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[Eagle of Fire]

I'd never consider purchasing anything below a P3. Really no point in doing so with DOSBox and everything...

And yes, I started using PC with a 286 and onward...

Yeah, but I dread to go back to a wheel mouse!

Actually, I prefered those wheel mouses over laser mouses. I never had a problem for precision. Only the maintenance part was a problem.

[The Fifth Horseman]

By 'reconditioned', I mean that they will be put into as close to as-new condition as possible, with any worn or defective components replaced. There'll probably be a few 'new' machines assembled from several non-functional ones, as well.

Assuming the machines will be fully functional (I presume you're going to test the components thoroughly?), I'd say about $20-$25 a piece is perfectly reasonable.

I may suppose you know that most modern keyboards/mouses/.... won't work directly with those ol'PCs-(DIN plugs!)

You might want to know that the PS/2 keyboard connectors are electronically identical with DIN ones. Have a look:
http://pinouts.ru/Inputs/KeyboardPC5_pinout.shtml
http://pinouts.ru/Inputs/KeyboardPC6_pinout.shtml
It's easy to either replace the cable with one that has a 5-pin DIN connector (as long as the keyboard's PCB labels the connections properly) or solder together a simple adapter. 101/102 key PS/2 keyboards are much easier to find (and in much better shape, usually).

COM mice are a tougher thing, since the PS/2 ones are not normally backwards-compatibile (unless they're so called "combo" mice capable of operating with both PS/2 and COM signaling).

Actually, I prefered those wheel mouses over laser mouses. I never had a problem for precision. Only the maintenance part was a problem.

Same here, though the maintenance is not much of a problem when you have a sewing needle (or something similar) around.

[Sebatianos]

Originally Posted by Eagle of Fire

Actually, I prefered those wheel mouses over laser mouses. I never had a problem for precision. Only the maintenance part was a problem.

Lucky you, I had to clean the mouse every second week no matter what mouse-pad I was using. True, I never bought a heavy-duty mouse, usually just the cheapest article there was, but still... The laser mice don't give me any problems whatsoever, so I realy prefer them.

Oh and about prices... OK, it's not a PC, it's C64, but I just payed 60€ for a Commodore 64, 1541 floppy drive and an original C64 printer (all in a perfect working condition). I could have probably gotten it cheaper, but I don't think 60€ is too much for it - and it's purely out of sentimental reasons - because I really can't think of any reason why I'd need (a third fully working) a C64 or it's printer.

[Blood-Pigggy]

Also laser mouses have a tendency to freak out and start spinning the cursor in random directions. Especially while gaming, I don't know why they do it, but they've done it on every PC I've ever had a laser mouse for.

[Tulac]

That never happened to me. I remember that I used to change my wheel mouses at least every 6 months or so, while the optical ones last for at least 2 years.

[The Fifth Horseman]

I've got a wheel mouse that lasted for five years of intense use (not sure about the exact year I've got it, so it might actually be more than five years old) and doesn't show the slightest sign of giving up yet.

[Blood-Pigggy]

Originally Posted by Tulac

That never happened to me. I remember that I used to change my wheel mouses at least every 6 months or so, while the optical ones last for at least 2 years.

That's because you live in Yurop and thinks don't break like they should over there.

[gregor]

Originally Posted by Blood-Pigggy

Also laser mouses have a tendency to freak out and start spinning the cursor in random directions. Especially while gaming, I don't know why they do it, but they've done it on every PC I've ever had a laser mouse for.

happened to me too. then i changed a mousepad. Now it works fine.

Btw i am using this kind of cheap pad: http://www.mimovrste.com/artikel/114...isko-enobarvna

description says it's particulary good for mouse with no wheels. and it really is.