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The Beginnings of Apple Computer

Posted by Soulskill on from the as-yet-unripe dept.

John Burek points out an article written by Stan Veit, former editor-in-chief of Computer Shopper magazine, and one of the first retailers to deal with the fledgling Apple Computer in the late 1970s. Veit describes his introduction to the Apple I and his early interactions with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak as they developed their early models. Quoting: "After Woz hooked his haywire rig up to the living-room TV, he turned it on, and there on the screen I saw a crude Breakout game in full color! Now I was really amazed. This was much better than the crude color graphics from the Cromemco Dazzler. ... 'How do you like that?' said Jobs, smiling. 'We're going to dump the Apple I and only work on the Apple II.' 'Steve,' I said, 'if you do that you will never sell another computer. You promised BASIC for the Apple I, and most dealers haven't sold the boards they bought from you. If you come out with an improved Model II they will be stuck. Put it on the back burner until you deliver on your promises.'"

6 of 181 comments (clear)

  1. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même by $RANDOMLUSER · · Score: 5, Funny

    So I called the number listed in the paperwork and asked for Steve.

    "Which one?" the young man at the other end asked.

    "The fast talker," I told him.

    "Oh, Steve Jobs. Wait a minute."

    Priceless

    --
    No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
    1. Re:Plus ça change, plus c'est la même by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      Plus ca change, plus c'est pareille.
      If you whant to lok cool using foreign language at least google it right before posting.

      And furthermore, if you want to be a pedant in regards to his French, make sure your English is accurate.

    2. Re:Plus ça change, plus c'est la même by Stormwatch · · Score: 2, Funny

      An alternative is: "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même merde".

      --
      Circumcision is child abuse.
  2. Re:Figures. by ColdWetDog · · Score: 5, Funny

    Mr. Jobs: If you're going to post on Slashdot, at least log in.

    --
    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  3. Re:Figures. by _Sprocket_ · · Score: 5, Funny

    C'mon. You think if that really was Jobs, he'd post anonymously? And miss another chance to have his name appear somewhere?

  4. Re:Interesting about Wozniak by BobReturns · · Score: 2, Funny

    My impression of Woz is that what he is at heart is an engineer.

    I get the same impression - Jobs is the 'suit' and Woz is the 'Beard'. Yes, I've been reading Stephenson again this week, so sue me.