Computers that have appreciated (RE: Altair price check)

From: Kai Kaltenbach <kaikal_at_MICROSOFT.com>
Date: Mon Feb 23 14:48:35 1998

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Yowza! [SMTP:yowza_at_yowza.com]
> Besides the Apple 1, does anybody know of a computer system that has
> actually appreciated in value? :-)
>
I assume you mean machines that are worth more than their original purchase
price. That would be a pretty short list... notably:

- IMSAI 8080 (assuming a base system; a fully configured setup would have
cost thousands)
- MOSTech KIM-1 (it was so cheap originally it can hardly avoid appreciating
since it's a significant historical piece)
- Rockwell AIM-65 (ditto)
- RCA COSMAC VIP (ditto)

If we adjust 1970s dollars to today's rate, not even the Altairs go for more
than the purchase price. That leaves only the Apple I in the appreciating
column.

The only other micro systems (besides the Altair 8800s & Apple I) that fetch
significant money, but are nowhere near appreciating from original cost,
are:

- IBM 5100
- Altair 680
- Processor Technology SOL
- Commodore PET (chiclet version)
- Apple Lisa
- Unproduced prototypes of Atari 8-bit or Commodore equipment

Kai
Received on Mon Feb 23 1998 - 14:48:35 GMT