It's discoveries like this (US only) Apple 1 auction that make searching eBay worth the trouble. The Apple-1 (or is it Apple I?), you see, is an incredibly rare piece of computing kit and was hand-built by Steve Wozniak. There are probably less than 50 of the thing left, as most were returned to Apple to be traded in for a much more powerful yet definitely not rare Apple II...
This particular auction includes the Apple 1 motherboard with 4K RAM installed, all original Apple 1 components, a keyboard with modified cable for the Apple 1, RF Modulator, the Apple 1 Cassette Interface card with all original components, six Apple 1 program tapes (Monitor/Disassembler, Integer Basic, AppleTrek, Hamurabi, Maze Creator, and Blackjack) and a rather impressive Statement of Authenticity signed by Steve Wozniak (Apple Employee #1).
In case you don't want to bid on this beauty -bids do start at 30,000$ I'm afraid- you could find out more about it at Wikipedia, SB Projects and Low End Mac. And you can of course emulate the Apple-1 via MESS.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The original Apple 1 computer
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What a piece of history! Thanks for the pointer. I hope there are a few dot-com millionaires who know their roots and will bid that one up.
ReplyDeleteBetter yet, how about a millionaire that gifts one to retro treasures?
ReplyDeleteTehehe... I know, I know...
ReplyDeleteNo bids yet? What a crime!
ReplyDeleteWell, it seems it might be a tad to expensive for this day and age, though I'm pretty sure it will eventually be snapped up.
ReplyDeleteAs someone said, history is priceless... I wish I had the opportunity to see one
ReplyDeleteSo do I my friend. Actually I'm entertaining the thought of visiting one of those computer history museums and expos.
ReplyDeleteFinally, there is a single bid! Now let's hope the lucky winner is in fact planning to donate the prize to retro-treasures :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a noble cause indeed...
ReplyDelete;)
Well, it finished at $42,766.00...I'm trying to decide if that number (or $1 less) has some sort of computer geek significance (I should know, too!) but yeah, at least it got a few extra bucks beyond the opening bid. Now you just have to wait for it to show up on your doorstep!
ReplyDeleteAlso - I just noticed the $228 shipping charge....doesn't that seem a bit absurd?? I get that it's a pricey item, but one doesn't have to be quite so obvious in the overcharging of the wealthy bidder.
Nope, no geek significance according to the Mayas. Don't worry about. All you should worry about is helping me mount it in a case the moment it arrives here. Also, I can live with overcharged rich people, though admittedly 230$ does seem a bit steep...
ReplyDeletehaha - agreed!
ReplyDelete