One could say it's not the transceiver that is expensive but the old 2500 series that has really become dirt cheap.
Usable spare parts usually reach a price margin that they can't get below. I guess these transceivers could be used for some other devices. While the 2500 routers are truly old and are probably only useful as testing lab equipment for learners. It also depends on their availability in the market. The market could be short in transceivers hence the high price.
Take for example, an old Intel Pentium I PC with 128MB RAM compared to an old mouse and keyboard. It would be good if you could sell the PC box for $10, While the mouse and keyboard can easily sell for the same price!!
Does this make any sense?
