Quote - The PC that cost me around $2500 a mere 3 years ago is now worth perhaps $300 -- if that much.

Computers (and the software that runs on them) are not items which can retain their initial value.  PC's and software do not improve with age.

about 4 yrs ago i paid 2300 pounds for my toshiba sat 5200-902 i saw it on sale about 6 months ago for around 2000 pounds sterling. the bad thing about is that when the dvd multi drive went kaput i couldn't just put any drive in cos it has a unique shape...i had to spend about 250 pounds to get a replacement. saying that, it's been a great machine for me. not sure what it goes for now

billy