We are talking here about a time that those under 20 cannot experience. 40 years ago, Apple revolutionized computing when it launched the Macintosh 128K. An iconic computer that would leave an indelible mark on the history of tech.
The Macintosh was not Apple’s first product, but it greatly contributed to its reputation. The brand’s first real commercial success was the Apple II, launched in 1977, which played a fundamental role in the phenomenon of democratization of personal computing. Almost ready to use as soon as you open the box, very versatile and compatible with many software programs, it radically changed the technological landscape of the time.
However, the Macintosh 128K, introduced in 1984, literally set the public and industry on fire by completely redefining the very notion of a personal computer. A look back at this explosive success in six anecdotes which depict the history of this formidable machine, key events at Apple and its flagship products, from 1984 to today.
The Macintosh 128K: a revolution in 1984
When it was released, the Macintosh 128K was a war machine. 128 kilobytes of RAM, integrated floppy disk drive, Motorola 68000 processor clocked at 7.83 MHz, a 9-inch screen (22.9 cm diagonal) with a definition of 512 points by 342 and a weight of approximately 7.5 kg.
For the first time, the public would use a computer using a graphical user interface (GUI). While most bikes of the time simply offered command line interfaces, the 128K changed everything: icons and menus appeared! The visual experience was remarkable and made the computer much friendlier to use. Technologies strongly inspired of the work of engineers working for be delivered with a mouse. It’s frankly nicer when it comes to navigating the graphical interface!
Another major innovation: its all-in-one design. The screen and the system came together in the same box. At the time, owning a computer also meant having a degree in furniture assembly as it was necessary to juggle the components: central unit, screen, keyboard and a forest of cables to untangle. With the 128K, everything has been simplified.
We will also remember the very first advertisement for the Macintosh (see video below). Directed by Ridley Scott himself and broadcast during the 1984 Super Bowl, it has become legendary. This made a very clear reference to the novel 1984 by George Orwell, presenting the Mac as a symbol of resistance to conformism. “ On January 24, Apple Computer will unveil the Macintosh. You will see why 1984 will not be like 1984. » declared the voice-over.
The Great Operating System War
The IT landscape of the 1990s was subsequently marked by a strong rivalry between Apple and Windows. One of the high points of this rivalry was the lawsuit filed by Apple against Microsoft in 1990. The company accused its competitor of having copied its graphical interface a little too closely. Even if Apple lost this trial, this event is the symptom par excellence which revealed the enormous tensions which had been established in the industry. The competition to control the personal computer market was at its peak.
This industrial war ultimately benefited consumers, as both giants worked hard to improve their two OSes: improved ease of use, more powerful and stable systems, and a wider range of supported software.
The rescue by Microsoft
The year is 1997. Apple is doing badly, very badly even. The company faces a truly dire financial situation. The main reason ? Competition from Windows PCs is causing them to lose market share in a rather impressive way. A moment of turmoil, falling right at the time of Steve Jobs’ return to the ranks of the company, which had dismissed him in 1985.
In August of the same year, the Macworld Expo was held. It was on this occasion that Steve Jobs announced a more than unexpected investment which sparked some considerable controversy. Indeed, Microsoft was going to invest $150 million in Apple to get it back on track. For Apple fans, the shock was very harsh. Microsoft was not seen as a mere competitor, but as a real antithesis of Apple’s values in terms of product design. Despite the discontent, this allowed Apple not to sink and this gesture was synonymous with a rebirth for the company.
If Microsoft reached out to its rival in this way, it is because the company also had some interests in the maneuver. Indeed, the company wanted to continue selling its Office software for Mac users. In return, Apple also made Internet Explorer the default browser on its Internet-connected computers. Give and take.
The iMac G3: the giant leap
A year later, almost to the day, Apple presents a brand new computer model which will also mark a turning point for the brand: the iMac G3. Its design was unique, at a time when gray and beige dominated the PC landscape. With its translucent case and available in several colors, the look of the G3, designed by Jonathan Ive, was a real success.
He was handsome, but he didn’t forget to be efficient. Equipped with 32MB RAM, 4GB hard drive, built-in CRT display and CD-ROM drive. It was one of the first computers to get rid of its floppy disk drive, the choice was very daring at the time. It was a success as Apple sold 278,000 copies in the first six weeks after its release. The G3 had a major influence on the computer industry, particularly the emphasis on aesthetics in PC design.
The MacBook Air: the portable revolution
In 2008, the ancestor of the MacBook Pro 16 was born, the MacBook Air. When Apple launched this brand new model, it touted it as the world’s thinnest laptop. Indeed, for the time, its thickness was very small: less than 2 cm! It was also a featherweight with only 1.3 kilos on the scale. The ultimate laptop! In terms of design, it was also solid: a completely aluminum case and impeccable finishes. The MacBook’s minimalist look irrevocably reflected Apple’s approach to product design.
Given its waspish size, the computer was also robust in its performance: 2 GB of RAM, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, with clock frequencies ranging from 1.6 to 1.8 GHz, 80 GB of HDD storage space and a superb 13.3 inch (33.8 cm) screen with a definition of 1,280 dots by 800. The MacBook Air was the first to prove that you could have a laptop at the same time. once powerful and stylish. His influence on the industry has been equally colossal, whether in terms of aesthetics or pure engineering.
These 40 years will certainly have passed at lightning speed for the people who were lucky enough to experience them. A period where IT also evolved at lightning speed. There was a before and after 1984, a before and after the Macintosh 128K. Certainly, History is not made with “ if ”, but we will still allow ourselves to circumvent this rule. If Apple and its teams had not been there, the tech landscape would have been very different. A very happy birthday to you, dear Macintosh!
4