Fun Friday: This Week in Tech History – The 1st Apple Macintosh
Where were you in 1984?
Do you remember a world where having a computer was a really big deal, and the thought of having a computer that would fit in your house was unbelievable? Most people who were born after 1984 can not imagine a world with out computers – let alone the internet, mobile devices, email, iPad, and the list goes on and on.
This week, 27 years ago in January 1984, the demo of the first Apple Macintosh by Steve Jobs, took place in front of 3000 people.
Andy Hertzfeld captured the moment quite well in his retelling:
“Pandemonium reigns as the demo completes. Steve has the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face, obviously holding back tears as he is overwhelmed by the moment. The ovation continues for at least five minutes before he quiets the crowd down.”
Can you imagine being there? It is truly amazing for me to watch this and realize just how far we have come. It sure puts the iPad into perspective!
Here is the video: (click here to view)
I wonder what we’ll be talking about in the next 20 years?
Written by: Katie Lance, Senior Marketing Manager, Inman News @katielance
Glen | Jan 28, 2011 | Reply
At the insistance of the local office supply salesman, I tried the new Macintrash w/printer for two weeks in 1984 and found that I could not even produce a useable business letter on it. I waited six more years and bought a dos machine and have never looked back!
Geordie Romer | Leavenworth WA | Jan 28, 2011 | Reply
I was probably playing with the 2nd computer my brother and I shared growing up – a Commodore 64. This was a big move up from the Vic 20. It had floppy discs instead of cassette tapes and graphics instead of just text games.
Brad Officer | Jan 28, 2011 | Reply
Steve knows how to market!
Chris | Jan 28, 2011 | Reply
Too funny, I used to love playing Qbert on my Commodore 64.
I also remembering playing one of the first multi-player boxing video games on Intellivision, complete with hand-held paddles.
Ahhhh the good old days!
MH for Movoto | Jan 28, 2011 | Reply
That is really amazing. i was born in 1986, and i’ve never seen this. thanks so much for posting!
Alex Cortez | Jan 28, 2011 | Reply
In 20 years maybe we won’t remember what life was like without hover vehicles. Man, Steve has done a tremendous job (no pun intended) in bring Apple to the forefront of technology.
Katie Lance | Jan 29, 2011 | Reply
Glen – Wow! I’m sure they still had a lot of bugs to work out with the 1st machine. Have you bought a Mac since>
Geordie – HA! I remember those too! Good memories
Brad – He sure does – he did in 1984 and he does today too!
Chris – That’s right – good old days! I remember those games too!
MH – You are welcome! I had never seen it either and thought everyone would really enjoy it. Steve Jobs looked so young!
Alex – So true – and I can’t wait until I get my hover vehicle!!
Thanks everyone!
Katie
Dave Kinkade | Jan 29, 2011 | Reply
While the first Macintosh wasn’t much to marvel at back in the early days (I was rockin’ the Tandy TRS 80, myself at that time) but they sure knew how to market. Remember their killer ‘1984′-themed superbowl advertisement? Come to think of it, Steve Jobs has always had a way of being a technological pied piper. The guy could sell ice to Eskimos.
Katie Lance | Feb 3, 2011 | Reply
Dave – yes he could!! Thanks for leaving a comment!
Katie
Erin Bohner | Feb 10, 2011 | Reply
Just looking at the floppy disk slot makes me cringe. We have come a long way…. to the cloud Alice.