Technology moves fast, but some gadgets hold a special place in history and are now considered valuable collectibles. Once discarded or replaced by more modern devices, these items are making a comeback in the hands of enthusiasts and collectors. Whether for nostalgia or rarity, their value has significantly increased over the years. Let’s explore a few once-forgotten gadgets that have gained a new life and hefty price tags.
Apple iPod Classic (1st Generation)
Apple’s iPod Classic (1st Generation), introduced in 2001, transformed how we listened to music. Featuring a click wheel and a 5GB hard drive capable of holding around 1,000 songs, it was revolutionary at the time. Collectors today hunt for these devices, with prices ranging from $400 to $2,000 for well-maintained units, especially those still in their original packaging.
Sony Walkman TPS-L2
The Sony Walkman TPS-L2, launched in 1979, became the first portable cassette player and revolutionized personal music listening. Its compact design and signature blue-and-silver look turned it into an ’80s icon. Now, this early model can fetch between $800 to $1,500, with higher prices for well-preserved units or those with original accessories like headphones.
Nintendo Game Boy (Original)
Released in 1989, the Nintendo Game Boy pioneered handheld gaming, becoming a beloved companion for millions of gamers. With its green-and-black screen and a vast library of games, it became a gaming icon. Collectors are now willing to pay between $150 and $1,500 for a functional unit, with sealed or mint-condition versions commanding top dollar.
Atari 2600 Console
The Atari 2600, launched in 1977, brought arcade games into homes, changing the video game landscape forever. Its simplistic joystick and blocky graphics captured the imagination of early gamers. Nowadays, a functioning Atari 2600 can sell for $200 to $1,000, with boxed versions and special editions reaching even higher values.
Motorola DynaTAC 8000X
Motorola’s DynaTAC 8000X, released in 1983, was the world’s first commercial mobile phone. Though bulky and expensive at the time, it became a symbol of the future. Collectors now seek out this early mobile phone, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on its condition and whether it includes the original packaging and accessories.
Sega Dreamcast
Launched in 1999, the Sega Dreamcast was a gaming console ahead of its time, featuring online play and some of the best graphics of its era. Despite its short lifespan, the console has gained a loyal fanbase. Today, collectors pay between $100 to $300 for a well-kept Dreamcast, while rare or unopened versions can fetch up to $600.
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64, introduced in 1982, remains the best-selling home computer in history, thanks to its affordability and versatility. This early personal computer brought computing to the masses. Collectors today pay between $150 and $1,500 for functioning units, with pristine, boxed versions selling for much higher prices.
IBM Model M Keyboard
The IBM Model M Keyboard, introduced in 1985, is famed for its tactile “buckling spring” key switches, providing a satisfying typing experience. Its sturdy construction has made it a favorite among tech enthusiasts even today. Collectors value the Model M, with prices ranging from $100 to $300 depending on the condition, and rare variants or mint-condition units often fetching even more.
Nokia 3310
Launched in 2000, the Nokia 3310 gained fame for its incredible durability and long battery life. It became one of the most iconic mobile phones of the early 2000s. Collectors now pay between $50 and $200 for well-preserved units, with pristine models in original packaging fetching higher prices due to their nostalgic appeal.
Apple Newton MessagePad
Apple’s Newton MessagePad, released in 1993, was one of the first PDAs, featuring handwriting recognition and personal organization tools. Despite its commercial failure, the Newton has become a collector’s item due to its historical significance in Apple’s product lineup. Prices range from $200 to $1,000, with rarer models in good condition commanding top dollar.
Polaroid SX-70 Camera
Introduced in 1972, the Polaroid SX-70 Camera was a revolutionary instant camera with a sleek, foldable design. It allowed users to take photos and print them instantly. Collectors are drawn to its unique design and history, with prices ranging from $200 to $500, depending on condition, and limited editions fetching even more.
Microsoft Zune (First Generation)
Microsoft’s Zune, released in 2006, was designed to compete with the iPod but never gained widespread popularity. Its rarity, combined with its distinctive design, has made it a collector’s item. Prices for the first-generation Zune range from $100 to $500, with sealed or near-mint models attracting higher offers.
Sony Betamax VCR
Sony’s Betamax, launched in 1975, was an early home video recording system that lost out to VHS in the format war. However, Betamax machines are now sought after by collectors for their superior image quality. A working Betamax VCR can sell for $300 to $1,500, with boxed or rare models commanding premium prices.
HP-35 Scientific Calculator
The HP-35, released in 1972, was the first handheld scientific calculator, making advanced calculations portable for engineers and scientists. Today, this groundbreaking gadget is a collector’s item, with prices ranging from $200 to $1,000 depending on condition and whether it comes with original packaging.
Macintosh 128K
Apple’s Macintosh 128K, released in 1984, was the first mass-market personal computer to feature a graphical user interface and a built-in screen. Its significance in the history of computing makes it highly collectible today. Functional units fetch between $1,000 and $2,500, with pristine, boxed versions selling for even more.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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