Myself and potential developer partner have often kicked around the idea of
having our
own HP3000.  In fact we have turned down a chance from a site that upgraded from
a series 42 to an 948.  We didn't think we could swing the computer room
environment.

But what has always stumped us is what exactly is the cost of ownership of a
used HP3000.

If we took delivery of one, what is the support cost?  Do you need to pay a
liscense fee to
hp for the software, or could you run without support and just stay on the
verion of MPE
that the box had when you got it.   Or is a used computer likely to come with a
clean
disk without any system, until you purchase something from HP?
And  which boxes are able to run without a special computer room and special
wiring?

This may sound strange but after 18 years of contracting on the HP3000, I know
none
of these hardware questions.  I just program on whatever box the client has,
never
had to be involved in the support costs or hardware costs.


Paul D. Christensen          - contract address  [log in to unmask]
PC Enterprises                 - [log in to unmask]
Osakis  MN   (www.lakeosakismn.com)