Call Manager purchase from e-bay

Hello all,
Has anyone here ever purchased a CUCM, Call Manager? from e-bay as a learning/testing tool? I am very interested in learning all I can about Cisco Call Manager. I have several books on the subject but now need some hardware for practice and testing and to prepare for the CCNV TEST, including finding work. I already have a CCNA.

I have seen some CM on sale at e-bay, some used and refurnished, as much as $520.00, but I would like to know the opinion of those here who may have purchased similar hardware. It would certainly help me and many others here who may have similar interests.

As always, the responses we get at this site are very much appreciated. Take care.

 

[azaghul33]

Yeah, I've done that. But did it way to early in my Cisco training.

I bought a set of install CD's for CallManager v4.2 (from the US) and an IBM x306 server (locally, Australia). Still working my way through the voice track, but this gear was never used, so $600 that could have been better spent.

Best bet these days is to get the CUCM v8.x DVD/ISO and install it into either VMware workstation (on a laptop/desktop) or dedicated ESXi server, depending on your budget and direction. I have a Dell 830 dual core w/4GB laptop for when I'm on the road, and a home grown i7 w/16GB ESXi server for the lab at home.