I realize that I've been posting too many videos lately. Hopefully that's not a trend, but as the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the Apple Macintosh nears, I thought a little retrospective was in order.

First there's this article on what critics thought of the Mac when it was released. My favorite quote is from famous techno-grouch John Dvorak. He wasn't too thrilled with that needless gadget, the mouse:

The nature of the personal computer is simply not fully understood by companies like Apple (or anyone else for that matter). Apple makes the arrogant assumption of thinking that it knows what you want and need. It, unfortunately, leaves the “why” out of the equation — as in “why would I want this?” The Macintosh uses an experimental pointing device called a ‘mouse’. There is no evidence that people want to use these things. I dont want one of these new fangled devices.

Here's that great "1984"-themed commercial that aired during the '84 Superbowl:



Finally, here's Steve Jobs introducing the Mac on January 24, 1984. The oohs. ahs, and rapturous applause coming from the crowd are illustrative of how far we've come in personal computing over these past 25 years. My favorite part is when the Mac "talks" (this was actually pretty advanced stuff for personal computing in 1984).



Note: I'm not a Mac-bigot. But I do really enjoy having one.