by Rainier Wong

Created on: November 25, 2010

Computers in general depreciate in value as they age. However, on November 23, 2010, television around the world and the Internet broadcast the sale of the one the first model of the very first computer produced by Apple, Inc., the Apple I for $213,000 at a Christie's Auction. It was sold to Marco Boglione, a private collector as reported by Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, Inc. and a box which is stamped with the company's original logo. The original price of the machine was $666.66. The $213,000 price was the

highest price ever for a computer.

You may be wondering how an old computer that is of little use in today's fast moving world and where the Internet is used by millions of people around of the world can fetch such a high price. The Apple I was a historical computer because it was the first personal computer that freed its user from having to solder the parts together. In other words, unlike earlier home computers, the motherboard came as completely assembled. The Apple I was also the very first product of the famous company who now produces iPads and iPods. The two co-founders of the company, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were involved in building the Apple I computer.

According to the report from CNN, there were earlier auctions for other models of the Apple I but they fetched lower prices. An earlier auction, according to Christie's, brought $50,000 to its seller. It is possible that the latest sale was able to fetch a high price because of the age of the computer and its significant in computer history. You may have seen a picture of the Apple I in a computer history book or a computer text book.

In order for an old product to fetch a high prize at an auction, it has to be one that has made a significant historical contribution to the society especially the first to do so, the first of its kind or it has been owned by a notable person before. The Apple I was the first computer that made it possible for every ordinary person or every home to own a computer with any knowledge of electronics that was required for earlier home computer models like the Altair 8800. The Apple I was indeed a historical contribution to the society by Apple, Inc. Other products that may fetch a very high price include the first typewriter.

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