Steve Jobs
Like most folks on the Internet I felt compelled to post some thoughts on the passing of Steve Jobs. The majority of us never met or really knew Steve but we would like to think he represented us in the halls of Apple.
The Mac was invented to be the computer for the people and even though it had a high price, the capabilities it provided me and many others was invaluable. I first saw a Mac in college and felt from that day forward this computer would be pivotal in the area of typography and desktop publishing. Plus many folks forget the Laserwriter printer was a breakthrough product providing near typeset quality text on plain paper.
The iPod, iPhone, iPad are truly great innovations, but my history with Apple (and indirectly Steve) goes back to the Mac Plus. I was a student at Purdue University and a student of graphic design. I got an ad for the Mac at the student union and took it to my Dad. My father was an early computer adopter and I felt there was a chance he could see the benefit of this device. The funny thing is my Dad saw it as a spreadsheet and number cruncher. I saw it as a cool way to make text and make a brick wall pattern. Whatever the case, we both saw the benefit and my father agreed to purchase the Mac Plus.
I wish I had it back, but I ended up donating it to a school who needed it worse than I. I already had moved on to a newer Mac and felt the old Plus needed a better home and in all honesty it was the best solution. I passed it on and like to think another kid got inspired to do something creative.
With that said, I know there are many stories like this one out there on the net. I just wanted to throw my two cents in and thank Steve and his drive for perfection to give us creative and powerful tools that at their core made our world a little better.
Thanks Steve. Rest in peace.
