GeneRoddenberry, the creator of the Star Trek TV show and many movies sequelswas given a specially produced Macintosh computer with the serialnumber 0001 by Apple Computer Inc.
That Mac will now be auctioned off to the highest bidder this October.
Profiles inHistory, an auctioneer specializing in Hollywood memorabilia,will be offering the early production model of Macintosh 128 computer,given to Roddenberry by Apple chief executives, who were big fans ofthe show.
But there is some controversy with the item. The Macwas upgraded to a Macintosh Plus by Apple for Roddenberry shortlyafter. The computer's serial number was done special for Roddenberryand is not an actual serial number. This Mac is not the first off theassembly line either, but it is one of the first 1,000 ever made. TheMac Plus will be accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from GeneRoddenberry's son, Rod, and will be a special addition to Profiles inHistory's October 8-9, 2009 auction of Hollywood memorabilia. It has anestimated sale price of $800-$1,200. Worldwide bidding begins atnoon and you can place a bid in person or by mail (don't know howefficient that will be), by phone, fax or on the Internet. Go to www.icollector.com/hollywood-auction-37_a5736for more information or if you want to bid.
At that price pointyou can get a MacBook Air, brand new. I don't really understand thefascination here. I know that the Mac is the Museum of Modern Artin New York, but then again so is the IBM Think Padnotebook computer and a bicycle wheel mounted on a chair. I don't thinkthis item will upgrade your home decor. Trekkies may find itinteresting because they are rabid fans of the TV series, but yet wedon't know if Roddenberry penned any scripts on this machine. I thinkit would be more valuable if his hard drive is in tack and has not beenwiped. Trekkies can see what kind of script changes or new ideas he hadfor the popular sci-fi program. JoeMaddalena, the founder and president of the auctionhouse would only say that Roddenberry's Mac is the personification oflife imitating art. “Gene Roddenberry's vision inspired countlesspeople to pursue careers in science and aerospace. This milestonecomputer, given to Gene by Apple's innovators, is a symbol of thissynergy.”
OK, but what's so great about it. Is it signed byRoddenberry who past away in 1991? Not sure, those details were notmade public as of yet.
And, what's even more creepy is thatRoddenberry's Mac will be part of an auction that includes MichaelJackson's illuminating white glove that he wore on the failedVictory tour in the mid-1980s.
I will try to keep you posted on how much it fetched.
Onequick hit before I go. Microsoft has started hiring for itsretail storefronts in California and Arizona by posting a list on theWeb of the six different positions available. Positions include:assistant store managers, customer service, sales and inventoryassociates, techie positions, retail technical advisor, retail trainer,and something called advisors would work behind either the “AnswerBar,” “Guru Bar” or “Windows Bar.”