Rare Apple-1 Computer Sells for $375,000 - MacRumors
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Rare Apple-1 Computer Sells for $375,000

A rare, operational Apple-1 Computer was recently put up for auction, and it ended up selling for $375,000. The Apple-1 was the first computer sold by Apple co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, and so few remain that they fetch high prices at auction.

apple 1 rr auction
The Apple-1 that sold is known as the "Bayville" Apple-1, and it is number 91 on the Apple-1 Registry. The Apple-1 Registry aggregates all known remaining Apple-1 computers, and it includes details and a history for each one. The registry has 104 Apple-1 machines listed.

The Bayville Apple-1 was part of the first batch of Apple-1 machines sold in 1976, and it has a handwritten serial number that was likely penned by Steve Jobs. It was sold with an original manual with a handwritten note by Daniel Kottke, who was Apple employee number 12.

The Apple-1 was sold alongside many other Apple-related items as part of a "Steve Jobs and the Apple Revolution" auction event. A 1976 Apple Computer check signed by Steve Jobs sold for $112,054, and a sealed, first-generation 4GB iPhone sold for $87,514.

steve jobs check rr auction
Another check signed by Steve Jobs sold for $62,500, and an Apple Lisa Computer sold for $56,818. The auction earned a total of $1,308,251.

Tag: Apple-1

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Top Rated Comments

WarmWinterHat Avatar
16 months ago

It looks interesting but I wonder what this computer could do ?
More than Apple Intelligence can do.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
16 months ago
$375,000 for 8KB of memory. Not even Apple's current RAM upgrade prices can match that. I just hope that this doesn't give Tim ideas...
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
npmacuser5 Avatar
16 months ago

It looks interesting but I wonder what this computer could do ?
This:
The Apple I, introduced in 1976, was Apple’s first personal computer and a pioneer in the early personal computing era.

Key Features:
• Processor: Equipped with a MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor running at approximately 1.023 MHz.
• Memory: Came standard with 4 KB of RAM, expandable up to 8 KB on the motherboard, and further to 64 KB with additional expansion cards.
• Display: Featured built-in video output, allowing users to connect to a composite video monitor or a standard television via an RF modulator. This capability provided a 40×24 character display, facilitating direct interaction without the need for specialized equipment.
• Input: Required an external ASCII keyboard for user input, enabling users to type commands and programs directly.
• Storage: An optional cassette interface allowed data storage and retrieval using standard audio cassette tapes, making it possible to save and load programs.

Functional Capabilities:
• Programming: Users could write and execute programs in machine code or using a BASIC interpreter, facilitating the creation of custom applications and simple games.
• Text Display: The system could display text on the screen, supporting basic word processing and text-based applications.
• Educational Use: Served as a learning tool for computer enthusiasts and hobbyists, offering hands-on experience with programming and computer operations.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rainshadow Avatar
16 months ago
The average home price in the United States… makes sense.

Edit: I don’t know if it’s worse that the average home costs as much as an historic Apple computer or that an old Apple computer costs as much as the average American home.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
16 months ago
I can understand why a museum would buy the Apple 1 but I fail to see why anyone would pay $87,500 for a sealed first generation iPhone.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeerDrinkerDan Avatar
16 months ago

It looks interesting but I wonder what this computer could do ?
I bet it can do everything it was originally designed to do.

-bbd
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)