A Glimpse into the Genesis of Apple: The Woz-Signed Apple-1 Goes to Auction

Imagine, if you will, holding a tangible piece of computing history – something so profoundly significant it literally kicked off one of the world's most influential companies. Well, a select few are about to get that chance, or at least bid on it, as an unbelievably rare Apple-1 computer, personally signed by none other than Steve Wozniak, heads to auction at Sotheby's. And let me tell you, this isn't just any old collectible; we're talking about an item expected to blow past the $1 million mark, quite possibly becoming the most expensive Apple relic ever sold.

This particular Apple-1 isn't just a museum piece; it's a fully functional, pristine example of the very first personal computer created by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. Can you believe it? Back in 1976, these two visionaries were hand-assembling these boards in Jobs' garage. What makes this unit truly stand out, though, is that coveted signature from "Woz" himself. It elevates it from merely rare to practically legendary. It's like owning a first edition novel signed by the author, but for the digital age.

You see, the Apple-1 was sold as a pre-assembled circuit board – buyers had to supply their own case, keyboard, and monitor. Only about 200 were ever produced, and of those, a mere 50 were from that initial batch crafted in Jobs' humble abode. Today, experts reckon there are only somewhere between 60 to 80 units still known to exist. And here's the kicker: far fewer than that are actually in working order. This particular specimen? It's been meticulously preserved and is reportedly in magnificent, fully operational condition. That, folks, is a big, big deal.

Sotheby's, the venerable auction house, isn't shy about their expectations either. They're eyeing bids north of $1 million, which would easily surpass previous record-holders. For context, another Apple-1, sans Wozniak's autograph and not quite as pristine, once fetched around $900,000. So, with this one's unique provenance and flawless operation, it's easy to see why collectors are already buzzing. It’s not just a computer; it's a testament to ingenuity, a foundational brick in the sprawling empire Apple has become.

Ultimately, this auction represents more than just a sale; it's a moment to reflect on where it all began. From a garage project to a trillion-dollar company, the journey started right here, with circuit boards like this Apple-1. For the lucky individual who ends up owning it, they won't just be acquiring a piece of hardware; they'll be bringing home a genuine, tangible slice of tech history, a true symbol of the dawn of personal computing. It's genuinely exciting to watch such a significant piece of our digital past find its next custodian.