Apple Macintosh SE/30 + BlueSCSI bundle: The Best Mac of All Time! - Macintosh - With replacement box

[ this vintage Mac is NOT often sold – especially NOT in this exceptional condition ]

>> Looking for something truly special under the Christmas tree?
This rare Macintosh SE/30 is a highly sought-after gem for every Apple collector.
Best of all: it has been recapped, is working perfectly, and even the floppy drive runs smoothly!

This festive collector’s favourite appears in my auctions only ONCE a year — seize the moment and let nostalgia decorate your home.

+ + Forword + +
Please don't make any assumptions, but READ the accompanying text. Please examine all photos carefully — they are an essential part of the description and show the exact condition of the item.

… off we goooooo!

The SE/30 is the fastest and most expandable monochrome compact Mac and is considered by many fans of Apple hardware to be the best Mac of all time.
– quote by EveryMac

Being an Apple enthusiast, I have collected RARE and VALUABLE hardware and software for my co-sentimental Apple companions. The lucky Macintosh Apple enthusiast can supplement his/her collection with this legendary collector's item: the FASTEST original Macintosh; namely the “Macintosh SE/30” packed with "tons of pre-installed software and games of yesteryear", ready to use – and to give you a glimp of Apple's history.

Furthermore. As a free gift you get the RARE (and hard-to-find) "world-famous" pixel-art picture of "Steve Jobs" (it's waiting for you on the hard disk).

This "all-in-one computer" SE/30 sold by Apple between 1989 and 1991 would still have cost a fortune today: US $4,369 (equivalent to $9,120 in 2021).

// SOME HISTORY
When you picture the ideal 1980s Macintosh, the Macintosh SE/30 is likely the machine that comes to mind. And for good reason! It is arguably the GREATEST of the classic black-and-white compact Macs.

Even the hard-core Mac fan would admit that the computer’s earliest incarnations (128k, Plus, SE) were exciting, largely because of what it had the potential to deliver. The first users fell in love with a "romantic idea" of the machine. However, it wasn’t until the SE/30 that the Mac hit its stride.

In everything from the elegance of its OS to its sheer hardware horsepower, this computer faced few rivals. The SE/30 boasted a 16-MHz 68030 processor, sufficient RAM and a 1.4MB SuperDrive, too. Furthermore, the SE/30 truly showed its strength when "System 7" arrived in 1991.

This workhorse of a computer was to be found in offices, research labs and homes throughout the first half of the 1990s. The Mac SE/30 also made its TV-appearance in the early seasons of Seinfeld.

// IMPORTANT – WHY BUY FROM ME?
(instead of other sellers)

I am a Mac user from way back in the Legacy Era. I offer Vintage Apple computers as I would buy them myself. My admiration for Steve Jobs' legacy is so great that I want the Macs I sell, to stand "the test of time". Furthermore I only sell items I have "passion" for.

Hardware-wise, all my sold computers are completely disassembled, cleaned – and, if necessary, repaired – in order to extend their lifespan. In fact, the Motherboard and Logicboard of this specific Macintosh Computer are RECAPPED. So you can enjoy this machine for the next decades to come.

// ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST, BATTERY ACID & RECAPPING

– DUST: the inside of a 30-year-old computer looks the same as "the collection-container of a vacuum cleaner" (read: a dust bunny). And as you know "dust" can ruin your electronics;

– LEAKS: 30-year-old batteries will someday leak, causing irreversible damage to the computer. The old battery is removed and replaced by a brand-new battery;

– RECAPPING: all necessary electrolytic capacitors are replaced!
In general, the weak point of a "SE/30" (after 30 years) is that the sound no longer works.
The sounds of this specific "SE/30" still works as the result of the recapping;

– REFURBISHED: the floppy drive is refurbished. This includes "floppy drive lubrication". Therefore the "internal floppy drive" works like a charm (formatting, reading and writing disks and of-course ejecting*). Usually the "EJECT* mechanism" fails. So the famous paperclip method is NOT needed for this Mac!

– BLUE SCSI SD HARD DISK: to ensure long-term reliability, the original failing hard disk has been replaced with a modern BlueSCSI internal drive. A special 3D-printed SD extension makes it possible to swap SD cards directly from the rear, allowing you to easily use different OS setups without opening the case. The SD card solution is also more energy-efficient, faster, and offers more storage capacity (2GB) than the original HDD (40 Mb) — while keeping the true vintage Apple experience intact. System 7 is installed (be aware that the Operating System (System 7) and all applications and games are "English").

FYI: To make room for this upgrade, the original hard drive metal casing has been removed and is therefore not included.

Long-Story Short. Computers from other vendors may look the same on the outside. I can guarantee you that the inside is very different! So if you want to enjoy your investment for as long as possible, choosing "wisely" is advisable.

// GERM-FREE QWERTY "APPLE KEYBOARD" & "APPLE MOUSE"
The Macintosh comes with the accompanying square Apple Keyboard (M0118), QWERTY and ergonomic rounded Apple II mouse [M2706]. Those objects alone are already worth a fortune on auction websites. The keyboard (and mouse) are completely disassembled and cleaned professionally (see pictures). In my opinion it is my responsibility (as a seller) to provide a Germ-Free keyboard (a 2018 study found that 96% of the keyboards were contaminated with bacteria). So, I think we can agree that nobody wants a nasty, infected keyboard.

FYI:
Some pictures show the wrong keyboard and mouse (I was cleaning the write ones during photographing).

// SOFTWARE & GAMING PACK – Pre-loaded with Vintage software
The following RARE software (and games) are installed on the hard disk (English versions):

A clean install of SYSTEM PRO 7 (after a hard disk check-up), including the installation of:

// APPLICATIONS
– Adobe Photoshop 1 (the first version! = rare);
– Adobe Illustrator 1.1 (the first version! = rare);
– Aldus Pagemaker U.S. version 2.0a = rare;
– MacWrite 2;
– MacDraw;
– MacPaint 2;
– Microsoft Works (Word, Database, Spreadsheet, Communications);
– Microsoft Excel;
– Hypercard;
– TeachText,
– Calculator +;
– etc

// GAMES
– Stratego
– Mac Pong II
– Tetris
– Macman 2.0 (= Pac-man)
– Klondike 5.1 (= Card Game Solitaire)
– Star Wars (shooting game)
– Blackjack 4.0
– Brickles 2.0
– Hangman
– Yahtzee
– Mystery Box
– Lago

>> Disclaimer:
The computer only includes software & games that is classified as "abandonware" (= from the Public Domain, distributed over the internet and available freely, easily and readily). The software is supplied "free of charge" as a free service (for the retro-computing fan).

To make the experience even more enjoyable right out of the box, I’ve copied my full collection of classic System 7 applications & games onto the internal BlueSCSI drive. Please note: this Macintosh currently has 4 MB of RAM installed. Some applications and games may require more memory in order to run. If desired, additional RAM can still be found through specialized vintage hardware shops.

// MORE INFORMATION
This bundle includes:

– the Macintosh SE/30 [ with working BLUESCSI hard drive ];
– Apple Keyboard;
– Apple Mouse II (one Button Vintage squared ADB);
– Vintage Power cable (European);
– Lots of rare RETRO software & games installed on de hard disk;
– The "world-famous" pixel-art picture of "Stef Jobs".

The Macintosh SE/30 has the following built-in ports:
– 2x ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) port;
– DB-19 floppy drive port
– DB-25 SCSI port
– serial modem port;
– serial printer port
– sound output.

The SE/30 marks a crucial phase in Apple's computer line. And that makes this Apple Computer extremely RARE and EXCEPTIONAL … and therefore a good investment. In addition, the SE/30s that are typically sold have several cracks. This specimen has no single crack in the plastic.

– Model Number: M5119 (assembled in Ireland);
serial number: CK0300Q5KH1;
– Total Memory: 4 MB;
– System Software Z1-7.1 (English version);

/// VINTAGE COMPUTER EXPECTATIONS

First-of-all. Please have realistic expectations when buying a vintage (retro) computer.



As these are "vintage items", they are being sold as. Normal signs of use and wear. But as an experienced connoisseur I can guarantee that these items are in VERY GOOD condition (always keeping in mind their age). The numerous images are part of the meticulous description. Thus: judge yourself!



PS/ some tiny scratches (and other ware-out) are difficult to capture on picture (but they are there … thus: again please have realistic expectations!).

Furthermore. Be aware. All mechanical parts (including fan, floppy disk, etc) make more noice than you are use to, compared with modern equipment. But this is “normal” behavior. Obviously this is a 30 year old machine. The speed is therefore corresponding.


– In addition, the SE/30s that are typically sold have several cracks.
This specimen has no single crack in the plastic.
That's unique!

// CONDITION NOTES (Please Read Carefully)
This is a vintage computer, so signs of age and use are present.

– The internal metal chassis shows a rust spot (not visible externally).
– The image on the CRT display is slightly off-center — the analog board can no longer be adjusted to improve this. It never bothered me personally, but I want to mention it for full transparency.

– Expect small marks, scratches, and cosmetic wear consistent with a Macintosh of this age.

– Under the SE/30 logo there are discoloration marks where four square stickers once were (visible in detailed photo). Matching pristine SE/30 case also available this week. If the winning bidder of this unit also wins my separate SE/30 case (pristine condition) listing, I am happy to swap the case "free of charge" before shipping.


// IMPORTANT – A NOTE ON YELLOWED PLASTICS!

Some words on the yellowing.

 Old computer cases are made of ABS plastics which contain at that time "BROMINE". The element bromine reacts over the time of years with UV light and causes (not-even) "yellowing"*.

Take into account the fact that the plastic case shows "some stains" en "cosmetical imperfections" that are unfortunately difficult to capture. But they are there!


Please, if you find the aforementioned "stains" and "imperfections" a problem, it is recommended that you do NOT bid on this item. Again … the yellowed plastic* is not easy to capture on camera.

FYI/
Experienced collectors love the "aging-bromine-yellowing". You can compare it with "patina" on vintage furnitures. For connoisseurs it transforms the-surface-of-a-piece from the ordinary to the exceptional – and it tells a story … and brings on the appeal of objects that show their age openly. But again … it is important to know that this specific Mac has PATINA.

// PACKAGING & SHIPPING
The SE/30 bundle is packaged securely and carefully for safe shipment. Moreover, this bundle is shipped INSURED because of its precious value. Because of the precious content extra attention is paid to the CUSTOM packaging. This extra cost is included in the shipping price.

"One More Thing"
– Steve Jobs quote

Don't miss this unique opportunity.
Great opportunities don't come everyday!

Let the bidding begin … for the Best-Mac-of-all-Time: the SE/30!
My all-time favourite Macintosh.

"One More Thing"
When in doubt, check my positive customer reviews ;) (… because there are some "copycats" out there who copy my style/text and pretend to be me). There is only one "VISENTO"! That's me ;)

Happy bidding — and happy holidays!