Will a sealed iPad (first-gen) have any future collector value?

[klover]

I have access to a few sealed first-gen iPads. Initially, I thought I'd just sell them via eBay as they continue to fetch a premium.

Recently, however, I've wondered if there is an value in keeping one or two for a potential collector's market. Is there any history of Apple first-generation items increasing in value over the years?

The volume in which these were produced and sold suggests that there might not be any significant market for them (at least beyond thier original asking price).

 

[g0odfr1end102]

Definitively not a pro in this area, but I'd say you would have to keep them quite a while before making a profit, maybe 5-10 and more... But once again I'm not qualified to answer this question, allthough I hope this helped

 

[macbookman83]

I agree with the above poster. It would take a lonnnnnnng time for them to have any value especially since there has only been two generations so far.

 

[Badfoot]

In the meantime the fitted battery would probably leak or otherwise cause damage.

 

[torbjoern]

No more than for other toys. How much would you pay for the original iPhone today, btw?

 

[Stetrain]

Maybe in 100-200 years. The problem is that they produced so many millions of them that they aren't going to be rare for a long time.

 

[donnaw]

To be honest, look at the collectibles market right now. The things that demand high prices are those things that invoke nostalgia in a group people. Nostalgia comes with age.

My guess, your children or grandchildren might see a nice return, but then considering inflation, etc. even saying they would get $1000 or so you could probably make more just investing the cost right now in some nice stable blue-chip. Or even buy a share or two of APPL.

 

[poloponies]

You can find a better investment in your pocket:

http://www.dailypaul.com/153847/investment-of-the-century-us-minted-nickels

 

[fjanderson94]

Doubtful

I'm guessing probably not since apple produced millions of these units and it would take more time than what is worth before you see any real value. For personal value I would say sure. It would be awesome for one day to give a grandchild the first generation iPad as a gift or something like that.

 

[Akack]

Negative.

 

[Apple OC]

maybe in a future lifetime ... but not in this one

 

[macfrik]

What about the original iPod. Yes, I agree with the 2nd poster above, you have to keep it for a loooooooong period of time for it to increase its value.

The sealed original iPod now worth around $1800-$2500 US$ last time I found one sealed on eBay.

The sealed 8GB original iPhone now worth around $800ish if the box is very mint. If you have all the original item that it was previously launched with (Original Bluetooth Headset, and the original iPhone bag that given out to customers that purchased the iPhone through Apple Retail Store), you can probably reach around $1200-$1300 imo.

Last sealed 4GB iPhone 1st generation sold for around $1000 alone. This is the rarest iPhone yet, only produced in 2 months timeframe, and only available in the United States.

So,yes, I think that it would increase its value in 10 years (maybe?), keep in mind that the battery might be dead by the time the value increases. haha

 

[roozie1]

i think so

 

[NameUndecided]

I'm a little surprised that so many are saying No. I would think that it probably would be something of interest in maybe 10 or 15 years time, just so long as it remains sealed.

I say that it is worth keeping one or two if forgoing $300-350 for each one [what you'd currently get] isn't all that big a deal for you at this time. Why not? If you do need the money for any reason though, and the investment seems a little steep, then… no, it's probably not worth it.

 

[darster]

If it came with a verifiable signed letter from Steve Jobs, then yes.

 

[bartzilla]

I'm a little surprised that so many are saying No. I would think that it probably would be something of interest in maybe 10 or 15 years time, just so long as it remains sealed.

I say that it is worth keeping one or two if forgoing $300-350 for each one [what you'd currently get] isn't all that big a deal for you at this time. Why not? If you do need the money for any reason though, and the investment seems a little steep, then… no, it's probably not worth it.

The question is less "Will they be worth something, to somebody, ever?" which is what you seem to be asking (mostly, to be fair, because that was the question after all ) and more "Is this likely to be a good investment?". I suspect the OP could get a better return on their cash in other ways.

 

[cambookpro]

Like many people said, it's not like an Apple I where only ~40 are still around. These were made in their millions, and while pretty cool to have, you'd need a pretty niche collector to want it.

 

[4DThinker]

I doubt any current tech device will ever be a valuable collector item down the road. Products that were the very first of the first products in a new category may retain historic value, but the iPad's abundance means production versions are destined to be worth no more than the value of their component materials. If you have serial number 000000000000001 then you might have a winner, but I'm betting you don't.

 

[jtara]

That 600 shares of Microsoft stock I bought at the IPO - now that would have been a collector's edition...

The battery problem is real. Your sealed iPads will be worthless, because the battery will eventually burst and spew it's contents around the insides. So, at least you'd need to open the box, open the case, and remove the battery.

There's gotta be some kid somewhere that just put away every toy they ever got for Christmas without opening it. Now that's some smart kid!

 

[barkomatic]

No. To be honest, I think some of the failed tablets that sold in far fewer numbers may be better collecters items in the future. Think Touchpads or Blackberry Playbooks.

 

[matttye]

There will always be collectors who want sealed original products.

You could probably get a decent amount for them now, but if you wait about five+ years until they become rarer, they'll sell for more.

 

[dontwalkhand]

You're better off selling it to someone who could use it. There is no need to do this, the battery inside of the iPad will most likely kill the entire thing anyway if you decide to keep it sealed up in there.

 

[Munchkinsdad]

I wldhave to say no. Do you know how much electronic junk I have in my attack? If you saw it you would laugh. All old and worthless. As technology advances, people of the future will look at it and laugh, saying, "my ancestors used to get excited over this?? Barbarians!"

 

[LeandrodaFL]

I say yes

 

[PracticalMac]

In the meantime the fitted battery would probably leak or otherwise cause damage.

This.
You cannot avoid unpacking the iPad to keep the battery topped off (once a month).

The thing is, its the BOX and packing material that is worth more, not the iPad itself!

Still, I doubt you will see exchanges tracking the price fluctuation on iPads.