Oh, man. Those "what if" incidents like those Newtons are tough. When I bought my new IIe, the guy selling it was the brother of the owner. They were moving to a different office and were clearing out their storage room. The owner had thrown most of the "crap" out, but then asked his brother (who was unemployed at the time) if he wouldn't mind clearing out the rest for a few bucks, and he could keep any money if he wanted to sell them. So he put the ad up on Craigslist for an "old Apple computer, $100." After talking to him on the phone, found out it was a brand spankin' new Apple IIe platinum.

I asked him if he had any other computers, and he said his brother had already thrown them out a few weeks ago for metal scrap. He said they threw out about 15 old computers. He said if he'd known that people would buy them for $100, he would have held onto them. I then asked him if they were new like the one he just sold me, and he said yes. :O

Those poor Apple IIs. Brand new in their box. All thrown out for metal scrap. That woulda been one of the most epic conquests in history.

I also got the chance to help clear out a city-foreclosed computer repair building. They specialized in Apple II and PETs. I only got to spend about 20 minutes there because I had to get to a meeting. I could have spent HOURS sifting through all the stuff. There was so much in there, it was like a smash and grab. I got a few really cool items, then had to jet. Sigh. Another What If. I can't imagine what else was in there. It was that one day only, then the city was gonna throw everything out.

I still check Craigslist like a hawk.