Some of our readers might remember the very rare Apple 1 computer that was going up for auction in the Christie’s Online Auction House last month.
The Christie’s online auction has now finished and the Apple 1 computer finally went for a bargain price of $387,750. I say bargain price as other Apple 1 computers have raised over $670,000 in previous auctions.
The Apple 1 computer included its original manual, schematics, and a photo of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The Apple 1 computer was part of a bigger auction lot that consisted of a total of ten iconic lots from Apple’s past and included an Apple Lisa, a prototype Apple IIGS, and a Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh limited to 12,000 units.
The Significance of the Apple 1 Computer
The original Apple Computer, also known retroactively as the Apple I, or Apple-1, is a personal computer released by the Apple Computer Company (now Apple Inc.) in 1976 for the sum of $666.66. They were designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak. The Apple 1 holds a special place in the history of computing as it was one of the first personal computers that came as a fully assembled circuit board, allowing users to avoid the complex and time-consuming process of building a computer from scratch.
The Apple 1 was initially sold as a kit and required users to provide their own case, power supply, keyboard, and display. Despite these limitations, it was revolutionary for its time, offering a more accessible entry point into the world of computing for hobbyists and enthusiasts. The Apple 1’s success laid the groundwork for the development of the Apple II, which would go on to become one of the most successful and influential personal computers of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Other Notable Items in the Auction
In addition to the Apple 1, the auction featured several other significant pieces of Apple’s history. The Apple Lisa, for example, was one of the first personal computers to offer a graphical user interface (GUI), which would later become a standard feature in personal computing. Although the Lisa was not a commercial success, it was a critical step in the evolution of user-friendly computer interfaces.
The prototype Apple IIGS included in the auction represents another important chapter in Apple’s history. The Apple IIGS was part of the Apple II series but featured advanced graphics and sound capabilities, making it a favorite among educators and home users alike. Its inclusion in the auction highlights the innovative spirit that has driven Apple’s product development over the years.
The Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (TAM) is another noteworthy item from the auction. Released in 1997 to commemorate Apple’s 20th anniversary, the TAM was a limited-edition model that featured a unique design and advanced multimedia capabilities. Only 12,000 units were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector’s item today.
“The original Apple Computer, also known retroactively as the Apple I, or Apple-1, is a personal computer released by the Apple Computer Company (now Apple Inc.) in 1976 for the sum of $666.66. They were designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak.”
The auction of these iconic Apple products not only serves as a reminder of the company’s rich history but also underscores the enduring appeal and value of its early innovations. Collectors and enthusiasts alike continue to seek out these rare pieces of technology, driven by a passion for the pioneering spirit that has defined Apple from its inception.
Source: TUAW
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