We all know Steve Jobs as the head of Apple during its most important time. However, Jobs also spent some time at Atari before his Apple days. A handwritten memo he made and sent to another Atari worker is set to hit the Sotheby’s auction block.
Steve Jobs’ Early Career at Atari
Jobs wrote the memo in 1974 when he was just 19 years old. In the memo, he described some changes that Atari could make to their game, World Cup Soccer, to add more functionality. This memo is expected to fetch anywhere between $10,000-$15,000 at auction. This period in Jobs’ life is particularly interesting because it showcases his early talent and innovative thinking, even before he co-founded Apple.
During his time at Atari, Jobs was known for his unconventional work habits and intense focus. He often worked night shifts to avoid interacting with colleagues, as he preferred solitude while working. Despite his young age, Jobs demonstrated a keen understanding of technology and game design, which would later become evident in his work at Apple.
The Birth of Breakout
One of the most fascinating aspects of Jobs’ tenure at Atari is his collaboration with Steve Wozniak, who would later become the co-founder of Apple. Jobs hired Wozniak to help reduce the hardware requirements for a single-player version of Pong. This project eventually led to the creation of the Atari classic, Breakout.
Breakout was a significant milestone in the gaming industry. It was a game where players used a paddle to bounce a ball and break bricks, a concept that was both simple and addictive. The game became immensely popular and is considered one of the foundational titles in the arcade gaming era. Jobs and Wozniak’s work on Breakout demonstrated their ability to innovate and push the boundaries of existing technology, a trait that would define their future endeavors at Apple.
The Value of Historical Artifacts
It’s hard to believe that a memo written by Steve Jobs, having nothing to do with Apple, could be valued at $10,000-$15,000. However, this valuation underscores the historical significance of Jobs’ early work and its impact on the tech industry. Collectors and enthusiasts are often willing to pay a premium for artifacts that offer a glimpse into the formative years of influential figures like Jobs.
The memo is more than just a piece of paper; it represents a moment in time when Jobs was beginning to shape his vision and hone his skills. It serves as a testament to his early contributions to the tech world and his relentless pursuit of innovation. For collectors, owning such an artifact is akin to possessing a piece of history, a tangible connection to the origins of one of the most iconic figures in technology.
In conclusion, Steve Jobs’ handwritten memo from his time at Atari is a fascinating artifact that highlights his early career and innovative spirit. The memo’s expected auction price reflects its historical value and the enduring legacy of Jobs’ contributions to the tech industry. As we look back on Jobs’ journey from Atari to Apple, it’s clear that his vision and creativity were evident from the very beginning.
via CNET
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