The Most Collectible PCs of All Time

Is that computer in your attic a treasure...or trash? Here's the scoop on 19 historic digital antiques, worth from $10 to $10,000 and beyond.

Harry McCracken

All Images
Related Articles

PET 2001 (Commodore, 1977). Estimated units sold: 10,000+; original price: $595; current market value: $100 to $500 16 of 19

The "PET" in this computer's name was a reference to the Pet Rock craze, and in 1977, the "2001" made it sound futuristic, not to mention Kubrickesque. Released the same year as the Apple II and TRS-80 Model 1, the PET had an all-in-one case that held a flat, calculator-like keyboard and a tape drive. Later variants ditched the tape drive and added a much better keyboard, making them more practical at the time, and less collectible today. (Photo courtesy of the Obsolete Technology Website.)