

The Rev A model predates the MacCon branding and was designed exclusively for the SE/30.
A two-card set with multicolor ribbon cable and bracket for proper installation -- a true collector's gem.

Asante(TM) Technologies was once the market leader in Mac networking, pioneering Ethernet solutions for
Apple computers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their products helped bring AppleTalk networks and early internet access to classrooms, studios, and offices around the world.

A must-have for a vintage Mac SE/30 enthusiast...

...for a larger view of these Vintage Ethernet Cards, click here...

Restoring a vintage SE/30 or building a retro Mac LC network, both of these were a piece of history, and now rare third-party Ethernet solutions for early Macs! Don't miss your next chance to own one."

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ComputerHobbyShop is a place for
Vintage Computer Enthusiasts and Retro Tech Hobbyists
who also enjoy collectible technology as a hobby.



Motto: For Computer Enthusiasts Who Love To Use A Computer For Anything They Can.

Since I'm a computer professional, I too enjoy using a computer for anything I can.

See my fun Mac Pro Computer Upgrade Project

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See the ComputerHobbyShop post for
#MARCHintosh 2025!

A Macintosh Plus Restoration Journey

I recently acquired a vintage Mac Plus from eBay, which I saw was unfortunately
in a terribly rusted condition both outside and later, as I was sure, also inside.
But with some patience and effort, I managed to bring it back to life.

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Retro Facts? Not all facts are as you heard.
A post by my sister, Patty on Facebook.

AUGUST 12, 1981 | IBM LAUNCHES THE FIRST PC

On this day, the first Personal Computer was released by IBM. Also know
as the IBM Model 5150, the first PC was a revolutionary microcomputer that
an Intel 8088 processor, Microsoft MS-DOS operating system, and
used an open architecture allowing 3rd-party peripherals and software.



Nerdy Fact: The first IBM PC had a distinctive sound when it
was turned on, generated to the speaker on the motherboard.

The sound was three tones: a low-pitched tone of 440 Hz
300 milliseconds, followed by a silence of 100 milliseconds,
followed by a high-pitched 880 Hz tone for 300 milliseconds.

This sound sequence was designed to indicate that the power
supply and speaker were working properly. However, some
users found the sound annoying, and some even tried to
disable it by cutting wires or covering it with tape.

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Response to Patty...

Thanks for the fun post little sis, but be sure to see below...

A 1979 Apple being used in the IBM business office in 1981.

I'm not sure, but he looks like Computer Chronicles Paul Shindler...

... but even if he isn't Paul, this fact demonstrates that when
IBM PC 1st came out, the Apple II was already functional for
business users. I remember an executive from RCA using his
Apple II to create all his massive contact mailing lists.

Touché

Apple actually led the PC revolution with the Apple II, (June
1977), and made $7.9 mil, (yes, millions of $), in the 1st year,
plus another $49 mil in their 2nd year of sales by the end of 79.
All that money enticed IBM to get into the market late, Aug, 81.

In 1984, Apple Macintosh was Apple's newest home computer.
Mac users easily navigated it with a mouse, not clumsy cryptic
IBM MS-DOS command line typing of entries by keyboard.

Still, I enjoy Computers, but especially collectible Apple Macs.
I made a video about an early model Apple Macintosh I found online.
Here is the video link of @ComputerHobbyShop, my YouTube Channel.

My channel for retro tech fans, to showcase collecting computers to restore.
I hope you enjoy my videos of Retro Computer Tech Fun!

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Apple History and Innovation

John Sculley's Statement about the Apple II Computer in 1985

John Sculley made a statement in 1985, saying, "There are no plans to discontinue the Apple II."

After recently seeing this in a history video, I wondered how soon
after that statement did Apple Computer actually discontinue the Apple II?

About eight years later, Apple in 1993 officially discontinued Apple II Computers.

I also found it facinating that John Sculley was mentioning AI back in the 1980s...

Sculley's Vision and Early AI Statements

At an Open Unix forum, Sculley said, "The power of the computer is not simply with the silicon.
It lies in the ability to weave a new fabric of connections between people and knowledge."

Copilot AI, "His vision aligns with goals of modern day AI systems, which aim to bridge the gap between
information and people, making it easier to find answers, connect ideas, and gain new insights".

Is that not what modern AI systems do today?

Absolutely, you could say modern AI systems aim to bridge the gap between information and people, making it easier to find answers, connect ideas, and gain new insights. A goal to enhance our ability to access and utilize knowledge in a meaningful way, much like Sculley's vision of computers weaving a fabric of connections. It's all about leveraging technology to empower and enrich human experiences.

Apple's Innovation and Evolution

My research revealed a rich history of innovation at Apple Computer with Key Milestones:

• Apple II (1977): One of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputers.
• Macintosh (1984): Introduced the graphical user interface (GUI) and the mouse.
• iPod (2001): Revolutionized the music industry with portable digital music.
• iPhone (2007): Transformed smartphones with touch interface + app ecosystem.
• iPad (2010): Created a new category of devices, bridging smartphones & laptops.
• Apple Watch (2014): Brought smartwatches into the mainstream with health and fitness tracking.

Apple's Strategy Over the Years

Apple's strategy has evolved significantly. Key shifts include:

• Focus on Innovation: Consistent introduction of groundbreaking products.
• Vertical Integration: Seamless user experience for both hardware & software.
• Expansion of Services: Diversified services, Apple Music, Apple TV+ & iCloud.
• Global Market: Expanded into international markets, especially China and India.
• Sustainability Responsibility: Commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Social Responsibility: Commitment to production & sales fair labor practices.
• Customer Experience: Enhance retail stores, online service, & customer support.

Sources: Apple II History   SlashGear   PBS   Macworld

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If you enjoyed this, please consider a donation or subscribe for
future posts, and thank you, it really helps me post more!

A payment will appear on your monthly receipt as "ComputerHobbyShop" It's easy and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Expert Help, Simplified!

 

Richard is a Professional IT Trainer, Tech Author, and Retro Computer Systems Collector.

   This site made by RAM at ComputerPro2000, Copyright 2025, All rights reserved.

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Have you ever used an Apple DVI to ADC Adapter?

The Apple DVI to ADC adapter, first introduced in 2002 and
produced through 2006, allows a DVI-equipped computer to connecting
to an ADC monitor by merging video, USB, and power into a single cable.

The term DVI means "Digital Visual Interface" and is a video
interface for digital video signals from a computer to a monitor.

The term ADC means "Apple Display Connector" and is a proprietary
connector for video, USB, + power in 1 Apple display cable.


Why this adapter matters:

• Was manufactured from 2002 thru 2006, even though ADC was phased out in 2004.
• Allows Legacy Support for connecting ADC-based Cinema Displays to newer Macs.
• ADC Adapters are still in demand for for keeping classic Apple hardware alive.

SOLD Only two units left, very clean, and working when tested. SOLD

Sorry you missed our  eBay listings, where collectors saved and
got great deals from our Guaranteed A+ Certified Source!

Click here to see even more vintage tech on eB ay!

from ComputerHobbyShop

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Save on my Special 22 Inch LCD Monitor Sale

I had 21, 7 sold locally, 3 on eBay

To get one yourself,  click here to hurry to eBay