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NeXTstation prototype computer set, consisting of the NeXTstation (monochrome) 68040 pre-production workstation prototype (labeled on the bottom, "NeXT Computer Prototype, 035"), NeXT MegaPixel Display, factory-sealed NeXTSTEP Developer software, open-box NeXTSTEP software, NeXT keyboard, NeXT mouse, and cables. Also includes a first edition of The NeXT Bible by Doug Clapp. In overall fine condition.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original owner, in part: "I was employed by NeXT Computer, Inc. during the early 1990s. As part of my role, I was issued this NeXTstation prototype directly by the company for use as a sales demonstration system prior to the public launch of the NeXTstation product line. This unit was supplied to me internally and was never sold through commercial channels.
The workstation bears an official 'NeXT Computer Prototype 035' label on the underside, identifying it as an early engineering unit. The system includes a Motorola 68040 processor and a Rev 2.4 motherboard consistent with pre-release hardware from that period. During my tenure at NeXT, I used this machine to demonstrate NeXTSTEP and NeXT's hardware capabilities to prospective customers and partners.
Since leaving the company, I have retained continuous possession of this prototype. It has remained in my personal collection for more than three decades. The system still powers on and will intermittently boot into the NeXTSTEP operating system, though it may require hardware servicing due to age.
To the best of my knowledge, this prototype remains in its original configuration and has not been modified beyond normal use during its demonstration period. Its rarity, early serial designation, and direct connection to NeXT's pre-launch activities make it a significant artifact of computing history."
After resigning from Apple in the fall of 1985, Steve Jobs founded the innovative NeXT project, a computer and software company aimed at the markets of business and higher education. The first NeXT Computer was introduced in 1988, and the smaller NeXTstation came two years later. While these computers encountered subpar sales, the object-oriented NeXTSTEP operating system and development environment proved highly influential. The OS offered an intuitive GUI with features like an application dock, true multitasking, drag-and-drop tools, large full-color icons, real-time scrolling, and other elements that are considered ubiquitous today. Unix derivatives incorporating NeXTSTEP would eventually power all of Apple's platforms, including the iPhone. Apple purchased NeXT in 1997 for $429 million and 1.5 million shares of Apple stock, with Steve Jobs, as part of the agreement, returning to the company he had co-founded in 1976.
