John Navas <spamfilter1@navasgroup.com> hath wroth:

>On Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:31:16 +0000, Mark McIntyre
><markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote in
><fPLrj.5617$ea6.792@en-nntp-01.dc1.easynews.com>:
>
>>Jeff Liebermann wrote:
>
>>> It's also not
>>> double as DSL modems are available on eBay for literally the cost of
>>> shipping.
>>
>>I make a point of never buying stuff from ebay that I actually need to
>>rely on to function.... :-)

>Your choice, but a shame in my experience -- I've gotten lots of great
>deals on eBay.

Sometimes I win. Sometimes I lose. For my latest fiasco, see:
<http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/home/slides/BL-shop5.html>
On the left is a pile of HP 8620a/c sweep generators. On the right
are two Wavetek 3000a service monitors plus one on the shelf. Only
the one on the shelf works.

All 6 boxes were purchased as sorta working (varies by the creative
descriptions) for much less than what a working and properly tested
unit would have cost. When I get two of these working, I'll have the
3rd unit for spare parts.

My never humble advice on buying DSL modems, routers, and wireless
devices on eBay is to buy two. The prices are much less than retail
and if you really want at least one to work, you'll need to buy a
spare. Be prepared to do a firmware update on arrival.

I hate to admit how much hardware I've bought on eBay. Most of the
hardware shown on my current workbench are eBay purchases. In most
cases, I get better service, better quality, and better prices on eBay
than retail or mail order. I have yet to be cheated, have filed no
grievances with eBay, and have had only one major misunderstanding
(which was eventually solved to everyone's satisfaction). If I have
anything to complain about eBay, it's that many vendors offer very
vague and terse descriptions, miserable photos, and bizarre terms.
Caveat Emptor.
--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558