Apple Computer Price Reaches Rp 14 Billion

The first Apple computer, the Apple-1, is returning to the auction block. One of the remaining functional units is estimated to sell for US$500,000 to US$800,000, or approximately Rp 8.8 billion to Rp 14.1 billion.

The rare unit, named the ‘Hatfield’ Apple-1, will be auctioned this coming October. According to MacRumors, this computer holds the 48th position in the Apple-1 registration list and remains in operational condition.

The Apple-1 was previously owned by Fred Hatfield, a computer enthusiast and employee of Computer Data Systems. This specific unit bears the signature of Steve Wozniak and includes a letter written and signed by Steve Jobs.

Hatfield had previously complained to Jobs regarding Apple-1 software. In response, Jobs offered to allow Hatfield to exchange his Apple-1 for the newly released Apple II. However, Hatfield declined the offer as it would have required an additional payment of US$400 to complete the upgrade.

Hatfield eventually sold the Apple-1 in 2013 for US$40,000. At that time, the computer was non-functional. The buyer subsequently repaired it, arranged for Wozniak to sign the device, and later resold it through auction for US$671,400.

Now, the Apple-1 is being offered to collectors once again.

The Apple-1 holds immense historical value as one of the earliest products built by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976. The duo produced approximately 200 units of the Apple-1.

Initially, the Apple-1 was released as a circuit board sold in kit form, requiring buyers to assemble the computer themselves. Jobs later sold 50 pre-assembled units to a California-based retailer, The Byte Shop.

The Byte Shop resold the assembled Apple-1 units for US$666.66.

The scarcity of the Apple-1 makes it a highly sought-after item for collectors. MacRumors notes that fewer than 75 Apple-1 units are known to exist today, with even fewer remaining in working condition.

Sale prices depend heavily on condition and provenance. Some functional Apple-1 units have previously fetched over US$900,000 at auction.

The Hatfield Apple-1 will be available for both public and private viewing in Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, and New York. Schedule and location details are available via the auctioneer’s website.

Bidding for the auction will be open from 4 October to 14 October.