One of the first series of Apple computers that was built by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and were called Apple-1 computers will be up for auction soon. And if rumors are to be believed, it might sell for as high as $300,000 or an approx. 2.1 crore. According to CNET, Jobs and Wozniak built around 200 of these “Byte Shop style Apple-1 model”.
In the new age where people are ready to shell out huge sums of money for state of the art technology and something which is very premium, this is a rare case where a computer which might not even be fully functional, could sell for such a high price.
Why Such a High Cost?
According to RR Auctions, the site where the Apple-1 is up for grabs, “This Apple-1 computer was restored to its original, operational state in June 2018 by Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen, and a video of it running and functioning is available upon request.
A comprehensive, technical condition report prepared by Cohen is available to qualified bidders; he evaluates the current condition of the unit as 8.5/10.” So, one will get a fully functional – though how useful will it remain to be seen.
The auction house further revealed that “The most remarkable aspect of this Apple-1 computer is that it is documented to be fully operational: the system was operated without fault for approximately eight hours in a comprehensive test.”
Even back then it was one of the most powerful machines in the world and even now when it comes to the money, it is seen as a very powerful machine. Making it a collector’s choice, while it may not be fully usable, it certainly is a pride to own. Now the time will tell, to what extent will the collectors go to fetch this one?
