Why You'll Wish You Looked after Your Old Gadgets a Little Better
Some retro gadgets are fetching thousands of pounds on online auction sites – often giving much better returns than more regular investments.
Today's gadgets offer a bewildering array of ways to fill our days. Every week a new digital wonder seems to beg for our time – and our money. But twenty, thirty years ago, the world was equally consumed with all manner of electronic wizardry, most of which has gathered dust in our attics and long since been tossed into a skip somewhere.
But when you discover how much some of these old gadgets have been selling for, you may make a bee line for the loft – or wish you'd taken care of your old devices a little better.
Some old gizmos are fetching thousands in online auctions, often outstripping more traditional investments such as stocks and shares.
Sony Discman DC Player - £1,300
Classic Sony CD players often fetch a few hundred pounds in online auctions, but a very rare Sony Discman DZ555 from 1989 was recently put up for sale for £1,299.
iPod first generation - £16,000
At time of writing, a first generation iPod is up for sale on eBay for $20,000. Sure, it's sealed, boxed and in mint condition – but still, $20,000!
Sony Walkman - £600
One boxed (but used) Sony Walkman was up for sale for £600 recently on eBay. While costly, this figure isn't too far off the original asking price.
Apple 1 computer - £700,000
Back in 2014 an original Apple 1 – designed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak – sold for $905,000. It is believed to be one of the first batch of 50 Apple 1 computers, manufactured in 1976. And true to the brand's reputation, the unit still worked!
Catalypse Commodore 64 Game - £700
If you were a fan of the Commodore 64 back in the day, then you'll remember you could pick up a game for just a few pounds. All the more surprising then, that this floppy disk copy of Catalypse is on sale for a cool £700!
Nokia 3210e - £5,579
Many of us have fond memories of our old Nokias – but perhaps not fond enough to fork out nearly £6,000 for one. One vintage 3210e fetched this princely sum back in 2016 on eBay.
Speed Racer/Mountain Bike Rally (SNES) - £5,000
If you adored the old Super Nintendo then you might be tempted by this factory-sealed game cartridge. This copy of Speed Racer/Mountain Bike Rally was manufactured in 1995 but was never released – which is why it's up for sale for a mind-bending £5,000.
Batman Forever SNES bundle - £10,000
You read it right – £10K for this Super Nintendo with Batman Forever game, with packaging specially designed for Woolworths UK. In terms of gameplay, the game was a real dud – but it did come with a notepad and pencil. It's a genuine rarity because the game was so awful that very few copies were ever sold.
Game Boy advance SP - £700
Were you a Gameboy fanboy? Or fangirl? Then this Advance SP version may be of interest – until you clock the price tag, that is.
Protecting your gadgets on holiday
If this list of costly gadgets and gizmos has taught us anything, it is to take care of our lovely digital devices. Speaking of which, if you're planning to take your gadgets on holiday with you this year, you can insure them all for just a few pounds, with starttravel.co.uk.
What Does starttravel.co.uk Gadget Travel Insurance Cover?
- Theft: If your gadget is stolen we will replace it, or the parts that have been stolen from it.*
- Damage: We will pay repair costs if your gadget is damaged.*
- Loss: We will replace your gadget if it is lost.*
*Terms and conditions apply.
Simply click Gadget Cover when taking out your regular travel insurance with starttravel.co.uk
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