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| ”Early” 128k Macintosh Values? |
Posted by: cstoffel on 2025-09-10 23:15:13
I’ve recently acquired what turned out to be a working (sans floppy, which I hope just needs some cleanup) a 128k Mac manufactured in the 4th week of 1984. So, pretty darn early, but not a news worthy find.
So, now I’m wondering, what is the real truth about the value of early Macs like this? I see claims of increased (or even greatly increased) value, but is any of that for real? I kind of find it hard to believe. I don’t know that anyone is paying the money that people are asking for. |
Posted by: bibilit on 2025-09-11 00:25:43
Hi, as always, prices are related to what people is willing to spend for it, but also what a similar item has been sold recently.
Macintoshes 128 are sought after, but a complete unit with all paperwork and accessories will worth more than a single unit not working or not complete.
The floppy should be the Sony 400k one, the Logic board should still be the original one (no change to memory size) and to be valuable, pretty close to the original aspect and accessories (keyboard, mouse...) |
Posted by: finkmac on 2025-09-11 05:08:31
about 100 dollars |
Posted by: cstoffel on 2025-09-11 05:45:13
Hi, as always, prices are related to what people is willing to spend for it, but also what a similar item has been sold recently.
Macintoshes 128 are sought after, but a complete unit with all paperwork and accessories will worth more than a single unit not working or not complete.
The floppy should be the Sony 400k one, the Logic board should still be the original one (no change to memory size) and to be valuable, pretty close to the original aspect and accessories (keyboard, mouse...) All of these things are true. 400k drive, 128k memory, no modifications in any way, and I have correct age keyboard and mouse. I don’t, however, have any paperwork. |
Posted by: cheesestraws on 2025-09-11 07:17:01
If you want to sell it put it on eBay as an auction and see how high the price goes.
If you want to get a rough idea, go and look at past sales on eBay yourself.
It is regrettable that there are so many threads about prices on here recently, they are both very dull and oddly suffocating; if you're not interested in the machine as a machine, why bother? |
Posted by: cstoffel on 2025-09-11 07:22:22
If you want to sell it put it on eBay as an auction and see how high the price goes.
If you want to get a rough idea, go and look at past sales on eBay yourself.
It is regrettable that there are so many threads about prices on here recently, they are both very dull and oddly suffocating; if you're not interested in the machine as a machine, why bother? I acquired handful of classic Macs, including two 128ks. I am interested in the machine, but I don’t really need two machines. Just trying to decide which one makes more sense to sell. |
Posted by: finkmac on 2025-09-11 07:27:20
agree. put it on ebay for 99cent starting bid and let the Market decide. |
Posted by: bibilit on 2025-09-11 07:35:05
If you want to get a rough idea, go and look at past sales on eBay yourself. I agree a 100%, a complete unit including the original carriage bag but modified to a Plus LB was sold recently for 600 dollars, wihile another 100% original identical unit was sold for 1500 $ |
Posted by: cstoffel on 2025-09-11 07:44:14
I agree a 100%, a complete unit including the original carriage bag but modified to a Plus LB was sold recently for 600 dollars, wihile another 100% original identical unit was sold for 1500 $ That’s the kind of variability that I don’t understand. |
Posted by: cstoffel on 2025-09-11 07:49:07
Maybe I should clarify my question. I know that in the end any vintage item is worth whatever someone pays for it. Note that I didn’t ask for a price. The question was really more about the intrinsic value of an early 128k vs a later one. Are they really worth more, or is that just hype? I want to use this as I guidance when I decide what to ask for it (if I sell). I’m not asking anyone to derive a value for my specific machine. |
Posted by: bibilit on 2025-09-11 11:53:54
As always, the first of a kind is more sought after than following models.
For instance, a Lisa 1 (if you find one) is far more expensive than the Lisa 2 that followed (even a Lisa 1 modified by Apple to the newer model)
For the Macintosh line, the 128k was the first, and if you have the Macintosh (only) badge on the rear casing, instead of the Macintosh 128 one, probably a bit more valuable.
The 512 and Plus were more powerful, better suited for the task and were plentyful… so easier to find and cheaper in the end.
Real collectors are looking for original units, unmolested. |
Posted by: luRaichu on 2025-09-11 12:05:31
about 100 dollars nah more like 128 dollars |
Posted by: Concorde1993 on 2025-09-11 13:05:57
nah more like 128 dollars Guess I should sell my 6100 DOS for $6100 bucks. |
Posted by: adespoton on 2025-09-11 16:10:58
Guess I should sell my 6100 DOS for $6100 bucks. Try 6100 cents? |
Posted by: Unknown_K on 2025-09-11 16:17:35
Try 6100 cents? The DOS card is worth more than that, same with the cable if you have it. |
Posted by: adespoton on 2025-09-11 16:22:28
The DOS card is worth more than that, same with the cable if you have it. Yeah; it's one of those cases where you'd make more selling all the components separately. |
Posted by: Unknown_K on 2025-09-11 16:27:25
I do wonder how many original DOS 6100's were sold, mine has the DOS writing on the front.
128K Macs were pretty much useless, so if you absolutely want one you probably want one 100% complete in box with all papers and 100% stock (which few probably still are) to sit on a shelf. Prices would be a roll of the dice on the day you list it. |
Posted by: luRaichu on 2025-09-11 18:44:07
128K Macs were pretty much useless, What do you mean by useless? you can Write and Paint, run BASIC and Pascal |
Posted by: Concorde1993 on 2025-09-11 19:29:07
The DOS card is worth more than that, same with the cable if you have it. I have the weird breakout cable and the DOS card (and a spare motherboard). Plus the disks and manuals. Though both boards need a recap.
Yeah; it's one of those cases where you'd make more selling all the components separately. Kind of need the 6100 to run the DOS card. That was the whole point of that model.
Mine has the DOS writing on the front. Mine as well. |
Posted by: ArmorAlley on 2025-09-11 22:53:15
So, now I’m wondering, what is the real truth about the value of early Macs like this? I second @cheesestraws, eBay is a good suggestion.
Clean up the Macintosh, get it to work and take lots of professional quality photos of it both inside & out to anticipate the questions that will come. Pack it well and prepare it to be shipped to be shipped overseas.
Then watch eBay and overseas online auction houses for a year or so to get an idea of what these sell for. This will give you an idea of the market. Who doesn't have one that wants one? I imagine that the market is quite saturated now but there is still a market for them. You just have to be patient. Once you are happy with what you have learned, put it up for auction.
Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $100 for one but I am a sample size of one and, also, I don't especially want an original Macintosh. |
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