The Apple Mac is 40-years old today, having first burst onto the scene on 24 January 1984 and I don't mind admitting that I remember the original Macintosh well.
I didn't actually get to use or own a Mac until the SE arrived later that decade, but it still had a mono screen and all the compact charm of its predecessor(s).
Of course, things have moved on considerably since then, not least the price. The original Macintosh was launched for $2,495 – the equivalent of over $7,300 today, taking inflation into account. And while you can spec a Mac Pro around that amount, there are plenty of models that a far more affordable.
Processing has come on leaps and bounds, especially with the advent of Apple Silicon, which has transformed MacBook models in recent years. And while we don't quite have the beige box-shaped desktop unit today, Apple is still making beautifully designed all-in-ones in the form of the iMac.
They've just got bigger screens (24-inch in comparison with the 9-inch CRT built into the original), and a touch higher pixel counts – a mere 64.5x the resolution.
There are a few things that tie 40 years of Apple Mac computers together though – desirability and design are two. Who didn't want a late-90s iMac with its transparent case and coloured sides?
And how about the first MacBook Air that you could pack into an envelope (or so the advert claimed)? Its influence still resonates today.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Naturally, the latest MacBooks have some super neat features to go with their looks, such as fanless design and up to 22-hours of battery life. My 14-inch MacBook Pro M2 Pro rarely has to be plugged in, for example, and I generally leave it on sleep mode rather than completely shut down.
That's not something you could really contemplate five years ago, let alone 40. And it'd probably have killed my Macintosh at the time.
Still, that old machine was such a joy to use – I wrote and designed three issues of Commodore Power on it, no less – and it's great to remember it fondly as Apple celebrates the 40th anniversary of its most significant computer family.
Here's to another 40 when it'll probably gain sentience, grow legs and release its own concept album. Until then, happy birthday Mac. Now have a sit down a minute, you've earned it.
Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.
Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.
-
New Sony LinkBuds range features earbuds and a speaker with unique functions
These Olivia Rodrigo-certified audio products will stand out from the crowd
By Sam Cross Published
-
Hyperice Normatec Premier Redefines Recovery with Wireless Compression Tech
The new compression boots are far more portable and easier to use than ever before
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Apple Intelligence will add plenty to your iPhone, but also take something important away
What the right hand giveth...
By Rik Henderson Published
-
iPhone 17 tipped for upgrade Android owners have enjoyed for years
This is one rumour we can definitely get on board with
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Your iPhone 16 or 16 Pro battery should last longer, here's why
There's an increase in battery size in all iPhone 16 models
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
One of next summer's most exciting sci-fi blockbusters has been shot on an iPhone
Danny Boyle is sticking to the basics
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple finally opens up to third-party app stores, but only if you win the postcode lottery
iPads are getting a more open ecosystem in Europe
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: all four models compared – should you pre-order today?
How do the 2024 iPhone upgrades compare to what was launched last year's iPhone 15 models?
By David Nield Published
-
Apple Intelligence rollout to begin soon – here's when your iPhone will get it
Apple has announced different stages for its AI system rollout, here's when it's coming to your region
By Rik Henderson Published
-
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max – bigger, more powerful and smarter
Apple's latest Pro models are upgraded in just about every area
By Rik Henderson Published