By Slash Lane
Released in January of 1983 for an entry level price of $9,995, the Apple Lisa would cost $21,844.85 in 2010 dollars. Today, with that much money, users could buy 43 iPads at $499.
Adjusted for inflation, the iPad is less expensive than the initial entry prices for the Apple I ($2,540.07), Macintosh Portable ($11,358.59), Newton Message Pad ($1,048.47), Mac mini ($553.64) and iPhone ($521.49). In fact, the only gadget on an adjusted price list from VoucherCodes.co.uk less expensive than the entry level iPad is the first iPod, which would cost $488.46 in today's dollars.
Other noteworthy products on the list adjusted for inflation: the 1977 Apple II for $4,641.25, 1991 PowerBook 100 for $3,660.90, 1998 iMac G3 for $1,593.91, 2002 eMac for $1,023, and 2006 MacBook for $1,181.25.
The analysis helps to put in perspective the initial cost of the iPad, which starts at $499 for the Wi-Fi-only 16GB model and goes on sale this Saturday. When Apple revealed the iPad in January, arguably the most surprising aspect of the unveiling was the starting price.
Prior to its introduction, analysts expected Apple's then-mythical tablet to cost between $800 and $1,000. While many expected a $1,00 price point, some estimates went as high as $2,000 for the inclusion of an OLED display.
Apple Insider
