Law Technology

Twenty-four years ago today (Jan. 24, 1984), Apple released the original Macintosh computer (pictured at right).  It was revolutionary at the time, as the Macintosh was the first commercially successful personal computer to use a mouse and a graphical user interface.  For the youngsters out there, prior to that time, computers operated via the use of text characters, i.e. typing commands instead of pointing and clicking.

Apple famously announced the Mac's arrival during a commercial aired on January 22, 1984, during Super Bowl XVIII.  That commercial pictured a woman hurling a sledgehammer at a huge "big-brother" like video screen, which represented IBM, manufacturer of the dominant computers of that time.  The video was directed by Ridley Scott, who would later become famous for major motion pictures such as Blade Runner, Gladiator, and Alien, among others.

Of course, over the last twenty-four years, there have been some ups and downs for Apple, but today many experts (including me) believe that Apple makes the best personal computer on the market today.  Apple is constantly breaking new ground with both their operating systems, software, and stunningly beautiful hardware.  As a tribute to the Mac, I have pasted the original "1984" commercial below, and I look forward to what Apple has in store for us over the next twenty-four years.