Happy Birthday, Apple! (Continuous Updating)

Let the festivities begin!

It's been 30 years. From a company begun by two college dropouts, it has blossomed into a multi-billion dollar corporation responsible for the most wonderful of technological feats. I'll spare you the public history of Apple and provide a more personal one.

My first mac was a Performa 6360. My dad got it after having problems with DOS and his pc. It was a good machine, but complaints were definitely to be had. After a few years with it, I received a green iMac G3 250mhz for my birthday. I still have it. It was a excellent machine and great for the Apple image. Remember the 5 color iMacs? Whoever designed Apple's most hated gadget - the "hockey puck" mouse should have been slapped. In 2002, I bought the swivelhead iMac G4 800mhz. I went top of the line with it - superdrive and 60gb hard drive. It still functions as my primary computer and music server. In 2004, before heading off on two week tour of Korea, I purchased an iBook 800mhz as a secondary, and sacrificial computer. It was a hell of a deal for just $650. The iBook may be my secondary (due to speed and HD space), but I use it significantly more than the iMac due to school. My next computer will most likely be an Intel Core Duo Mac mini. I have plans to set up a HiFi media center, blowing tons of money on something that will be technologically outdated in only a few years.

Apple has not only blessed me with computers, but gadgets as well. I own a 3rd generation iPod. Few have seen these 15gb wonders. They are the ones with the four buttons on the top - no clickwheel. I love it though. Over the last two years, I have become an audiophile and spent too much money to mention on just a $300 music player. Because (like the hockey puck mouse) Apple failed in its accessories, I had to buy a new set of headphones. The er6i by Etymotic Research are the earphones of choice for me and other spendthrifty audiophiles.

My obsession has also exited the bedroom/office and entered the public arena. A few years ago, I went with my dad to see the "Woz," Steve Wozniac at NKU. The man is amazing. I have sported a green Apple watch (to match my gumdrop iMac), I have a black Apple tshirt, and last Christmas, I received an Apple ballcap which I don't leave home without. The future doesn't look good for a recession of obsession. An Apple tattoo would look mighty fine on my right forearm.

There are a few turning points in Apple's history that really bring back good memories for me - where I just gazed in awe at their magnificence:

Mac OS 8
Mac OS 8.5
Mac OS X (I hated it at first, but now refuse to use OS 9, even to play my
favorite oldschool games.)
The gumdrop iMac (multi-color)
Swivelhead iMac (What other computer can stick it's tongue out at
you?)
3rd Gen. iPod
iPod nano
iTunes
30" Cinema Display
MacBook Pro

Consider browsing the links below to kill some time. Remember, ten years ago, Apple introduced the Twentieth Anniversary Mac ($7,500). What will today's celebration bring? Stay tuned for updates.

Think you're a Mac Genius? Test your skills here. (I got 7/10.)
Here's a good editorial on Apple riding high on iPod fanaticism.
Who are Apple's Heroes and Villains? Find out here. (Sculley is still a villain in my book.)
Some even made birthday cakes!
If Steve leaves Apple, what would happen? Bob Keefe speculates here.
Comics are a great way to brighten up your day. Especially if they involve geekery.
Is Apple headed for world domination? Looks like it.

UPDATE 0030 EST: It looks like there will be no 30th Anniversary iPod or a giant announcement. Back to your spontaneously scheduled blogposts.