Rare 'Apple 1' computer expected to fetch $240,000 at Christie's
by Steven Mostyn - Nov 12 2010, 06:15
But does it have Flash support? Image: Christie's.
The ‘Apple 1’ computer, widely held as the world’s very first personal computer, will be auctioned in London by Christie’s this coming November 23, with current evaluations suggesting the legendary slice of case-free hardware will make up to $240,000 USD.
The Apple 1 was released back in 1976 and sold for a wallet-busting $666.66 USD (even 34 years ago Apple’s hardware was shockingly expensive), although that price was probably linked to the fact that all 200 units of the computer were completely manufactured by hand.
With only 30 to 50 units of the Apple 1 left in existence, the renowned auctioneering house has listed an evaluation on ‘Lot 65’ that starts at $160,000 USD and tops out at $240,000 USD.
Come November 23, the computer’s lucky new owner will secure a “superb example” of the Apple 1, along with its original shipping box, the positively space-age Apple 1 cassette interface, the Apple 1 operations manual, a dated invoice, and even a signed letter from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
Other technology offerings due to go under the hammer alongside the Apple 1 include, an original code-breaking Enigma Machine from World War II, a collection of Alan Turing offprints, and the first announcement of DNA signed by Watson, Crick, Wilkins and Stoke.
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