The best solution would be for the next speaker to collect the machines after an earlier group meeting, but if this is not possible then I'd be happy to deliver them (let's say Norfolk) at a convenient time to the home of speaker. I could also store a few machines in between whiles if this was necessary.
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I think you've put your finger on the important thing which is having someone who's able to store the stuff and co-ordinate its use. This could turn out to be a bit time consuming for you, is that going to cause you any problems in the longer term?
I had in mind to offer to do this for the Norwich area. I think others should cover areas centred on their meeting place. Probably not a good idea to transport computers very long distances - old machines will probably fall apart if subjected to huge mileage in my car. So perhaps each area could have a small 'stock' of machines for local use. Also there's a limit as to how many can be got in one car for any trip, so this limits the number of machines. Smaller computers would help. I can store quite a few in the dry in my loft (which has easy access and is boarded) without to much strain.
As to the time involved, I would estimate that a special trip might be needed once or twice a month at most, and also in taking kit to meetings. Sometimes these could be combined with work journeys.
Just a thought, how would having this kit in you home (I'm presuming that that's where you'd be keeping it meantime's) affect your household insurance cover?
I'm assuming that if a machine is donated to ALUG for group use then essentially it has no value, either because it is not required by the owner / business any longer, or it's been replaced. I don't think anyone would want ALUG to start buying computers.
Last time I enquired about computer values I was told by quite a number of people that it is generally considered that this gear devalues by a third annually. While not mathematically accurate anything over five years old has very little value and can be considered valueless.
From: Colin Hards 12 July 2003 00:59
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personal property they are less likely to be watched carefully. I thought applying a coat of bright paint to the case - or maybe painting ALUG in huge letters on them might do the trick to lessen their theft appeal.
I like this idea, I wonder how difficult it would be to create some stencils so we could spray a nice big Tux on them as well! :o) Any graphics guru's out there who'd like to help out?
Regards,
Keith ____________ Those who know don't talk. Those who talk don't know. Lao-tzu
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Colin Hards -
Keith Watson