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A lifetime of Toys, brought to you by {name}

Toby Wickwire

[ ATTENTION – a 100% working "20th Anniversary Macintosh (TAM)" is NOT often sold ]

>> FORWORD
Please don't make any assumptions, but READ the (full) accompanying text – and look at (all) the photos "very carefully" to avoid disappointments.

Off we go!

…

Dear Apple-fan. Are you ready for a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity? This will be my biggest auctioned item on Catawiki ever!

This bundle includes the "TAM" , the "Bose Base" unit, the "special keyboard" and the remote control.

I start with some interesting facts. 

– all in all, the TAM only sold 12,000 units worldwide (scarcity of scale)*; 
– the TAM was only released in the USA, Japan, France, Germany, and the UK (so it's very rare indeed!)

* Nobody nows how many TAM's are still working today. But experts estimate that there are only a few left! I have one of these 100% working TAM's to offer this week! Are you ready to make a wise investment?

// WHAT IS THE TAM?
The TAM is the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (or TAM for short). One of the RAREST and most EXPENSIVE Macs "Apple" ever sold. It was so special that it was delivered to you in a Limo … and set up in your home by a man in a Tuxedo.

The all-in-one TAM was designed when "Steve Jobs" was not at Apple. So non of Jobs vision was inside of it … you could say. But wonderboy "Jony Ive" was at Apple during the time (the designer of the iMacs, iPods, etc). A lot of his vision when to this unique Apple computer during the 90s.

// $7,500
In 1997, it went on sale for $7,500. Definitely not in everybody's price range … but that was kind-of-the-point. It was supposed to be a SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION Mac.

// 1997, the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh
The TAM was released in 1997 to mark Apple's 20th birthday. It had been twenty years since Apple had officially incorporated, and Apple marked the occasion with the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh [TAM]. But back in 1997 it looked like the company was about to completely implode. 

// TAM's history – conceptions & unique design
1992: "Apple" wondered how computers would evolve from a "box shape" into something "more physically compelling" … that would fit better in the home. And again, the year is 1992, so computers were mostly boxes (even Macs).

Curvy shapes and mixed materials were the two common design-themes for the TAM. The first prototype was called "SPARTACUS". Fun fact. The TAM prototype was used in the Batman & Robin movie (1997).

The 20th Anniversary Macintosh featured a one-of-a-kind Apple design with a thin body, curved face, bronze colors … and a unique keyboard with Italian leather and a build-in track pad. The metal foot suspended the computer above the desk (and it can also "tilt" for multiple viewing angles and easier storage). Plus in traditional Apple fashion … it doubles as a handle. It also provided space for the keyboard to slip underneath. It's also kind-of-cool to think about … how even today "the-whole-keyboard-underneath-the-computer-concept" is something the iMac still does.

One reason why the body was able to be so "thin" was because the power supply was external (part of the external base unit). 

On the back, there are couple of air vents (including two cooling fans). So the TAM is really quiet when powered on (compared with other 90s computers).

// BOSE SOUND & MULTIMEDIA CONNECTIONS
There was put a lot of care and time into the "sound system" for the TAM.

The Base unit doubled as a "Bose" subwoofer. The face of the TAM featured build-in "Bose" Acoustimass Stereo Speakers. When both are combined together … the TAM offers exceptional sound. Because of the simple media controls (on front) an exceptional sound system this Macs still works great for music. Plus it has an infrared receiver (remote control). There where also two F-type connectors (TV & FM radio) – and an S-video port. The audio input can also be use as a set of external speakers (e.g. plugin in your iPod).

// SPECIAL TRACKPAD KEYBOARD
The trackpad is actually removable. So you could use it beside the keyboard. When you're done you can snap-it-back-in-place (and hide the cables underneath the keyboard … with the building cable management).

// FAILURE or SUCCES?
December 1996. After five years of development the TAM was revealed to the World [ Macworld Expo 1997 ] at the time of Apple's (chaotic) transitional rebirth. But the presentation didn't go well … it felt very unprepared and uncomfortable.

The TAM failed because it only lasted for about nine months, they didn't sell many and it was way-too-expensive.

The succes side of the story … this computer paved the way for future Apple products (it's actually the spiritual ancestor of the iMac). Back then … the whole idea of a monitor that contains the computer was totally crazy. It's also a testament to Apple's resident creative genius "Jone Ive" and the Apple Industrial Design Group's capabilities and skilfulness. The very first iMac was released a mere five months after the TAM was fully taken off the market in 1998. And the rest, as they say, is history. Therefore the TAM is definitely a WIN! History proved that the TAM was a successful failure. 

// RETRO COMPUTING – EXPECTATIONS
Please have realistic expectations. These are collectables (not modern machines). There are "normal signs of use" on all items – e.g. tiny stains and scratches – (which are to be expected with a device of this age). View the numerous images to make your own judgment! The numerous images – and especially "the close-ups" – are part of the meticulous description. 

Be aware that some tiny scratches (and other ware-out) are difficult to capture on picture (but they are there … thus: again please have realistic expectations!). 

As these are "vintage items", they are being sold as. Normal signs of use and wear. But as an experienced connoisseur I can guarantee that these items are in VERY GOOD condition (always keeping in mind their age).

Last-but-not-least: please have realistic expectations about speed and performance too.

>> IMPORTANT NOTES

– There is a tiny scratch on the TFT screen. The tiny scratch does not affect the operation of the screen and is not (hardly) visible when the screen is "on".

– The CD-ROM works as it should. It only needs manual assistance when "ejecting" a CD. A working (vertical) TAM CD-ROM is extremely rare. Most working TAM's have a non-working CD-player (note that repairing a non-working tam cd-rom is very costly). This specific TAM is one-of-a-kind because of the working CD-player … that makes it even more unique (see pictures)!

– The textile fabric on the righthandside speaker show some stains (see pictures);

– The Italian leather on the keyboard show some wear-out;

– The plastic "attachment pieces" of the cover shield (to cover "the connections back") are broken. I don't know if this is fixable … with superglue. Both cover shield and broken pieces are shipped with this bundle. The new owner can try to fix it. However this connections cover is totally unuseful (you will never need this gadget);

– Because of shipping restriction I can not replace the empty 4,5 Alkaline Battery (ps: you don't need the battery to operate the TAM … the battery only stores "time, date and system prefs"). However the required 4,5v battery is easy to find online (I can help you to order it … if you want it).

A few remarkable pluses:

– The internal floppy drive works like a charm (formatting, reading disks, eject). That is unique! Usually the "EJECT mechanism" fails. So the famous paperclip method isn't needed for this Mac!

– There is no single crack in the pastic (computer, keyboard, base unit) = UNIQUE!

– The remote control works as it should (+ new batteries);

– The Bose sound system is spectacular!

// PRETTY SPECIAL COLLECTOR's ITEM
The TAM is a great collector's item now. On auction platforms "used models (in bad shape)" are sold for around $2,000 (except shipping, auction and other costs). So, it's a one-of-a-kind special collector's item … and my reserve price is pretty "low".

If you can get this TAM! 
You should consider yourself very lucky.
Again … it's a headturner.

(One day I probably will regret that I sold this one).

// PACKAGING & SHIPPING
The TAM bundle is packaged securely and carefully for safe shipment.
Moreover, this bundle is shipped INSURED because of its precious value.
Because of the precious content extra attention is paid to the CUSTOM packaging. 
This extra cost is included in the shipping price.

"One More Thing" 
When in doubt, check my positive customer reviews ;)
(… because there are some "copycats" out there who copy my style and pretend to be me). There is only one "VISENTO"! That's me ;)

"One More Thing" 
– Steve Jobs quote

Don't miss this unique opportunity. 
Great opportunities don't come everyday!

Let the bidding begin … for this legendary TAM.
Undulge yourself !

Condition: Very good

Apple - 20th Anniversary Macintosh (TAM) – Apple's Successful failure - With replacement box

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Apple - 20th Anniversary Macintosh (TAM) – Apple's Successful failure - With replacement box

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