This Apple I model is one of the most coveted pieces by Mac collectors around the world. With values exceeding half a million dollars, it becomes an almost unattainable piece for any mortal. It has to be said that the better care is found and its operation is adequate, the more value it will reach in the market.
There are collectors who own one in his great collection, but it is not the most common. However, now anyone with a bit of skill could have a replica of this computer at home for an almost laughable price. Of course, you must build it yourself and the result will not be so pretty, but it will perform all the functions just like this first model.
Like Ikea: Get the parts and build your own Apple I
Like Ikea launched it, We know that the Swedes have put the batteries with Apple but they do not reach that much, the SmartyKit company has launched a kit mainly for children, and I would say not so children, with which you can build your first computer. More specifically, you can get a fully functional replica of an Apple I.
No welding knowledge is necessary to build this computer because everything just fits on the breadboard. The kit comes with breadboards, 15 chips with firmware, jumper cables, colored cables, PS / 2 and RCA jacks, and a battery holder. It works with four standard AA batteries and we fear that the monitor and keyboard must be provided by us.
The technical specifications of this puzzle-style computer are a 6502 MHz MOS 1 processor used in the Apple I. The ROM chip contains a copy of Steve Wozniak's original Monitor operating system. It is capable of running BASIC and the company says they personally use a lightweight version of Python to run their replica.
Assembling it will not be too difficult since each bag is numbered as if it were Lego. The project is a reality and has been presented at CES in Las Vegas. It will go on sale in mid-2020 at a price of $ 99, but you can subscribe in their website where they will launch the most updated news of this product.