[rescue] 1st SGI purchase

[rescue at sunhelp.org]

> > > 2) play with 3D stuff/animation/artsy stuff.
> > 
> > You probably want an Octane for that.  They're also insanely cheap.
> 
>   An I^2 Impact system will do great for this stuff too, for all but
> the most demanding [read: "Joshua Boyd" ;)] 3D applications.

And for an order-of-magnitude cost, here's what the
I^2 that I'm putting together from eBay is running me:

  Purple Indigo2, R4400/200/2MB cache (High Impact
	graphics and 64MB memory included, seller only
	claimed Solid Impact and 0MB)  ==> $77 shipped
  Additional 128MB (4x32) SGI-spec parity memory
	==> $40 shipped
  I2 drive sled ==> $20 shipped
  17" SGI monitor ==> $30 picked up from Big Mike (plus
	a 20" monitor I get to try and find cables for.)

I add a 4GB disk and the external audio-over-SCSI-capable DAT
I already have, plus random PS2 mouse/keyboard, and end up
with a good system for ~$150.  Comparable Octane would (from
what I've seen) be much more for a complete system.

I think I got lucky on this particular I2, but it does imply
that deals are out there.  It looks as though the Indigo 2s
are a sweet spot right now with several Impact-ready or
Impact-equipped ones showing up in the last month on ePay.

  --Rip