#C= Exiting Bridgeboards?
53 messages in this thread
Today I attempted to order a Commodore '386 bridgeboard from Safe Harbor.
The price was only $200! None were available for shipping, because they
had been snapped up. However I heard rumors through my user group
newsletter that Commodore was getting out of the BB business.
Anyone else heard this? If the pricing and product is for real, now's the
time for very cheap MS-DOS compatability.
With EMC's upgrade for the board to a '486SLC, plus sound, and video
cards, one could do better than a clone and still have an Amiga!
"If you're feeling good,
don't worry, you'll get over it." ***Sensor***
Victor,
I talked to Commodore today and they're DEFINITELY not going out of the
Bridgeboard business. This seems to be some sort of inventory-clearance
special. But the spokesperson assured me that the Bridgeboard is a
strategic product and isn't going away.
Thanks for the real scoop Denny. I knew you'd pull through for us!
Victor,
Are you sure it was a 386 BB for $200? So far the cheapest I've seen
is $389. According to Safe Harbor's ad in latest Amiga World (p.89) it's
listed at $535. Could it be a used unit or a 286? I've seen lots of ads for
286 bridgeboards for around $200.
Steven,
I was very specific with the customer service representative to inquire
about the nature of the board. He stated they were new and the A2386
version. He also confirmed that none were available because they were
bought up so quickly.
If it turns out to be a mis-understanding, then back it goes. I won't do
a '286. Only '386 or above for my computer! :^)
One other dealer and I forget where, had the same deal from Commodore, but
he was selling the boards for $295.
"If you're feeling good,
don't worry, you'll get over it." ***Sensor***
Victor,
Well, if it's true it's a great price considering that nowhere in the
mag ads is anyone advertising that price. Maybe that's why they don't have
any! You COULD buy it for $200, if we had them in stock!!!! When you next call
ask them what the price is for one that's IN STOCK.
I have them instock……but won't dump them for $200
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
What is your price then???
-Jonathan
$300 for the 386sx w/1mb, and the best (only?) tech support around.
Upgrades are $650, $750 for non EMC customers.
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
I saw 250 at the show, but …
There has been a suggested add on board for serial, etc. Do you know what
it is, have it, and what it costs?
Ron
It is our Super Multi I/O board
IDE harddrive controller
2 serial port
1 parallel port
1 game port
UVGA card with 1mb
$200 or $150 with the purchase of a 486 board.
Gee, why not? I'll buy one for $200!! Where's your Japanese
sense? Don't you know that dumping is in the public interest? Can
you truly live with yourself knowing that others are dumping and
you're not? Dumping is good. Dumping is good business. Dumping is
the American way!
Thats why we are getting DUMPED ON! When people buy from me they get
lower upgrade costs and tech support, not just good tech, but some of
the only tech around for the BridgeBoard. Current retail on the 386
is $265
Of course my previous comments were kidding. But, I'm curious
as to why the BB price has fallen. Only a short while ago they were
in the $500 bracket. CBM hasn't announced a new BB. You said the
"retail on the 386 is $265." Is that Your retail, CBM MSRP, or
what? This is quite interesting given that the 386 BB has been
selling well over $400 for quite some time. It's also a puzzle as to
why none of the mailorder houses have advertised this low price. I
was surprised as to how anyone found out about it other than by
accident or word of mouth.
Our retail is $265…I've heard alot of rumors why C= is dumping them, I
think it is a combonation stock reduction/vortex reduction.
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
Well as others have pointed out, the 2386BB is not being discontinued,
just a good warehouse clearance. So if it was suddenly announced, the lead
times in the magazines would keep it from showing up in advertised prices.
The only reason I got in on the deal was that I called Safe Harbor with
the expectation of paying over $400 for a new 2386BB, but instead got a
$200 surprise.
//
\X/ John – K7KB (Flying via AutoPilot)
Victor: Safe Harbor told me today they expect to get some more A2386s in
at that price. They took my order; we'll see.
C= seems to be going after some quick cash. They're unloading A3000s,
A2024 monochrome monitors and A2320 flicker fixers. Just spring cleaning
at the old warehouse, no doubt. But it also could mean that they need the
room for new product! [licking my lips in anticipation….]
I just placed an order for the C= 386 bridgeboard from Safe Harbor. Yup,
it's 200 bucks! Factory fresh! I asked the salesperson what the deal was,
and he said that, apparently, C= has decided that 486 is the way to go
from now on. Me, I don't need it, but even if I ever do, there are ways to
upgrade a 386 bridgeboard to a 486. Last summer I replaced a dead XT
bridgeboard for a working used one, and paid $100. I couldn't resist this
deal, even though I really don't need the faster CPU.
Ron,
Well, it's a good deal. Wish I had heard about it. I probably would
have sprung for another BB at that price. Oh, well.
Commodore's story (at the show), is that they got an unexpectedly
large delivery of Bridgeboards (and maybe other things?), and they
called up their biggest dealers and offered them a great price. At
the show, at least three big mailorder dealers were selling the 386 BB
for $200, and they were running out the door. I know at least half a
dozen people who upgraded on the spot–just people I talked to during
two hours on Saturday. Commodore says they are absolutely NOT going
out of the BB business. Now, is it just coincidence that they
flooded the market with cheap BBs just as Vortex is really getting
the Golden Gate going? Marion CROSSINGS Newsletter for the
Bridgeboard, etc.
Marion,
They just got an unexpectedly large delivery of Bridgeboards out of the blue?
I always thought you had to order things first. 😉
David
Dah….He's got a point dare :>
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
David,
Yep. That's their story…
In all fairness, they may mean they were backordered and they got them all at
once. Maybe.
Marion
CROSSINGS
Newsletter for the Bridgeboard, etc.
Hi Steven
For $200 on Fido Amigasale echo you get 286, 1.2 floppy, controller boards
and one guy throws in a 20mb. I have an offer of $150 for a 286 complete.
But a 386 for $200? I wish.
I just ordered my 386 BB for $200.. From Safe Harbor…. Excellent
deal!
-Jonathan
I like it, thanks for the tip. Why settle for less? Finally a BB that is
less $$ than buying the PC itself. Anyone want to loan me $200?
-Tom Jones
Are the 386 boards for 200.00 better then the CBM ones? DA
Don,
The '386 boards are the offical 25Mz A2386 bridgeboard. Not
reconditioned, but brand spanking new.
"If you're feeling good,
don't worry, you'll get over it." ***Sensor***
I just ordered on too! –> $200 A2386 brand new <– from Safe Harbor. I had to
have the sales person repeat the price because I couldn't belive it. Can't
wait to get it <in a month or so <g> but I've waited this long> for this price
it'll be worth th wait.
— Peter.
Tom,
Yep, that seems about typical. Although the 286 even at $200 isn't a
real catch anymore. Wish I had heard about the deal on the 386. I probably
would have sprung for it.
Is it too late then? I hope not, I want one too.
As of this afternoon it wasn't too late. I called Safe
Harbor and they took my order for one. They said they will be
backordered because of the demand, so you may wait a few weeks for
delivery.
I can get you your board for $265 next week…..if they are back
ordered they may reneg on the price, since this is a one time stock
reduction. I have access to about 350 boards.
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
Dave,
I'll keep that in mind.
Tom,
Apparently, it is not too late since I just ordered one this Monday
evening.
Sincerely,
(Mr.) Gayle Lee Fairless
'Perfessor Fearless' from the Rocket City!
Safe Harbour is offering the 2386 25MH BB for $200.00. I just ordered
one. It's on about a week backorder but my 8088 will suffice till then.
Dick
Yep, I ordered one too but they said 2-3 weeks. 200 smackers.
Goin' AP
…..Mark Sterling
Hey Dick, is this with all manuals, Dos and latest roms too? How about the
floppy drive? I could sell my 286 box and buy this for equal money.
Dick:
Called Safe Harbor and confirmed the $200.00 yesterday and couldn't
bring myself not to get on the list for one. I can sell my 286 box for
more than that to the local Klone weenies. I confess I know little about
the board, but they told me it can use 880K Amiga floppys to read 720K PC
and includes 1mb memory and Dos 5.0, but no 5 1/4 inch drive like the 8088
did. Do you know if it can access an Amiga harddisk partitions?
You know it is true that this is dumping, the same as we have lambasted
Japan for doing. I feel bad for the competitors but my budget is tight.
Tom
Tom,
I can't answer your questions today, only being aquainted with the 8088
Bridgeboard. But in a week or two !!!!! Oh Boy.
Dick
It works with a pseudo hard disk file the same way other Bridgeboards do. No
partitions, though.
Marion
CROSSINGS
Newsletter for the Bridgeboard, etc.
No IDE controller on board then? Too bad I have a 20mb.
How does one get this Crossing newsletter? Think I may want it soon.
Thanks Tom
To get a sample copy of CROSSINGS and subscription info, etc., just leave me
your postal address by e-mail, and I'll get it right out to you. Thanks for
your interest.
Marion
CROSSINGS
Newsletter for the Bridgeboard, etc.
Thats good to hear……:>
Not to get anyone excited……..but EMC **MIGHT** start selling a 50MHz
BB based on the new IBM 486SLC2.
We are working on a proto type and will have it ready for the NYC World of
Commodore show….so make sure to come and see it!!
Retail will be about +$225 the retail price of the current 486 SLC 33MHz
BB, which, by the way, will be droppping.
This chips Max is ** 20+ ** MIPS
So start praying that we can get it going!!
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
Dave,
can you please tell me the types of bridgeboards you/your company
sell/sells and the current prices.
What will it cost to send a board to an A.P.O. in Germany via airmail?
By the way, what is the difference between a 486SX and 486SLC CPU?
Regards,
Juergen Braun (Germany, … via AutoPilot)
We make the 486slc BB…a stock board comes with 3mb and retails for
$1100.
You should be able to get one from your dealer in the US for < $950
The different between the SX and SLC is the cache and the data path
SX = 32bit data path 8k cache
SLC = 16bit data path 1k cache
Performance difference…almost none
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
Dave,
could you give me some more information about your BB. Here in Germany we
only know the Commo A2386SX with 20MHz (about 480 $) and Vortex Golden
Gate 386 with 25 MHz (about 900 $).
Juergen (… via AutoPilot)
PS. Happy Easter!
We make the 486 Bridge Board. It runs a 486 SLC at 33MHz.
We take the C= 386 board and rework it….so all other specs are the
same.
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot
Yep, I was able to get in on the deal before they were snapped up. $200 is
a great price for a 386BB so I couldn't resist. So either CBM is getting
out of the BridgeBoard business, or they are coming out with a new
version.
//
\X/ John – K7KB (Flying via AutoPilot)
John,
I don't think either is the case–this seems to simply be one of those "clear
out some overstock" specials.
C=, will never acknowledge having competion, but the sure know how to get
rid of it (Vortex)
Dave
Elite MicroComputers – Flying high on AutoPilot