Apple Watch Sport Band (42 mm, XL, Black, 316L Stainless Steel Pin, Spring 2015)

The Apple Watch Sport Band is made from a flexible rubber material called fluoroelastomer with a metal pin closure. Sizes range from S/M, M/L, or L/XL. When purchasing an Apple Watch Sport Band, the S/M and M/L sizes are included in the box, allowing the band to fit wrists 140–210 mm. The XL size fits wrists 160–245 mm and so far the L/XL bands have only been available in black and white.

Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport band:

“Made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit.”

The Apple Watch Sport band has been available in the most colors so far, including, Rose Red, Orange, Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Apricot, Hermès Orange, Yellow, Pollen, Mellow Yellow, Lemonade, Flash, Green, Mint, Dark Teal, Pacific Green, Marine Green, Turquoise, Mist Blue, Sky Blue, Blue, Royal Blue, Lilac, Azure, Denim Blue, Blue Horizon, Ocean Blue, Blue Cobalt, Midnight Blue, Ultra Violet, Lavender Gray, Lavender, Vintage Rose, Light Pink, Pink, Red Raspberry, Hibiscus, Camellia, Peach, Flamingo, Walnut, Pebble, Antique White, Soft White/Pebble (White Ceramic Pin), Soft White, Cloud (White Ceramic Pin), Concrete, Dark Olive, Cocoa, Black (Stainless Steel Pin), Black (Black Pin), Gray/Black (Gray Ceramic Pin), Gray (Black Pin), Fog, White, Pomegranate, Beryl, Khaki, Lemon Cream, Clementine, Pine Green, Alaskan Blue, Stone, Pink Sand, Black, White, (PRODUCT)RED Generation 1, and (PRODUCT)RED Generation 2.

This version of the Black Apple Watch Sport Band includes a 316L Stainless Steel Pin to match the aluminum and stainless steel Apple Watch models. An alternate version of the same band shipped with a black pin to match the Space Gray Apple Watch. Incidentally, the 316L Stainless Steel designation refers to the grade of stainless steel used for the pin (also referred to as “marine grade stainless steel”). This example is an XL size, Black Sport band for the 42/44 mm Apple Watch. Although I find these bands very comfortable to wear, the metal pin is positioned at the base of the wrist and tends to make contact with the laptop surface as you type.

Source: Apple

Apple Pro Keyboard (black, 2000)

The Apple Pro Keyboard was released in 2000 and replaced the Apple USB keyboard that was first released with the original iMac. The 109-key Apple Pro Keyboard had a completely transparent case with dark gray translucent keys. Notably, this keyboard removed the power key which had been present on Macintosh keyboards since 1987.

The design of the keyboard returned to the earlier extended-keyboard design last used in the Apple Extended Keyboard II. Like its predecessor, the Apple Pro Keyboard used a single support leg spanning the entire width of the keyboard to slightly elevate the back of the keyboard. When the iMac G4 was released in 2002, an Apple Pro Keyboard with the same design was released with opaque white keys.

As of 2020 Apple has released approximately 20 external keyboard designs. In general, Apple Macintosh keyboards are different from standard keyboards because they include a Command key (⌘) for shortcuts; an Option key (⌥) for entering diacritical marks and special characters; and a Help or fn (function) key. Earlier Apple keyboards also included a power key (◁), while newer keyboards include eject (⏏).

Source: Wikipedia

Think Different Mousepad (c. 2000)

This rectangular Think Different mousepad measures 7.5×8.5 inches with a solid black background. The design features the original multicolor Apple logo and the words Think Different (in white).

The bottom of the mousepad is covered in printed dots that provide traction to prevent slippage. The stickiness (tackiness) of the material is still viable after about 20 years and can be reactivated by rinsing any accumulated dust with water. However, the tacky substance on the bottom is beginning to show signs of yellowing.

The Think Different logo is a part of Apple’s now iconic ad campaign that played a major role in restoring Apple’s reputation and put the company on track to become the trillion-dollar company it became by 2018. The Think Different campaign was created by TBWA\Chiat\Day and officially ran from 1997–2002, however, Apple has occasionally hinted at the concept several times over the years on occasions such as when Al Gore received the Nobel Peace Prize (2007); when Steve Jobs died (2011); when the Macintosh turned 30 on January 24, 2014; and as recently as 2016 to commemorate the death of Muhammad Ali.

Source: Wikipedia

iPhone 5s Leather Case (black, 2013)

Apple’s Leather Case for iPhone 5s also fits the earlier iPhone 5. Although no official Apple cases were released with the iPhone 5, this case was backward-compatible and came in six leather colors: black, light beige, brown, (PRODUCT)RED, blue (light blue), and yellow (with a somewhat lime green tone).

Reviews of the case were generally positive, noting that the cutouts were precise and the buttons were accurately placed, if a bit squishy. MacWorld reported, “The case covers the iPhone’s Sleep/Wake button and volume buttons with custom-molded overlays. These overlays are subtle, but they’re prominent enough to locate by feel.” The light beige color was described as quickly discoloring, even though Apple’s packaging specifies that the leather will develop a patina over time. Further, the cutouts for the audio port and Lighting connector are very close, allowing Apple cables, but not some larger third-party options.

Sources: iMore, MacWorld

iPhone 4 Bumper Case (black, 2010)

The iPhone 4 Bumper Case was released in 2010 along with the iPhone 4. Unfortunately, this case was placed in the middle of a famous and rare Apple public relations issue, “Antennagate.” The design of this case is very simple, a plastic and rubber bumper that surrounds the outer edges of the iPhone 4 providing drop protection, a gripping-rubber lip that prevents the front and back of the iPhone 4 from making contact with a surface when placed flat, and a barrier that prevents holding the phone in a manner that may affect antenna performance.

MacWorld described the bumper case: “It consists of a stiff, plastic band that covers the entire metal edge of the iPhone 4, combined with relatively tough rubber around the front and rear edges to hold the Bumper in place. ”

Antennagate was a name given by the media to a phenomenon that was reported soon after the iPhone 4 release on June 24, 2010, where the cell phone signal would drop if the phone was gripped in a way that covered the integrated antenna. Apple’s reaction was to hold a press conference 22 days after the iPhone release, hosted by Steve Jobs, who confirmed the iPhone 4 issue (and mentioned the same issue was present on competitor phones), presented several customer purchasing and phone performance statistics, and then offered this iPhone 4 bumper case (in black) to customers for free via an app. The press conference was held on July 16, 2010, and cases began shipping in 3 weeks. Customers who had already purchased the iPhone 4 Bumper Case via credit card were given a refund.

In addition to black, Apple offered this case in orange, blue, pink, green, white, dark gray, and later, (PRODUCT)RED.

Sources: MacWorld (case program, review), PCWorld, AppleInsider

Apple Pro Mouse (original, unopened, M5769, 2000)

The Apple Pro Mouse was introduced in 2000 along with the G4 Cube. This mouse dropped the rubber ball used for tracking in all previous Apple mouse designs and replaced it with a solid-state LED optical sensor. The design of the mouse appeared to have no buttons, but the entire mouse surface allowed for a single click. The shape of the mouse was an an elongated rectangle with two round sides (replacing the previous round design).

The surface of this mouse was crystal clear acrylic with a base insert in black that matched the keyboard that shipped with it.

The Apple Pro Mouse also included a ring to allow for three different click force settings on the underside of the mouse.

Source: Wikipedia.com

Apple Pro Mouse (original, M5769, 2000)

The Apple Pro Mouse was introduced in 2000 along with the G4 Cube. This mouse dropped the rubber ball used for tracking in all previous Apple mouse designs and replaced it with a solid-state LED optical sensor. The design of the mouse appeared to feature no buttons, but the entire mouse surface allowed for a single click. The shape of the mouse was an an elongated rectangle with two round sides (replacing the previous round design).

The surface of this mouse was crystal clear acrylic with a base insert in black that matched the keyboard that shipped with it. The original translucent gray/silver cable was less rugged than the mouse with a white cable that replaced it in 2003. Both examples are shown below.

The Apple Pro Mouse also included a ring to allow for three different click force settings on the underside of the mouse.

Source: Wikipedia.com

Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) Mouse II (M2706, 1993)

The Apple Desktop Bus Mouse II transformed the angular blocky designs to a curved teardrop shape. This basic shape is still used in mouse designs today by Apple and others. This mouse was included with Macintosh computers from 1993–1998 when the original iMac was introduced.

The Apple Desktop Bus Mouse II matched the platinum gray color of Macintosh computers at the time. However, a black version of this mouse was included with the Macintosh TV and the Performa 5420 (sold only in Europe and Asia).

Four different variations of the Apple Desktop Bus II Mouse are in my collection. The three platinum gray color versions have different color trackballs, and one has no label (with the product numbers cast directly into the plastic). The fourth example is the black Apple Desktop Bus II Mouse included with the Macintosh TV.

Source: Wikipedia.com

Apple Watch (original, 42 mm, silver stainless steel with black leather loop, 2015) and Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock

On September 9, 2014, Apple announced the Apple Watch and called it its “most personal device ever—featuring revolutionary new technologies and a pioneering user interface with a beautiful design.” The Watch debuted the Digital Crown that Apple described as the “most revolutionary navigation tool since the iPod Click Wheel and iPhone Multi-Touch.”

The original Apple Watch required that the user pair it with an iPhone 5 or later and carry the iPhone 5 to access all of the Watch’s functions.

The original stainless steel Apple Watch models were sold in ten configurations:

  • silver stainless steel body with white Sport Band
  • silver stainless steel body with black Sport Band
  • silver stainless steel body with black classic buckle leather band
  • silver stainless steel body with Milanese loop
  • silver stainless steel body with black leather loop
  • silver stainless steel body with bright blue leather Loop
  • silver stainless steel body with stone leather loop
  • silver stainless steel body with light brown leather loop
  • silver stainless steel body with stainless steel link bracelet
  • space black stainless steel body with space black stainless steel link bracelet

In addition to the Digital Crown, the original Apple Watch had a Retina display with Force Touch capability. The 42 mm Apple Watch featured a 312×390 display with a protective sapphire crystal layer with a zirconia ceramic back and sapphire crystal lenses that connected to the wireless charger.

My original stainless steel Apple Watch was boxed with a black classic buckle leather band, but the Apple Store allowed me to swap the band for a black leather loop band because the classic buckle did not fit my wrist.

Also pictured is the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, a 4.1-inch diameter charging pad for the Apple Watch that uses the same inductive charging connector that comes with Apple Watch. According to Apple, “you can charge your Apple Watch in a flat position with its band open, or on its side. When docked on its side, your watch automatically goes into Nightstand mode, so you can also use it as your alarm clock.”

Sources: EveryMac.com, Apple.com (announcement, charging dock)

Apple Watch Series 3 Nike+ (42mm, silver aluminum case with Bright Crimson/Black Nike Sport Band, 2017)

The Apple Watch Series 3 models had a faster processor and added GPS, a barometric altimeter, and Siri support. This Apple Watch Series 3 is a Nike+ 42 mm model that included GPS and cellular capabilities in United States/Canada, allowing it to send and receive phone calls and access the Internet without an iPhone. This was the first Apple Watch series with this capability. The cellular Apple Watch Series 3 models added a red dot to the Digital Crown.

This Apple Watch had a 312×390 OLED screen and included exclusive Nike watch faces, a built-in Nike+ Run Club app, and audio guided runs featuring the voice of a Nike+ Run Club coach.

Four different options were available for this specific Apple Watch Series 3 Nike+ cellular model:

  • silver aluminum case with Pure Platinum/Black Nike Sport Band
  • space gray aluminum case with Anthracite/Black Nike Sport Band
  • silver aluminum case with Bright Crimson/Black Nike Sport Band
  • space gray aluminum case with a Black/Pure Platinum Nike Sport Loop

This Watch is the silver aluminum case with Bright Crimson/Black Nike Sport Band.

Source: EveryMac.com