The first Apple Macintosh computer from 1984 is making a flashy comeback for 2015.
The original, later rebadged as the Macintosh 128K, was first released more than 30 years ago. Typical of computing components during that era, the first ever Mac was blocky and it was beige.
The latest reincarnation of the Macintosh 128K is quite befitting of its new name, the "Golden Apple." Meticulously crafted by Swedish designer Love Hultén (who is renowned for fusing modern technology with traditional artisan knowledge), his Golden Apple lives up to the luxurious brand that we know Apple to be today.
Back then, however, the Macintosh 128K wasn't meant to be a fancy computer. It was meant to be the first computer for many people during a time when such similar technology was prohibitively expensive. Just as the iPhone was the first major smartphone to get into many regular people's hands, the Mac 128K was the first desktop computer in many American homes.
For $2,495 (about $5,594 in 2015 dollars), buyers got the Apple Macintosh with the Macintosh Keyboard and Mouse. Outfitted with 1984's latest microprocessor, a Motorola 68000 microprocessor, the whole setup paced at a speed of 8MHz along with 64 kilobytes of ROM and 128 kilobytes of RAM. The standout feature to the entire system is the Macintosh Mouse that allowed a new way of interacting with computing devices with Apple's graphical interface by pointing and clicking on icons and selecting text instead of entering text-based commands.
Hultén 's one-of-a-kind replica strips the first Macintosh 128K of its plastic body and outdated internal parts with a classier housing handmade from American walnut and a new Mac Mini inside. What looks like the original's floppy drive is now also a DVD reader. Even the keyboard has been elegantly updated with the same American walnut finish as the rest of the computer. In fact, the keys on the keyboard are covered by gold plated key caps made from zinc and the mouse has ditched the wires for a complete wireless setup.
How much does the Golden Apple cost? Basically, it is priceless. Like many of Hultén 's classier technology-inspired throwback collections (which include a Game Boy Advance SP and a vintage arcade cabinet), his golden Macintosh 128K is for his personal use only.
Photo: Matthew Pearce | Flickr
