Apple's $200,000 Computer - Computerphile

TL;DR

A computer built by Steve Wozniak in the 1970s and sold originally for $666 was recently resold for $200,000, prompting the company to try and locate the woman who had thrown it away.

Transcript

So recently, there's an article on the news about a computer which had sold for 200,000 dollars. The computer itself, an Apple 1, built by Steve Wozniak back in the seventies, had originally only sold for 666 dollars. But, a woman had taken it to a recycling center, and effectively thrown it away. The company's now trying to attract the woman, so t... Read More

Key Insights

• 👤 The Apple 1 was a revolutionary computer designed by Steve Wozniak that incorporated user-friendly features like a program and VDU display.
• 🖐️ Steve Jobs played a crucial role in commercializing the Apple 1 and establishing Apple as a company.
• ⌛ The Apple 1's value has significantly increased over time, with one recently being sold for $200,000.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why was the Apple 1 computer so valuable?

The Apple 1 was significant because it was revolutionary in terms of its design, incorporating a user-friendly program and VDU display that set it apart from other computers at the time.

Q: How did Steve Wozniak come up with the idea for the Apple 1?

Wozniak was inspired by the MITS Altair 8800 and the availability of microprocessors as CPUs. He designed a computer using few chips and linked it to a terminal he had built.

Q: What role did Steve Jobs play in the development of the Apple 1?

Jobs recognized the commercial potential of the Apple 1 and convinced Wozniak to manufacture and sell circuit boards and kits. This led to the establishment of the company Apple.

Q: Are there any books that provide more information about the Apple 1 and its history?

Yes, "iWoz" by Steve Wozniak and "The Apple I Replica Creation" by Tom Owad are recommended reads for those interested in the history and technical aspects of the Apple 1.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Apple 1 was a groundbreaking computer designed by Steve Wozniak in the mid-1970s.

• Steve Wozniak's genius moment was incorporating a small program and VDU display, making the Apple 1 user-friendly and the forerunner of modern PCs.

• Steve Jobs convinced Wozniak to start a company called Apple and sell circuit boards and kits for the Apple 1.