The Evolution of Mac...

22nd June 2006, A family of desktop and laptopin color and traditional cabinetry that accepted
computers from Apple, introduced in 1984. Whenthird-party add-in cards. In 1991, Apple surprised the
spelled Mac, short for Macintosh computer. It was theindustry by announcing an alliance with IBM to form
first computer to popularize the graphical userseveral companies that would develop hardware and
interface (GUI). The combination of Mac hardware andsoftware together. In 1994, Apple came out with its
software has been exceptionally consistent over thefirst PowerPC-based PowerMacs, which proved very
years, providing an ease of use that Mac users havepopular. Its PowerBook laptops were an instant
enjoyed.success, and all subsequent models departed from the
The combination of Mac hardware and software hasoriginal Motorola 680x0 architecture to the PowerPC.
been exceptionally consistent over the years, providingIt has watched its graphical interface copied more with
an ease of use that Mac users have enjoyed. With aeach incarnation of Windows and watched its market
Windows emulator such as Virtual PC, Macs can alsoshare drop simultaneously. In late 1994, Apple began to
run Windows and DOS applications. Since the midlicense its OS to system vendors in order to create a
1980s, it has been essentially a Mac vs. PC world forMacintosh clone industry, which pundits had been
personal computers, with Linux-based PCs gainingsuggesting for years. However, a couple of years
ground after the millennium.later, that was discontinued.
A manufacturer of desktop and laptop computers andIn 1997, Apple acquired NeXT Computer, which
the industry's most fabled story. Founded in a garagebrought Steve Jobs back to the company he founded
by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs and guided byand gave it a raft of object-oriented development
Mike Mark Kula, Apple blazed the trails for the personaltools, parts of which filtered down into the Mac OS X
computer industry. Apple was formed on April fool'soperating system.
Day in 1976. After introducing the Apple I at the PaloIn 1998, Apple introduced the iMac, a low-priced
Alto Homebrew Computer Club, 10 retail stores wereInternet-ready Mac that was the first personal
selling them by the end of the year.computer without a floppy disk. Self-contained in one
In 1977, the Apple II was introduced, a fully-assembledunit like the original Mac, Apple sold 800,000 iMacs in a
computer with 4K RAM. Its open architectureyear, making it the fastest-selling computer in its history.
encouraged third-party vendors to build plug-inApple's subsequent models, including the G4 Cube and
hardware enhancements. This, plus sound and colorTitanium portable, were in a class by themselves.
graphics, caused Apple II is to become the most widelyApple continues to offer attractive alternatives to the
used computer in the home and classroom. TheyWindows-based PC.
were also used in business primarily for the innovativeThe first Mac had only a floppy disk and 128K of
VisiCalc software that was launched on it.memory, and its "high-rise" cabinet and built-in 9"
In 1983, Apple introduced the Lisa, was aimed at themonochrome screen was unique. Maintained for a
corporate market, but was soon dropped in favor ofnumber of years and streamlined in its Classic model,
the Mac. As a graphics-based machine, the Mac wasthe high-rise gave way to more traditional cabinetry for
successful as a low-cost desktop publishing system.a while. Starting in the late 1990s, Apple returned to its
But, things were to change.roots by introducing the iMac and restoring its flair for
In 1987, the Mac II offered higher speed, larger screensunique cabinet design.