The other week we told you that one of the original Apple 1 computers was going up for auction at Christie’s in London. This was one of the original Apple computers that was meticulously built by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and shipped directly from Steve Jobs’s garage. The Apple 1 computer holds a special place in the history of personal computing, representing the humble beginnings of what would become one of the most influential technology companies in the world.
The Apple 1 computer sold at the auction for an impressive £150,000, which is about $213,600. This is quite a bit more than the original purchase price of $666.66, a number that has become iconic in the annals of tech history. The significant increase in value highlights the enduring legacy and collectible status of this pioneering piece of technology.
The Origins of the Apple 1
Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak only made 200 of these Apple 1 computers, and there are reported to be between 30 to 50 of them around today. The Apple 1 was initially sold as a bare circuit board, which required users to add their own case, power supply, keyboard, and display. This do-it-yourself approach was typical of early personal computers and attracted hobbyists and engineers who were excited about the potential of computing.
The Apple 1 was revolutionary for its time, featuring a fully assembled motherboard, which was a significant departure from the kit-based computers that were common in the mid-1970s. This innovation made it more accessible to a broader audience, setting the stage for the personal computing revolution that would follow.
The Auction and Its Significance
The auction at Christie’s in London drew significant attention from collectors and technology enthusiasts alike. The final sale price of £150,000 underscores the historical importance and rarity of the Apple 1. Given that only a small fraction of the original 200 units are believed to still exist, the high auction price is not surprising. These computers are not just pieces of hardware; they are artifacts of a pivotal moment in technology history.
The Apple 1’s value is also enhanced by its association with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, two of the most iconic figures in the tech industry. Their story of innovation, entrepreneurship, and vision continues to inspire new generations of tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. The Apple 1 is a tangible reminder of their early efforts and the beginnings of Apple Inc., a company that would go on to revolutionize multiple industries.
In addition to its historical significance, the Apple 1 is a testament to the rapid pace of technological advancement. Comparing the Apple 1 to modern computers highlights just how far technology has come in a few decades. The Apple 1 had a 1 MHz processor and 4 KB of memory, specifications that are dwarfed by even the most basic modern devices. Yet, it was groundbreaking at the time and laid the foundation for the development of more advanced personal computers.
The sale of the Apple 1 at such a high price also reflects the growing interest in vintage technology and the broader trend of collecting historical tech artifacts. As technology continues to evolve, early devices like the Apple 1 become more valuable, both monetarily and as educational tools that provide insight into the origins of modern computing.
via Cult of Mac
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