Technology has progressed by leaps and bounds over the past few decades, but some devices vintage electronics they can be worth a lot even if some time has passed. While these days they are dated and almost useless compared to their modern versions, in their day they were cutting edge and worth a decent nest egg.
From new research by Ebuyeremerges how much these gadgets of vintage electronics they would cost today if we factored in inflation and how expensive some of the limited editions of these old models can be if kept in great condition.
Nokia 3310
The Nokia 3310 was the cell phone that has redefined the way we think about phones and it's definitely one of the most iconic gadgets of thevintage electronics never created. Praised for its durability and battery life, it became a bestseller for Nokia selling over 126 million units. How can we forget the hours spent playing Snake!
Released in 1999, the retail price of the Nokia 3310 was $160 and, using inflation data updated to 2020, it would be worth $350. Sad to say though that this classicvintage electronics it has not held its value, as you can purchase one in good condition for around $40.
Sony PlayStation
The original PlayStation was released by Sony as an “adult console” to rival Nintendo's gaming consoles during the 1990s and represents another milestone in thevintage electronics.
Released in the UK in 1995, the PlayStation's retail price was $299which to date, calculating inflation, it would be worth $783. Would you have ever thought that the ratio makes it more expensive than the PlayStatin 5?
Some collectors have even paid $9,000 for one “PlayStation 1 – 10 million edition“, which was made to commemorate 10 million sales of the console worldwide with only 100 units produced!
Polaroid camera
Perhaps the most iconic camera of all time, thanks to Polaroid it was possible see the photo taken almost immediately, something that would only happen several years later with digital. This gadget is so iconic that there are modern imitations almost 40 years after the first version and applications that attempt to replicate the Polaroid's off-color effect.
In 1977, Polaroid was launched at approximately $99 which today would be a whopping $450! A camera 20×24 Polaroid from the 1970s it would cost today $150,000!
Sony Walkman
Godfather of portable music players, iThe Sony Walkman was the first of its kind in terms of simplicity and convenience. He introduced the use of headphones in public spaces and it ran on two traditional AA batteries. The success of the Sony Walkman, which has sold over 400 million unitsled to the creation of other iconic portable music players such as CD players and the iPod.
When it launched in 1979, the Sony Walkman would have cost you approx $150 which in 2022 equates to approximately $570. The most expensive model ever released in the series is the Signature Series Walkman Digital Music Player which comes in at $3,200!
Nintendo Game Boy
An iconic device that revolutionized the way the gaming industry would develop, taking gamers from having to play at home on their consoles to ability to play on the go. Thanks to the Game Boy, there was a huge change in gaming history that influenced products like the Sony PSP and even Apple's iPhone. Including the updated model, the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo has sold over 200 million of these portable devicesand was an all-time best-seller throughout the '90s.
In 1989 upon its release, the Game Boy launched at $69.99, which translates to $150 in 2022. This is cheaper than its modern counterpart today, the Nintendo Switch Lite, which retails for $299.99. For collectors looking to purchase a rare version of this console, the Pokémon Game Boy Advance SP Charizard Edition is one of the rarest aroundwith a version in perfect condition recently sold for $15,000!
IBM Model 5150
There were computers for home use before the release of this device, but the 5150 was the pioneer of personal computers. It was in fact the starting point for all modern home computers, apart from the Apple computers which were all developed from the original Macintosh.
The 5150 sold for approx $1,500 upon release in 1981, which would be approximately $4,600 in 2022. If you wanted to buy an original model of the 5150 today, you would have to pay almost $2,900 to get a working one.
The treasures of vintage electronics
The era of vintage electronics reminds us how quickly technology advances and how some once cutting-edge devices have become pieces of history. These devices not only evoke nostalgia, but also demonstrate that quality and innovation can maintain their value over time, both emotionally and financially.
In a world where the latest model always seems to be within reachthese vintage pieces teach us the importance of appreciating technology for the milestones it represents in our cultural and technological evolution.
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