Apple I

Apple I

The Apple I, also known as the Apple-1, is a desktop computer released by the Apple Computer Company (now Apple Inc.) in 1976. It was designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak, while Steve Jobs took the helm in marketing this revolutionary product. The Apple I is notable for being the first product launched by Apple, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most valuable and influential tech companies in the world.

Development and Release

The development of the Apple I was a pivotal moment in the personal computing revolution. Steve Wozniak's ambition was to create a user-friendly computer that was accessible to the general public. Prior to the Apple I, computers were largely confined to business and academic settings, due to their prohibitive costs and complex operation. Wozniak's design was innovative for its time, integrating a keyboard and a basic television as its display monitor.

In March 1976, the Apple I was officially introduced at the Homebrew Computer Club in Palo Alto, California, a gathering of computer hobbyists who shared an interest in computing technology. The computer went on sale in July 1976, with a retail price of $666.66, a figure that reflected Wozniak's fondness for repeating digits.

Technical Specifications

The Apple I came with a MOS 6502 microprocessor running at 1 MHz, 4 KB of RAM (expandable to 8 KB or 48 KB using expansion cards), and a 40×24 character display. It lacked a case, power supply, keyboard, and monitor, which were common omissions for computer kits at the time. Users were expected to provide these components themselves. The Apple I was also one of the first personal computers to feature a single circuit board.

Impact and Legacy

The release of the Apple I marked a significant milestone in the personal computing industry. It was one of the first computers to be marketed to individuals rather than businesses or educational institutions. Although approximately 200 units were produced, with about 175 sold, the Apple I's success laid the groundwork for the introduction of the Apple II in 1977, which would become a massive success and cement Apple's place in computing history.

The Apple I also symbolized the DIY ethic of the early personal computing era, encouraging users to tinker with and build upon the basic system. This ethos would carry forward in the personal computing community, influencing future generations of technology enthusiasts and professionals.

Today, the Apple I is a highly sought-after collector's item, with surviving units fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions. Its significance goes beyond its technical specifications, representing the humble beginnings of a company that would grow to dominate the tech industry.

See Also

• Apple II
• Steve Wozniak
• Steve Jobs
• Personal Computer