If you fancy owning a little bit of Apple history in the form of one of the very first Apple 1 computer systems, you will be pleased to learn that one of the rare Apple 1 computer systems is now available at auction by Christie’s auction house with a starting price of $300,000.
The rare Apple 1 computer system, of which only 200 or so systems were ever created, has been kept in a cardboard box at the owner’s house, Ted Perry, a retired school psychologist. It’s believed that only 30 to 50 Apple 1 computer systems are still in existence, and the auction is expected to raise more than $500,000.
The Historical Significance of the Apple 1
The Apple 1 computer system auction will run from today during the 24th until July 9th, 2013. Another Apple 1 computer was sold last month for a record $671,400 by a German auction house, breaking a previous record of $640,000 set in November. These high auction prices reflect the historical significance and rarity of the Apple 1, which was the first product ever created by Apple Inc. Designed by Steve Wozniak and marketed by Steve Jobs, the Apple 1 was a pioneering piece of technology that laid the foundation for the personal computing revolution.
Ted Perry, now 70, acquired his Apple 1 computer back in either 1979 or 1980, as a secondhand item he saw advertised and traded for some of his other computer equipment, paying nothing for the Apple 1 computer. This anecdote highlights how the value of technology can dramatically change over time, transforming from a simple trade item to a highly sought-after collector’s piece.
Why Collectors Value the Apple 1
Collectors and technology enthusiasts value the Apple 1 not just for its rarity but also for its place in the history of computing. The Apple 1 was sold as a fully assembled circuit board, which was a significant innovation at the time. Prior to this, most computers were sold as kits that required assembly by the user. The Apple 1’s design made it more accessible to a broader audience, setting the stage for the user-friendly personal computers that would follow.
Moreover, the Apple 1 represents the humble beginnings of what would become one of the most influential technology companies in the world. Owning an Apple 1 is akin to owning a piece of the origin story of modern computing. It’s a tangible connection to the early days of Silicon Valley and the entrepreneurial spirit that drove its growth.
The auction of Ted Perry’s Apple 1 is not just a sale; it’s a celebration of technological innovation and a reminder of how far we’ve come. From a computer that was once traded for other equipment to a collector’s item worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, the Apple 1’s journey is a testament to the rapid evolution of technology.
Source: Engadget : TUAW : AP : Image credit: Christie’s
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