Filip Brož "Sometimes I would like to calculate the original price of all Macintoshes, MacBooks and accessories," says passionate collector, owner and operator of Apple Gallery Filip Veselý. Last week, only the second Apple museum of its kind in our country was officially opened in Český Krumlov. From that of Prague is distinguished above all by the fact that most of the computers on display are permanently switched on and visitors can try them out at will...
How about playing Shufflepuck from 180, originally released only for the Macintosh, on a 1993 PowerBook 1988?
Filip, how did you actually get into all this?
I started collecting old Apple computers and accessories when I was 16 years old. At that time, I invested all the money from various jobs in computers. I remember my dad brought home an iPhone 3G once. Subsequently, a complete iMac G4 appeared at home, i.e. the legendary lamp. I have all the accessories for it, which are not easy to find these days. When we launched it, we found it loaded with music software. It was probably owned by some musician. And then it literally went downhill. Gradually more and more computers came.
Why Apple?
I wanted to get to the bottom of the system. I enjoy repairing and cleaning old Macintoshes. It's fun to get my hands on a broken piece that I can fix and run myself. The joy of a job well done is simply indescribable. From a historical point of view, I prefer older pieces that were made by Steve Jobs, which is still true today. I like the design of the iPhone 4 and 5. I'm not a big fan of the six and seven models, so I'm still actively working on the iPhone SE.
What can people see when they visit your Apple Gallery?
I have here more than 150 pieces of equipment and 40 complete computer sets produced between 1983 and 2010. Among the oldest and rarest pieces are mainly Apple IIe or iMac G3 made in the Czech Republic. Of course, there are also classic Macintoshes, Powerbooks, the first iPhone, iPad and many accessories, including period documents, floppy disks and packaging.
iMac made in the Czech Republic? How did you get your hands on it?
Unfortunately, I don't know the history of that computer, but I'm tempted to find out. On the back label it is written that it was made in the Czech Republic. I was able to find that there was production here in the nineties until 2002.
So you got all the computers in the collection yourself?
Absolutely not all of them. Part of the collection comes from Michael Vita, who decided some time ago to sell his computers. My dad helped me with the purchase, and I would like to thank him very much in this way. I have known Michal for a long time. We used to find and buy computers together, we gave each other tips on interesting offers and auctions. That's how I got most of the pieces and bought them from us.
Is it hard to find old Apple computers and accessories these days?
I think not so much. The internet is still pretty full of it. Many people have some old Macintoshes at home that don't work and they don't want to deal with repair and service. Many times they don't even have a power cord to go with it. I even found one iMac G3 Indigo in a salvage yard. I was helping a friend with the transport of an old refrigerator. We put it on the floor and the iMac was right in front of me. Quite lucky, isn't it? (Laughs)
So is the Apple IIe among the most valuable pieces?
Definitely. I also only turn it on in exceptional situations. I even got Disk II floppy drives to go with it, which weren't cheap at all. I also have several games on 5,25″ floppy disks. Then I have, for example, an iMac G3 from the Flower Power edition or a mouse signed by Steve Wozniak. Of course, there is also an iPhone 2G with a functional headset and dock and the first iPad. I also have a Power Mac G4 Cube and a Macintosh Portable.
This is a really nice collection…
The main attraction is definitely the fact that people can touch most of the computers and sometimes even directly try and play some games. I also plan to do a mini jackpot contest here. I have Shufflepuck installed on my 180 PowerBook 1993 which is really hard. This is the kind of air hockey where you bounce pucks to the opponent's side and you have to score a goal. I have yet to see anyone play a single point. I thought that if someone could do it, they could win the jackpot. A symbolic ten crowns would be paid for one game.
I see that you also have a working Quadra 700 here.
Yes. She became famous in the movie Jurassic Park. Remember how the dinosaurs started running away from the park and the habitats flashed on the computer? Well, I have this picture here too. It was really difficult to get him there. (laughs) Also interesting is that the Quadra was used by some accountant from Germany. There is an installed program that cost 600 marks at the time, which was a lot of money.
What are you up to next? Do you have a dream piece, like an Apple I?
(laughs) Well, if it was within my financial means, sure. I was thinking of getting a copy made, the original is hard to come by. Anyway, if there is interest in the gallery, I want to continue expanding the collection. I would love to get all the iMac G3 colors and stuff. I also have many computers stored in the basement waiting for me to get to them and fix them. I also have several period books, instructions and brochures. In the near future I will make more showcases and shelves in which to display everything.
Does that mean I should come see again soon?
Definitely. I also plan to open a cafe and a wine shop. Downstairs is the ideal cellar space, so people can not only view and try Apple computers, but also have something good to drink. I also want to offer people computer service and professional advice, including selling some accessories.
And now the important thing. Where can people find the Apple Gallery and how much is the entrance fee?
Apple Gallery is located in Český Krumlov at Latrán 70. It is basically in the city center on the main street in the historic part of the city. It is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 18 p.m. Admission for adults costs 179 crowns, students have it for 99 crowns and children for 79 crowns. Interested parties can also find us at Facebook, Instagram and on the website applegallery.cz.
Readers of Jablíčkára have a 15% discount until the end of August. Just say the code Jablíčkář at the entrance.
Well, when Apple sees how you screwed up its logo with the G, you'll have a bunch of lawyers on your neck :-) ... Enjoy.
I think they won't be interested in this Apple Gallery at all :-D But I'm happy to come and see it :-)