Re: eBay auction

[Charlie Springer <RAM@regnirps.com>]

On Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:15:36 -0800, Michael J. Mahon wrote
(in article <HcadnXmiZNf_hxbanZ2dnUVZ_tqtnZ2d@comcast.com>):

> Electromigration is hardly an issue for 1980's ICs.  I would expect
> passivation failure to be a more likely issue.  As for the boards
> themselves, exposure to humidity and corrosive atmospheres integrated
> over their life would be the biggest ageing factor.
> 
> I suppose hairline solder cracks could be an issue, which would be
> dependent on the number and extent of temperature cycles, but Apple
> boards don't heat much, and a board in a box experiences temperature
> cycles, too.  ;-)

I think that is the main advantage of the NIB boards. They are hermeticaly 
sealed (or close enough) and protected from ozone, carbonic acid, and all the 
other corrosive agents. Not to mention dust and crud ad heat cycles.

>> I watched the last minute of the auction and someone had a very high max 
>> bid 
>> that blocked the snipers who didn't have time to rebid. This is the main 
>> flaw 
>> (for sellers) with eBay. No automatic time extension after each bid.
> 
> While I agree that "typical" bidders might be tempted to bid more if
> they found that their bid or snipe did not win, this is not the case
> for a rational bidder, who bids the highest amount that would leave
> him a happy winner and a satisfied loser.

I would guess that if this were reliable, there would be no need for open 
auctions at car shows and such where the Mustangs can hit $500,000. Other 
auction sites, particularly those with collectibles like fine firearms, have 
a 10 minute rule due to demand by bidders. In a live auction the auctioneer 
doesn't end the biding because a bell goes off.

-- Charlie Springer