Some of our readers will remember the Apple I computer that was sold at auction at the end of this year for over $200,000. It was purchased by a wealthy collector, and many people, myself included, thought this was the last we would hear about it.
Professors at a university in Turin have brought this rare Apple I computer back to life, using an oscilloscope, an NTSC monitor, and a MacBook Pro, which was used to send a program to the Apple I BASIC interpreter.
The demonstration of the Apple I computer included a basic program, which displayed the words ‘Hello Polito’, hello Politecnico di Torino. You can find out more details about this Apple I computer over at Macitynet.
The Revival Process
Reviving the Apple I computer was no small feat. The professors had to meticulously check each component of the 35-year-old machine. The oscilloscope was crucial in diagnosing the health of the circuits, while the NTSC monitor was used to display the output. The MacBook Pro played a vital role in sending a program to the Apple I’s BASIC interpreter, essentially acting as a bridge between modern technology and this vintage piece of computing history.
The Apple I, originally designed by Steve Wozniak and sold by Steve Jobs in 1976, was one of the first personal computers that came as a fully assembled circuit board. However, users still had to add their own keyboard, monitor, and case. This particular unit’s revival is a testament to the durability and forward-thinking design of the original Apple engineers.
Historical Significance
The Apple I holds a special place in the history of computing. It was the first product sold by Apple Inc., marking the beginning of what would become one of the most influential technology companies in the world. Only about 200 units were ever produced, and even fewer have survived to this day. This makes the revival of any Apple I computer a significant event for historians and technology enthusiasts alike.
The Apple I was initially sold for $666.66, a price that Wozniak chose because he liked repeating digits. Adjusted for inflation, that would be equivalent to about $3,000 today. Despite its high price, the Apple I offered features that were groundbreaking at the time, such as a fully assembled motherboard and the ability to connect to a keyboard and monitor.
The revival of this particular Apple I not only showcases the ingenuity of the professors at Politecnico di Torino but also serves as a reminder of how far technology has come. From the rudimentary BASIC programs of the Apple I to the advanced capabilities of today’s MacBook Pro, the evolution of computing technology is nothing short of extraordinary.
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