The Apple Macintosh computer will be 25 years old in January 2009. The new wave of computing that hit offices and schools across the country in 1984 brought on a new way to compute that has carried all technology users through a quarter century.
The Mac introduced new technology that revolutionized computer usage. Advances such as the mouse, the graphical user interface (GUI) operating system, and a smaller, encased 3.5 inch diskette were all technologies introduced by the Mac. Many of the same technologies are in use today along with many new advances made into reality by the Mac.
Apple Mac's Launch
Apple debuted the Mac during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XVIII in 1984 with an unforgettable $1.5 million commercial - considered to be a masterpiece in the advertising world.
According to Wikipedia, the commercial “used an unnamed heroine to represent the coming of the Macintosh as a means of saving humanity from conformity”.
The Mac came with two software applications, MacWrite and MacPaint. Although the initial interest was high, the computer soon became labeled as too radical and more of a toy than a productive, useable computer.
Some computer enthusiasts continue to debate the role of the Mac in ‘real-world’ of computing.
Mac vs Windows Debate
The Mac is responsible for another exciting and long-lasting side to computing – the Mac versus Windows debate. Even today with cross-platforms and seamless compatibility between to the two very different file formats, Windows users continue to sneer at the Mac users.
Mac users actively counter the debate, epitomized by Windows-Mac commercials that have been airing on television over the past few years.
Some of the downfalls that plagued the Mac included slower processing speeds, non-compatible file system (Mac files were not compatible with IBM or MS DOS or some of the earlier Apple II platforms), lack of software development and the high price tag.
Advanced Technology
Regardless of which side of the debate computer users fall on, Windows users owe a great debt to Apple. Windows would not be what it is today without that Mac’s operating system developing the user-friendly, point-and-click, drag-and-drop and so much easier to use interface. Not to mention the development of that little device - that also happens to turn 25 in 2009 - the mouse.
The advanced technology that followed as improvements were made to the Mac included high resolution color graphics, photo and graphics editing software, CD and DVD combination burning devices, the wireless networking revolution, and floppy-drive-less computers. The small footprint of the first generation Macs was also revolutionary.
Today’s Mac
The Apple Mac, 25 years later, has evolved into a faster, more compatible and more universal computing machine. Macs now use Intel processors and has a Unix-based Mac OS.
Macs users can now access Windows files, edit, save and transfer back to Windows machines without compatibility issues. Macs can be set up to run Windows Vista parallel with Mac OS.
Along the way, the MacBook laptop computer was developed and has evolved into one of the lightest weight and compact laptops on the market today.
The iMac advanced the theme of all-in-one component of the earliest Macs. MacPro, Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air round out the product lines.
Macs Hold On
Although the Windows machines continue to denominate the business and professional work worlds, more and more people are adding at least one Mac to their computing technology fleets.
After surviving the technology wars for 25 years, the Apple Mac deserves its accolades because it is and always has been a great contender.
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