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Apple I system on auction through eBay

updated 12:15 pm EST, Fri November 20, 2009

Company's first production computer

A resident of Roseville, California is auctioning off an original Apple I, according to the Detroit Free Press. The computer was the first put into production by Apple, launching in 1976 in a limited run of 200 units. It was distinctive at the time for being produced and sold by a two-man team -- Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs -- and building in its own terminal circuitry, requiring only a separate keyboard and TV set.

The model was ultimately discontinued in October 1977, and only a fraction of the systems produced are still said to exist, having been quickly replaced by the Apple II. The unit on auction is described as including its original invoice, manuals and packaging, complete with a return address marked for Jobs' parents' house. Also bundled is a magazine ad, a letter signed by Jobs and a series of photos of the computer's prior owners, one of which also shows Wozniak.

The person selling the computer, Jesse Sackman, claims that the auction is a reluctant one for financial reasons. "I hate that I have to. It's very hard for me," he says. Because of the computer's rarity however the opening bid has been set at $50,000, and an extra $3,000 is being charged for anyone not willing to pick up the system in person. The auction ends on Sunday.

 
Previous Comments

Ummmm..... here it is for $149

11/20, 01:30pm reply

http://www.brielcomputers.com/replica1.html and it prolly smells better too!

Nettech

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2006

-4

Hey...why not upgrade while you're at it!! $450

11/20, 01:36pm reply

http://www.willegal.net/appleii/appleii-kit.htm Apple II kit with ROMs $450

Nettech

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jan 2006

+1

Come on Guys

11/20, 01:55pm reply

You KNOW there are people out there with their own little museums with just about every Apple model they can put their hands on. Just check out some of the posts on LowEndMac from 8 mos. or so ago and you can spot them.

The seller doesn't need a bunch of well-funded interested parties, just one to make the $50k mark. Although I'm certain the more the merrier with the bidding process.

danviento

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Dec 2005

+8

Second time round

11/20, 04:03pm reply

Was following this sale over the last week. Failed to sell but had about 13000 views.

I Found it via Reddit I think.

Seems he's doing a little more to market the sale this time.

Blairmc

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2003

+2

Well

11/20, 05:18pm reply

Does it work?

testudo

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

+1

Re: Does it work?

11/22, 05:50am reply

Sure, I heard its running Snow Leopard...

tortenteufel

Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jul 2007

+1

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