Monthly Archives: May 2012

Byte reprints 1977 Woz article

As part of the 35th anniversary of the Apple II, Byte has reprinted the original 1977 Apple II system description by Woz.

You can download a PDF of the article as well. The PDF includes the accompanying Apple ad and an order form. Board-only systems started at $598, while complete systems started at $1298.00. A maxed-out 48K system (more than anyone could ever need) was a whopping $2638.00.

Lots and lots to note here, from the spelling of “Apple-II” to the way in which Woz describe the Apple device as clearly his own invention not that of a group or committee. I expect we are far past the era where any mass market computer — or perhaps any mass market electronics at all — can be so accurately described as the result of a singular vision.

Woz opens with a mandate: “To me, a personal computer should be small, reliable, convenient to use and inexpensive.” Apple’s current darling, the iPad, fits that description to a T.

Run don’t walk, this is a must-read.

RCR Episode 27: May 2012

Panelists: David Greelish (Hosting), Earl Evans and Carrington Vanston

Topics:

Books:

Old Computer Commercials:

Retro Computing Gift Ideas:

Auction Picks:

Additional Links:

Intro / Closing Song: Back to Oz by John X – link

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