Computer history: Through Pieces of Apple History

Introduction: Seeds of a Digital Journey

In the early 1970s, personal computers were still a distant curiosity, glimpsed through rare computer magazines or seen briefly in specialized shops. For many enthusiasts growing up during that pivotal era, these machines represented an entirely new world—an intriguing promise of possibilities waiting to be explored.

This post brings together documentaries that trace the remarkable journey of Apple, from its visionary founder Steve Jobs to the iconic products that defined an era. Each documentary highlights a unique aspect of this computing revolution: the birth of personal computing, the intimate relationship users developed with their machines, the visionaries behind these innovations, and the lasting impact they had on everyday lives.

These films capture more than technological evolution; they reveal how early adopters, enthusiasts, and dreamers sensed the profound potential of personal computers, often long before the mainstream fully grasped their significance. They allow us to see how individual stories are part of a much broader narrative—a story of passion, creativity, and vision that continues to shape our relationship with technology today.

Pieces of Apple History

Triumph of the Nerds (1996)

“Triumph of the Nerds” is a three-part documentary series made in 1996 by Robert X. Cringely for Channel 4 and PBS. This series chronicles the history of the personal computer revolution and the emergence of the microcomputer industry.

The series consists of three hour-long episodes:

1. “Impressing Their Friends” - covering the beginnings of personal computing
2. “Riding the Bear” - focusing on the rise of IBM and Microsoft
3. “Great Artists Steal” - exploring notably the rivalry between Apple and Microsoft

What makes this series particularly interesting is that it includes interviews with many industry pioneers, including Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Steve Wozniak, and several other important figures in personal computing history. The documentary is notable for having captured these entrepreneurs at a crucial moment in technological history, just before the Internet explosion. Robert X. Cringely, himself a former Apple employee, brings an accessible and often humorous narrative style, making complex technical concepts understandable for the general public. The series is considered an important reference for understanding the origins of the personal computer industry and its evolution up to the mid-90s. The title “Triumph of the Nerds” refers to how computer enthusiasts, often considered outsiders in the 70s, became major figures in the modern technology industry.

These three episodes are followed by a four-part series entitled ‘Nerds 2.0.1: A Brief History of the Internet’, which focuses on the rise of the Internet and its impact on society:

1. “Networking The Nerds” - explores the origins of the Internet through ARPANET and its early development within academic and military circles
2. “Serving the Suits” - documents the transition of the Internet from an academic network to a commercial platform
3. “Wiring the World” - examines the birth and explosive growth of the World Wide Web
4. “New Nerds on the Network” - follows the emergence of Internet entrepreneurs and the dot-com boom of the late 1990s

Like “Triumph of the Nerds,” the series features extensive interviews with key figures who shaped the Internet’s development. Among the interviewees are Marc Andreessen (co-founder of Netscape), Jim Clark (founder of Silicon Graphics and Netscape), Vinton Cerf (one of the “fathers of the Internet”), and many other pioneers of the digital age. The documentary captures these visionaries at a pivotal moment, during the height of the dot-com boom and just before the bubble burst in 2000. Cringely maintains his signature approachable and often humorous narrative style, making complex networking concepts and technical history accessible to general audiences. The series provides invaluable historical context for understanding how the Internet transformed from a specialized military and academic network into a global communication system that would revolutionize human society. The title “Nerds 2.0.1” cleverly combines its status as a sequel with software version numbering conventions, reflecting both its connection to the original series and its focus on the next chapter of the digital revolution: the rise of the Internet and World Wide Web. The series stands as an important historical document, having captured the excitement and optimism of the early Internet era while providing insight into the technological and cultural changes that would shape the modern digital world.

Welcom to Macintosh (2008)

“Welcome to Macintosh” (2008) is an independent documentary directed by Robert Baca and Josh Rizzo that explores the history of Apple Computer and the cultural impact of the Macintosh. The film offers an in-depth look at Apple’s history, philosophy, and lasting influence. The documentary features interviews with several important figures in Apple’s history and the computer industry, including:

• Andy Hertzfeld, original Macintosh team member
• Guy Kawasaki, former Apple Chief Evangelist
• Jim Reekes, creator of the famous Mac startup sound
• Ron Wayne, Apple co-founder who sold his shares shortly after the company’s creation

The film covers several key aspects of Apple’s history:

• The company’s origins in Steve Jobs’ garage
• The development of the original Macintosh
• The importance of design and user interface in Apple’s philosophy
• The cultural impact of Apple products and their influence on the technology industry
• The passionate community that developed around Apple products

“Welcome to Macintosh” stands out from other Apple documentaries through its independent approach and particular focus on the cultural and emotional relationship between users and their Macintosh computers. The film notably explores why Apple users often develop a special attachment to their machines, going beyond the simple use of a computer tool. The title references the iconic welcome message that appeared on the first Macintosh computers during startup, a detail that illustrates Apple’s attention to user experience from the beginning.

Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview (2012)

“Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview” is a documentary film released in 2012 that consists of a 70-minute interview with Steve Jobs conducted by Robert X. Cringely in 1995, during Jobs’ time at NeXT Computer, before his return to Apple. The interview was originally recorded for the PBS documentary series “Triumph of the Nerds” (1996), but only a small portion was used in the final series. The full interview footage was thought to be lost until a VHS copy was discovered in the director’s garage after Jobs’ death in 2011. The interview is particularly significant because it captures Jobs at a unique moment in his career - after his departure from Apple but before his triumphant return. During this candid conversation, Jobs discusses various topics including:

• His early days at Apple and the creation of the Macintosh
• His perspective on the technology industry and its future
• His bitter departure from Apple in 1985
• His thoughts on Microsoft and Bill Gates
• His vision for digital technology and personal computing
• His management philosophy and approach to product development

The interview is notable for Jobs’ candid and sometimes sharp criticisms of Apple’s then-current management and Microsoft’s approach to software development. He appears remarkably open and direct, offering insights into his thinking that weren’t often captured in other interviews. The film is valued not only for its historical significance but also for how it shows Jobs’ consistent vision for technology and design - many of the ideas he discusses would later be implemented when he returned to Apple. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of technology’s most influential figures at a pivotal moment in his career. What makes this interview particularly interesting is that it shows Jobs during what many consider his “wilderness years” - yet his characteristic passion, vision, and occasional sharp criticism of others remain fully intact. It’s considered one of the most comprehensive and revealing interviews Jobs ever gave.

Love Notes to Newton (2018)

“Love Notes to Newton” (2018) is a documentary film directed by Noah Leon that explores the history and lasting legacy of Apple’s Newton MessagePad, one of the first Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). The film was funded through a Kickstarter campaign and features contributions from Newton enthusiasts and developers worldwide.

The documentary tells the story of Apple’s innovative but ultimately discontinued device through interviews with:

• Former Apple employees who worked on the Newton project
• Developers who created software for the platform
• Dedicated users who continue to use and maintain Newton devices
• Collectors and enthusiasts who keep the Newton community alive

The film covers several key aspects of the Newton’s history:

• The development and launch of the original MessagePad in 1993
• The innovative technologies introduced by the Newton, including its revolutionary handwriting recognition
• The device’s influence on modern mobile computing and tablets
• The passionate community that continues to use and develop for the Newton
• The device’s premature discontinuation after Steve Jobs’ return to Apple in 1997

What makes this documentary particularly interesting is its focus on the dedicated community that has kept the Newton platform alive long after its official discontinuation. It showcases how enthusiasts continue to develop new software, maintain existing devices, and even create modern connections to current technology.

The title “Love Notes” is a clever play on words, referencing both the affection these users have for their devices and the Newton’s note-taking capabilities. The documentary serves not only as a historical record but also as a testament to how certain technologies can inspire lasting dedication from their users, even decades after they’ve been discontinued.

The film offers valuable insights into why some users develop deep emotional connections to certain technologies, and how communities can preserve and extend the life of abandoned platforms through dedication and ingenuity.

By way of conclusion

Through these elements of Apple’s history, we can trace the evolution of personal computing from a niche interest to a transformative force in society. These films, each offering a unique perspective on Apple’s journey, help us to understand not only the technical achievements, but also the human connections that made this revolution possible. The story they tell is both intimate and universal - from the early enthusiasts browsing computer magazines, to the developers creating new possibilities, to the visionaries who saw the potential of personal computing. It’s a story that continues to resonate because it’s not just about technology - it’s about how that technology has changed our relationship with computing and, by extension, the world around us.

If you have your own pieces of Apple history - be they documentaries, articles, personal stories … - I invite you to share them. What are your own memories of the first Apple computers? What resources have helped you understand this era? Every story adds to the picture - what’s yours?