I thought I’d get an AirTag seeing as we’re off to Italy in May, and the car is bound to get stolen. Haven’t seen one in the flesh and as usual it’s very nicely packaged with more leaflets than even the nerdiest nerd requires. The phone saw it straight away, I gave it a name and a twee little car icon and that was that. All set up and ready for Find My to do its trick when the time comes. Bought a cheapo key tag for it so I can put it in to protect it while neatly hidden in the car.
CUPERTINO, Calif., January 24, 1984–Apple Computer today unveiled its much-anticipated Macintosh computer, a sophisticated, affordably priced personal computer designed for business people, professionals and students in a broad range of fields. Macintosh is available in all dealerships now. Based on the advanced, 32-bit architecture developed for Apple’s Lisa computer, Macintosh combines extraordinary computing power with exceptional ease of use–in a unit that is smaller and lighter than most transportable computers. The suggested retail price for Macintosh is $2,495, which during the introductory period also includes a word-processing program and graphics package.
Macintosh, along with three powerful new Lisa 2 computers, forms the basis of the Apple 32 SuperMicro family of computers. All systems in the family run Macintosh software.
Like Apple’s ground-breaking Lisa computer, Macintosh uses its built-in user-interface software and high-resolution display to simulate the actual desk-top working environment–complete with built-in notepads, file folders, a calculator and other office tools. Every Macintosh computer contains 64 kilobytes of read-only memory (ROM), built-in Lisa Technology and 128 kilobytes of random-access memory (RAM) that support these desk-top tools.
Users tell Macintosh what to do simply by moving a “mouse”–a small pointing device–to select among functions listed in menus and represented by pictorial symbols on the screen. Users are no longer forced to memorize the numerous and confusing keyboard commands of conventional computers. The result is radical ease of use and a significant reduction in learning time. In effect, the Macintosh is a desk-top appliance offering users increased utility and creativity with simplicity.
“We believe that Lisa Technology represents the future direction of all personal computers,” said Steven P. Jobs, Chairman of the Board of Apple. “Macintosh makes this technology available for the first time to a broad audience–at a price and size unavailable from any other manufacturer. By virtue of the large amount of software written for them, the Apple II and the IBM PC became the personal-computer industry’s first two standards. We expect Macintosh to become the third industry standard.”
A wide range of software applications will be supplied by leading independent software companies. Currently, more than 100 companies are developing software and hardware peripheral devices for Macintosh. The popular Lotus 1-2-3 integrated business package will be available in a Macintosh version, and Microsoft’s Multiplan financial-planning application is available immediately.
Two Macintosh application programs–one for word processing and one for graphics–also are available from Apple immediately and will be offered at no charge to anyone purchasing Macintosh during the first 100 days after introduction. These software packages will be followed by communications software, business productivity tools and programming languages that will allow Macintosh to gain access to data from large mainframe computers.
Twenty-four of the nation’s leading universities, such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Yale, have joined forces with Apple to plan and implement personal-computer applications over the next few years. (See accompanying Apple University Consortium press release.) Under terms of the new Apple University Consortium, each member expects to purchase more than $2 million of Apple products (mostly Macintosh computers) over the next three years for use by faculty and students. Members of the consortium may share courseware (educational software) and application developments with one another in accordance with the agreement.
The prestigious accounting firm of Peat, Marwick Mitchell and Co. has ordered more than 2,000 Macintosh computers to be delivered in 1984.
Based on these commitments, Apple expects demand to exceed supply for several months.
Apple is manufacturing the new computers in a recently opened, highly automated factory in Fremont, California, which is capable of producing one system every 27 seconds and therefore meeting what is expected to be a large demand.
Macintosh is aimed at a broad group of business people, professionals and college students. These people perform tasks that are similar in one important respect: they all involve working at a desk and transforming information and ideas into memos, reports, budgets, plans and analyses.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that while there are 25 million of these “knowledge workers” in the United States alone, only 5 percent currently use desk-top computers. Apple market research indicates that the majority are unable or unwilling to invest the 20 to 40 hours it takes to master conventional computers and the additional three to 10 hours’ learning time required for each new application program.
Macintosh, by contrast, typically takes only a few hours to learn. Its operation mirrors the activities that are carried on by people at their desks. Papers can be shuffled on screen, documents revised or discarded, charts drawn–all with a few simple commands executed with the mouse. Several documents can be displayed on screen simultaneously, in “windows” that can be moved, expanded or shrunk. All applications, from financial-planning tools to graphics programs, are based on the same set of intuitive operations. This means that numbers, words and pictures can be easily .. cut” from memos, charts or graphs and “pasted” into other documents–even those created in separate application programs produced by different software companies.
“Macintosh easily fits on a desk, both in terms of its style of operation and its physical design,” said Jobs. “It takes up about the same amount of desk space as a piece of paper. With Macintosh, the computer is an aid to spontaneity and originality, not an obstacle. It allows ideas and relationships to be viewed in new ways. Macintosh enhances not just productivity, but also creativity.”
According to industry analyst Jean Yates, of Yates Ventures in Palo Alto, California, worldwide sales of Macintosh could total 350,000 units this year, with 70 percent of sales going to businesses, 20 percent to colleges and universities and 10 percent to home users. Many office users are expected to carry Macintosh computers home for work, and this is expected to fuel home sales as family members and others are exposed to the computer.
Aaron Goldberg, of International Data Corp., (IDC), in Santa Clara, California, said, “There’s no doubt Apple has a winner with this product. The market has been waiting for this combination of technology, ease of operation and price.”
Apple expects 90 percent of all Macintosh software to come from independent software vendors. Among the prominent companies working on Macintosh applications are Microsoft Corp., Lotus Development, and Software Publishing Corp. (See list attached to software-support press release.)
Apple is supporting these efforts by providing independent software vendors with Macintosh computers and comprehensive open-architecture programming documentation, classes and other development support from Apple representatives. Apple foresees at least 500 software packages available for Macintosh by the end of 1984, including productivity applications, communications packages, educational tools, specialized applications (such as accounting packages) and games.
Apple is currently providing two application programs for the Macintosh: MacWrite and MacPaint. MacWrite is a versatile word-processing program that features multiple fonts and font sizes, search-and-replace functions and the ability to cut text and pictures from other programs and paste them into memos or reports. MacPaint is a powerful illustration graphics program. Users can choose from an array of tools, such as brushes, pencils and erasers, and a large selection of textures and shapes to create an endless variety of free-form and structured images.
Programs to be released by Apple in 1984 include–for the first quarter–MacTerminal, which allows Macintosh to emulate DEC VT 100, VT 52, TTY and, with AppleLine, IBM 3277 and 3278 terminals for access to a variety of text) and is protected by a tough plastic case. Apple’s new Lisa 2 series of computers also use the 3 1/2-inch disk drive, enabling the Lisas to run Macintosh programs.
Macintosh has two RS 232C/RS 422 serial ports for attaching a printer and peripheral communications devices such as a modem; another port for connecting an optional external disk drive; and an audio system that has a range of more than 12 octaves, is capable of producing polyphonic pitches and can replicate human speech. In addition, Apple is developing the AppleBus point-to-point interconnect system for all Apple computers, which will allow Macintosh computers to communicate with each other, peripheral devices and other Apple computers linked together. The hardware interface for AppleBus is built into every Macintosh and Lisa computer system.
A number of Macintosh accessories and peripheral devices are available now: The Apple Imagewriter printer for high-quality text and graphics; an accountant-style numeric keypad; the Macintosh carrying case; a disk pack of ten 3 1/2-inch diskettes; and the Apple telephone modem, with data transmission rates of 1,200 or 300 baud. Another peripheral, AppleLine, allows Macintosh to emulate IBM 3277 and 3278 mainframe computers. An external disk drive and a security kit, which locks Macintosh and keyboard to a table or desk will be available in March 1984.
Apple estimates that initially 85 percent of Macintosh sales will be made through retail channels, with direct sales making up the remainder. The Macintosh will be sold through Apple’s 3,000 authorized dealers worldwide.
To aid in its sales support, Apple has initiated an “Own-a-Mac” program. This program offers incentive discounts to sales personnel to encourage their purchasing a Macintosh computer. In this way sales staff will fully understand product features and application programs.
Designed to be marketed internationally, Macintosh uses no English language in or on the machine. Icons depict the functions of the keys, controls, ports and servicing instructions. The Macintosh ROM contains no English code, making it easy for a translator to adapt the software for use in any language. This can be accomplished within a few hours. once the keyboard has been changed, any translator can create a “localized” version of the machine. The translator need not be familiar with programming. Localized versions of the Macintosh will be shipped to the United Kingdom, France, West Germany, Italy and Australia within three months of introduction, and to other countries within a year.
Macintosh was designed from the start to be built in the millions to meet the anticipated high demand. To that end, Apple is manufacturing the product in a specially designed $20-million facility in Fremont, California. This highly automated factory can produce one system every 27 seconds. Under terms of a “zero-defect” agreement, Apple’s component suppliers will test parts according to Apple’s specifications before delivery to the Macintosh factory.
Service for Macintosh will be coordinated through Apple’s conventional channels, which include Apple dealers and the more than 300 RCA service centers nationwide. Macintosh was designed for simple servicing: the system is composed of only four modules, each of which can be easily replaced in the event of failure.
The basic Macintosh package will have a suggested retail price of $2,495 and will include the main unit, keyboard and a mouse. The package also comes with an accessory box that contains the system disk; “A Guided Tour of Macintosh,” a learning disk and cassette tape; a blank disk; a power cord; an owner’s manual; and a programmer’s switch.
A host of peripherals and accessories will be available for the Macintosh computer from Apple and will have suggested retail prices as follows:
Imagewriter printer $595 ($495 if purchased with Macintosh)
Numeric Keypad $129
Modem 300 $225
Modem 1200 $495
Carrying Case $99
3 1/2-inch disk box (10 disks) $49
MacWrite/MacPaint $195 (included free with each Macintosh during the introductory period)
External Drive $495
Astonishing to think that 25 years after its release, I was given a Macintosh complete with some of the peripherals listed above, namely the printer, carrying case and a whole heap of disks and manuals, all originally valued at $3,089.
Back in the late 1990’s I started to collect manuals which I found online. They would become invaluable to me in later years as I would often refer to them to work out how stuff worked and how it could potentially be repaired. Now, having sifted through 30-odd DVD-ROM’s full of files (finding some hopelessly awful photos of oneself on the way), I’ve decide to put these manuals and service files out there for anyone who wants them. The list is below, and if you want anything, then please get in tough through the website and I’ll send them on. In time I will probably stick them on some cloud space and let you help yourselves. All files PDF unless stated. STILL UPDATING THE LIST – MORE TO COME!
Apple Manuals & Guides
Electronics Projects
Electronic Soundmaker & Computer Music (ES&CM) Cover Cassette Audio Files
Synthesiser & Drum Machines Manuals & Service Guides
Vintage Computer Manuals & Sheets
Vintage Mobile Phone Manuals & Sheets
Vintage Toy & Game Manuals & Sheets
Well, I kept it in the box overnight expecting clear blue skies and sunshine this morning ready for my unboxing photos. Sadly, the skies were as grey as a tramp’s vest so I’ve taken the pics anyway; apologies if they’re not all that great. Taken with my old iPhone 11 Pro Max which is going back to Apple in a trade-in.
I went for the basic 128GB Pacific Blue 13 Pro. I found the Max phones were a little too ‘max’ as far as the size of the thing was concerned. I was always a little conscious of it being too wobbly when holding it, and all it would take was an errant child or prannet on a eScooter to send it flying. I complemented the phone with an orange (brown, apparently) Apple charging case (even though the phone charges wirelessly without one), and some cheapo screen protectors off Amazon.
The 13 Pro is finished in four different colours. The base model now starts at 128GB and for the first time comes with a 1TB option. It has a 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion and has an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The A15 Bionic chip has a 6-Core CPU and 5-Core GPU and 16-Core Neural Engine. The Pro 12MP camera system sports Telephone, Wide and UltraWide cameras. 3x Optical Zoom In, 2x Optical Zoom Out and 6x Optical Zoom Range, plus Digital Zoom of up to 15x. Night Mode portraits are enhanced with a LiDAR Scanner. Telephone and Wide Cameras have image stabilisation. HDR video recording possible up to 4K at 30fps.
The box is over half the thickness of the 11 Pro Max, mostly thanks to having nothing in there save for the phone and a USB-C to Lightning Cable. They’ve done away with the plug and headphones because, let’s face it, who already doesn’t have a drawer full of these things? The boxes don’t even come shrink wrapped anymore, but you do still get a small white Apple sticker and a SIM tool.
The phone feels lovely and compact without appearing too small. The Apple charging case is very nice with a good grippy feel. The phone itself runs smooth as custard and setting up and importing the old iCloud backup was quick and easy. The only downer is that you then need to log back into everything when the apps have finished installing (banking apps are the absolute worst).
If I am going to gripe about anything it’s the fact the camera system STILL wants to enhance your pictures when you’ve taken them, giving them a too-sharp quality which absolutely stinks, and I CANNOT find a way of switching this off. I may need to get online to Apple as part of my limited support coverage to see what I can do in this respect.
I’d recommend getting some kind of AppleCare if you’re gonna get a new Apple product. The phone has two different AppleCares which is an option that presents itself when you’ve set up the device, and I wasted no time whatsoever signing up for the full cover.
I’ll add some picture quality examples soon … when and if the sun ever comes out again.
Casio seem to be bringing out a number of retro digital watches, probably as part of some anniversary (40th?). I prompted for a bright orange number that reminds me of the new Apple iMacs which I so desperately need (donors appreciated!).
The watches are just as I remember them from years ago. The buttons are still tiny and springy, the illumination lamp is still a timid puce-green effort, and other than this particular model having quite a short strap and being quite small overall (“men’s watch”, my arse) everything is absolutely identical. They’ve skimped on the plastic box (removing it altogether and housing it in a plastic bag inside a two-part cardboard box).
But I love it. Now, bring on that matching iMac.
Furloughed AGAIN. Lost count of how many times that is – three, maybe four. Still, gives me more breathing space, less anxiety and time to stick everything on eBay and continue with the ‘master plan’.
Musically, nothing’s been happening. Still find Reason bloody annoying with timings and shit, but maybe if I was the kind of person who paid attention to manuals and forums and stuff, I wouldn’t be in such a predicament.
My 2011 MacBook Pro died with a month left on the 2-year warranty that CEX gave me. Obviously they couldn’t repair the old one but came up trumps with a 2012 model which is a billion times faster and will cater for all my daily needs quite admirably. Had to bung an SSD in it and some more RAM, and even though it’s nine years old now (and somehow not quite vintage or obsolete according to Apple), it’s the newest Mac I’ve ever owned! We just came back from a few days away in Kent where I found a small indie Apple store, and in the window was the most amazing array of vintage Apple items you could ever wish to find (see below).
The image really doesn’t do it justice. Mac Classics, iPods, the G4 Cube, iMac – hell, even a couple of original iPhones. I was too scared and too sad to go in and inquire. I’m pretty sure none of this stuff was for sale, and a mad trawl through their website seemed to confirm my suspicions. Damn, I really wanted one of those iPhones!
The getaway was very nice. A bittersweet return to the place I was born and spent nearly half my life. The astonishing thing is that very little has changed. A few more closed shops, granted, and a lot of rough sleepers, and there were one or two improvements, but everything was as I remember it. Had some nice food and beach walks, and came home with some nice memories and a nasty sunburn.
I guess I’d better get back to eBay now, although I do need to pop out and get water as the store where we get our food delivered from decided not to send any. I mean, it’s only gonna be 30C today, so we may need a drop or two.
Take care of yourselves. It’s nice to be back ….
It’s taken a while, and although I’ve loved my iPhone 7 Plus, upgrade time has finally come around. Now I know there are gonna be two or three new iPhones next week, but the monthly charge of those on a UK cellphone contract would have been astronomical. Made perfect sense to upgrade to an X now (skipping the 8 completely), and then in between one and two years’ time, I have the option of upgrading for free (again) to whatever is the latest phone at that particular time.
I unboxed the phone this morning, but I don’t want to use it yet as I’m still waiting for a soft cover to arrived for it, so I haven’t even switched it on yet! As usual, you can click on each picture a couple of times for a larger image. I’ve edited them in Photoshop to make the physical file size a lot smaller. Also airbrushed out a lot of anomalies. The pics were taken with my old iPhone 7 Plus, which is currently on eBay until tomorrow.
It’s always a pleasure to get to unbox a new Apple product. This time it’s a pair of the latest AirPods. As usual, the attention to detail in the packing is as startling as the item itself. There seems to be something oh-so satisfying about unwrapping that shrink-wrap that encases the box. The AirPods need no further explanation: enjoy the pictures and remember to click on the images for a larger view.
BeatsX by Dre, Model A1763. Black/ZML. Manufactured February 2017.
Wireless earphones with soft carry case, USB-Lightning Charging Cable, Rubber earcaps. Wireless Bluetooth; Up to 8 hours’ wireless play; Removeable wingtips; 5 minute charge gives 2 hours’ play; Flex-form cable to control music and manage calls.
TechBeach 
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