You Can Buy an Original iPod on eBay for $19,995

By Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer
Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer

    Chris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general business news to the video game and theme park industries.

    Apple iPod mp3 player original
    An updated version of Apple's popular iPod MP3 player was introduced featuring a larger hard drive and new software, including a calendar at the Macworld Conference and Expo in New York on July 17, 2002. Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer, talked about new software and hardware during his keynote address, including an updated version of the operating system, Mac OS 10.2 called Jaguar. REUTERS/Chip East CME - RP3DRIAQAWAA
    Chip East—Reuters

    Eighteen years after Apple disrupted the world of music with the iPod, a factory sealed, unopened box containing the first generation of the device is on the auction block. And the seller is hoping that shrink wrap will convince tech enthusiasts to pay a premium.

    The rare unopened 5-gigabyte iPod is listed for $19,995 on eBay. So far, there have been plenty of lookers, but no one has pulled the trigger.

    Offering a product that’s severely outdated by today’s standards for 50x the original retail price might seem insane. But there’s a growing market for collectible legacy electronics. And just as with the collectible toy market, items that are in their original packaging and sealed are much more desirable to enthusiasts.

    This item, in fact, could actually be considered something of a steal. Five years ago, a factory-sealed first generation iPod sold for $20,000. A special edition U2 iPod has sold for as much as $90,000.

    Apple has largely done away with the iPod, focusing more of its attentions on the iPhone and iPad these days, but there have been whispers it could be working on a new version of the iPod Touch, which would be introduced later this year.

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