Developed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976, the Apple-1 computer represents the starting point of the modern personal computer revolution as well as being an electronic device. This first model of Apple’s foundation period is remarkable in terms of collection value, as it has been produced in a limited number and that very few examples have survived over time. Over the years, many technology collectors took the risk of paying large amounts to reach one of these historical computers. Now, one of these rare examples, has been reunited again. Apple-1, who found the buyer at the auction, found a place on the agenda with a sales price of 375 thousand dollars.
The sales made by the US -based RR Auction can be interpreted not only as a device replaced hands, but also as a desire to directly contact the history of technology. The computer was restored with a detailed technical review by Corey Cohen, one of the experts in Vintage Apple products. The fact that the device is still working fully not only increased its technical value, but also reinforced its historical importance. According to Apple-1’s inventory records, this device, which is listed with number 91, also drew attention with its cosmetic status. The fact that the labels on integrated circuits still appear bright and clearly shows that the device has been meticulously protected for years.
Documents offered with the device increased the value of the sale
The original user manual offered to the auction with Apple-1 was one of the most important elements that provide historical integrity of the device. The fact that the manual has a separate dimension to the sale of the handwritten references of Apple’s founding staff such as Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Daniel Kottke. The computer was considered not only as a part of the hardware, but as a physical document about the history of technology. The auction house made an evaluation of 8 points out of 10 for the general condition of the device. This scoring is considered to be a high level that can be counted at the examples of Apple-1 that has been preserved to date.
In addition, the sale of the Apple-1 computer was met with interest in other historical pieces. Within the scope of the auction organized under the title of “Steve Jobs and The Apple Revolution Auction ,, Apple Computer Co. One of the checks was sold for $ 112,054. Another signed check from the same period reached a sales price of $ 62,500. In addition, the first generation is a 4GB sealed iPhone The model also found buyers for 87,514 dollars. Another important product in terms of technology history, Apple Lisa’s ‘Twiggy’ driver version was sold for $ 56.818.
This auction has brought up not only the collection value of Apple products, but also the symbolic role of Steve Jobs in the world of technology. Although there is no direct use of such products in daily life, its symbolic values continue to increase day by day. Devices like Apple-1 serve as a concrete resource for researchers and enthusiasts who want to understand the starting point of software and hardware developments. In spite of everything, these sales are considered not only as technology, but also as an investment in the cultural heritage of a period.
As a result, the sale of an Apple-1 computer that works for 375 thousand dollars is not only a auction data; It can also be read as an indication of the increasing collective interest in the history of technology and the conscious accumulation in this field. In addition to all these, the value of Apple-1 is not only due to the fact that it has been produced in a limited number, but also from its ideological and historical heritage. Such sales prove that technology products can become not only a means of consumption, but also cultural and historical documents. Therefore, the emergence of devices such as Apple-1, not only collector; It is also closely related to historians, museums and those who are interested in technology policy. And all these developments open new doors to understand how the personal computer age has begun.