Apple’s first ever computer was called the Apple I. It was made in 1976, and each one was hand-built by Steve Wozniak. Only 200 were made, and one was recently sold at a Sotheby’s auction.
The Apple I computer raised a massive $374,500 at the auction, and there was also a memo sold at the auction, from when Apple’s co-founder, the late Steve Jobs, worked at Atari, which sold for $27,500.
There are apparently only around 50 of the original Apple I computers still in existence out of the 200 that were made, so you can see why it went for such a high price.
The last Apple I computer was sold at an auction back in 2010. It raised around $213,000 when it was sold back in 2010, so the latest one has sold for $160,000 more than the last one that was sold back in 2010.
The Significance of the Apple I
The Apple I holds a special place in the history of personal computing. It was not just a piece of hardware; it was a symbol of innovation and the beginning of a technological revolution. When Steve Wozniak designed the Apple I, he aimed to create a computer that was more accessible to the average person. Unlike other computers of the time, which were often sold as kits requiring assembly, the Apple I came fully assembled. This made it much easier for people to start using computers, thereby broadening the market.
The Apple I was initially sold for $666.66, a price that Wozniak chose because he liked repeating digits. Despite its high price for the time, the Apple I offered features that were groundbreaking. It included a fully assembled circuit board, which was a rarity. Users only needed to add a case, power supply, keyboard, and display to make it a fully functional computer.
Legacy and Collectibility
The rarity and historical significance of the Apple I make it a highly sought-after collector’s item. The fact that only 200 units were ever produced, and only about 50 are known to still exist, adds to its allure. Collectors and technology enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium for a piece of computing history. The recent auction at Sotheby’s, where an Apple I sold for $374,500, is a testament to its enduring value.
The memo from Steve Jobs’ time at Atari, which sold for $27,500, also highlights the early days of one of the most influential figures in technology. Jobs’ work at Atari was instrumental in shaping his vision for Apple. The memo provides a glimpse into his thought process and work ethic, making it a valuable piece of memorabilia.
The Apple I’s influence extends beyond its hardware. It laid the foundation for Apple’s future innovations, including the Apple II, which was far more successful and helped establish Apple as a major player in the tech industry. The Apple I’s design and user-friendly approach set the stage for the development of personal computers that were accessible to the general public.
Source The BBC
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