Apple’s Vintage Gem Hits the Bid Counter
Get ready to roll out the red carpet, folks! Apple has a real throwback treasure in its stash: the VideoPad 2—a prototype from the 90s that’s never wrapped up a sale before. It’s set to headline a curated lineup of Apple relics going live at the Bonhams‑sponsored auction on November 3rd.
Why the buzz matters
- Rare collectibles—devices from Apple’s early days rarely hit eBay or auction houses.
- The VideoPad 2 was meant to launch alongside the MessagePad, but it never leapt into the consumer market.
- Collectors are eyeing it as the pinnacle of 90s Apple nostalgia.
What to expect
With the auction’s reputation for turning vintage tech into headline headlines, the VideoPad 2 could fetch a price that puts it in the top tier of Apple memorabilia. Keep your eyes peeled if you want to snag a piece of 90s history!
Apple’s Secret VideoPad 2 Prototype Hits the Auction…
What’s in the lot? A lone, one‑of‑a‑kind prototype for the Apple VideoPad 2 – the only surviving concept that ever made it past the sketchpad. Back in the early ’90s, Apple was juggling three different designs for these handheld video‑conferencing devices. Think of them as the “Newtons” of their era, but with video and a snazzy UI.
The Backstory
- 1993‑1995 – Apple dabbles in PDA territory, aiming to leapfrog the old Newton MessagePad.
- 1997 – But when Steve Jobs returned, he decided to ditch the Newton line, giving the VideoPad a very short lifespan.
- Result? A prototype that vanished into the swirling mists of history.
How Much Will It Cost?
The auction house estimates a guide price somewhere between $8,000 and $12,000. If you’re lucky enough to snag it, you’ll join a pit‑crew of classic tech artifacts: Macintosh, iPad, eMate 300, and a handwritten note from Jobs himself.
Why Does It Matter?
For collectors, it’s a rare glimpse into where Apple was heading before the iPhone era. For tech fans, it’s a nostalgic reminder of how many ideas were abandoned in the name of sleek simplicity. Plus, it’s a perfect conversation starter at a brunch: “You ever heard of the VideoPad? No? Let me show you the prototype!”
