This Apple computer is nearly 50 years old – But someone paid over Rs 3 crores for it. What makes it so special?
The auction featured various rare Apple memorabilia, but the Apple-1 computer was the highlight. This specific unit, listed as #91 in the official Apple-1 registry, was rated 8.0 out of 10 for its condition. It retained its original integrated circuits with clear labeling and was meticulously restored to working order by vintage Apple expert Corey Cohen. Alongside the computer, the winning bidder also received an original user manual featuring handwritten notes referencing Apple’s founders.
Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction, emphasized the significance of the device, stating, “Owning an Apple-1 is more than possessing a computer; it’s a piece of history—a direct connection to the groundbreaking vision of Jobs, Wozniak, and the pioneering team that transformed the world of technology.”
The Legacy of the Apple-1
The Apple-1 was the first-ever product launched by the Apple Computer Company in 1976. Priced at $666.66 at the time, approximately 200 units were hand-assembled, with around 175 being sold to early tech enthusiasts and hobbyists. Unlike most computers of that era, which required extensive manual assembly, the Apple-1 came as a fully assembled circuit board. However, users still needed to provide their own power supply, monitor, and keyboard. Many owners custom-built wooden or plexiglass cases for their Apple-1 units, as the device was sold as an open circuit board without an enclosure.
Powered by a MOS MCS6502 processor and featuring 4KB of RAM (expandable to 8KB), the Apple-1 used
