Re: Is a used 170 worth it?

I'm not sure it would be.  I think it's only supported to V5R1.  So current
would definitely be out.  The cost of software maintenance as I understand
it depends on when the person you are buying the OS off stopped paying for
it.  It's useful for shops that aren't changing very much on it.  An old
work horse.

-----Original Message-----
From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Pete Helgren
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 8:28 AM
To: Midrange Mailing List
Subject: Is a used 170 worth it?

Sorry for the duplicate post.....I sent the original with the wrong profile and it may be delayed for "administrative approval"....

I have a customer that is willing to give me a used Model 170 (V4R5M0)

that is "surplus" to them for the cost of shipping. Initially I thought, sure! But I began to wonder about the cost and the lifespan of the model. I have been pretty actively moving to RPG IV and using Java and other Open Source technologies on the iSeries. I don't want to invest in something that will quickly dead-end.

Things I was thinking about: What OS version is supported on the 170? What would be the cost to purchase the OS and get it on SW maintenance? It has an integrated PC server. What version of OS is supported in the integrated PC ? (running WinNT right now....)

Anyway, I know it has useful life left (given the number of recent posts about 170's....), but if I want it to be current OS-wise, I just wonder what the cost would be. Entry level i5's are *relatively* cheap and they rock!