In the early days of personal computing, David Blatner’s fascination with the potential of computers designed for individuals was sparked during childhood visits to Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center in California. Riding his bicycle to the research center where his stepfather worked, Blatner had the chance to explore early personal computers like the Alto, which featured a graphical interface and a mouse. The idea of a computer designed for a single person was, in itself, mind-boggling.
Despite witnessing early iterations of personal computers, it took another decade for Blatner to acquire his own computer – the Apple Macintosh. On January 24, 1984, Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, unveiled the Macintosh to an audience of shareholders in a captivating presentation. This compact computer, named Macintosh 128K due to its 128KB of RAM, wasn’t the first personal computer, but it was undeniably the first to change the world.
Fast forward to today, and the Mac 128K is now a museum piece. Apple ceased production in October 1985, discontinuing software support in 1998. Despite its limitations, a dedicated community of enthusiasts still cherishes and uses the Mac 128K, a testament to the enduring legacy of a device that set the stage for Apple’s future innovations. While the original Macintosh may appear outdated compared to today’s technology, its impact on personal computing and the subsequent success of Apple products is immeasurable.
