One of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s very first computers has sold at an auction, and it’s rare not only because it’s so old. It happens to be the only one known to have actually been sold by Steve Jobs when he was working from a California garage in 1976.
Apple 1 computer sold at auction
The BBC reports that the Apple 1 computer sold for $365,000, and believe it or not, it’s still fully functional. At this point, it’s believed that fewer than 50 Apple 1 computers are still in existence. Christies appraised the computer at between $400,000 and $600,000, which means it sold for quite a bit less than what the firm thought it would sell for.
Just a couple of months ago, another Apple 1 computer sold for $905,000. That machine was purchased by the Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Mich.
Former owner describes experience as “incredible”
Computer World reports that Bob Luther was the seller of the computer. He said the low price at which it sold was “a little disappointing.” However, he also said he’s glad he sold it and that it was time for him to move on.
He added that owning the Apple 1 computer “has been an incredible experience” and that he really can’t complain about it. He described himself as a “big Apple fan” and said his 401(k) isn’t very well diversified because he owns so many shares of Apple stock. Unsurprisingly though, he also said his Apple shares have been good to him.
History of the Apple 1 computer
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak built the Apple 1 computer by hand when he co-founded the company with Steve Jobs. At the time the computer was made, it sold for just $666.66. Jobs sold his van, and Wozniak sold a calculator for $500 in order to pay for the building of the Apple 1 computers.
Originally, they named their first computer the Rickets Apple-1 Personal Computer for the person who purchased it, who was Charles Ricketts, according to The Guardian.
