Upgrade
496: 40th Anniversary of the Mac Draft
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The PowerBook G4 12-inch was a compact and powerful laptop that revolutionized portable computing with its comprehensive features.
- Safari set a new standard for web browsing with its fast rendering, superior user interface, and advanced features, making it a true Mac app.
- The Apple Extended Keyboard remains a favorite Mac accessory due to its comfortable feel, durable design, and compatibility with various Mac models.
- The Apple Multi-Touch Trackpad transformed user interaction with Macs by providing intuitive navigation, customizable features, and seamless integration with macOS.
Deep dives
The PowerBook G4 12-inch
The PowerBook G4 12-inch was a compact and powerful laptop that had all the features users needed, including Wi-Fi and an optical drive.
Safari
Safari revolutionized web browsing and set the standard for other browsers. It was a true Mac app with fast rendering, superior user interface, and advanced features.
The Apple Extended Keyboard is a beloved Mac accessory
The Apple Extended Keyboard is a popular Mac accessory due to its comfortable feel and long-lasting durability. Despite being an older model, it continues to be a favorite among Mac users. Its design allows for easy typing with its responsive keys, and its extended layout provides additional functionality and convenience. The keyboard's compatibility with various Mac models and its ability to connect via ADB adapters make it a versatile accessory for many users.
The Apple Multi-Touch Trackpad is a game-changer
The Apple Multi-Touch Trackpad revolutionized the way users interact with their Macs. Its glass surface and support for multi-touch gestures allow for intuitive navigation and control. The trackpad's customizable features and seamless integration with macOS make it a highly appreciated accessory. It provides users with precise cursor control, smooth scrolling, and quick access to various functions and shortcuts. Its ability to adapt to different applications and provide a consistent user experience further enhances its appeal.
The Apple Cinema Display set the standard for large, flat panel displays
The original Apple Cinema Display made a significant impact by introducing a large, flat panel LCD display for Mac users. With its luxurious design, clear plastic feet, and impressive 22-inch screen, it delivered a sense of elegance and futurism. This sleek display provided a sharp and vibrant viewing experience, and its innovative design garnered praise from both enthusiasts and non-tech-savvy individuals. The Apple Cinema Display marked a turning point in the industry, setting a new standard for large displays and paving the way for future advancements in display technology.
The Mac G4 Cube showcased incredible design and engineering
The Mac G4 Cube stands out as an iconic and innovative Mac accessory, thanks to its remarkable design and engineering. Its distinctive cube shape and clear plastic enclosure brought a sense of style and sophistication to the desktop. The G4 Cube offered a unique cooling design with its convection-cooled case, eliminating the need for noisy fans. While the Cube had a short lifespan, it remains a collector's item and a testament to Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.
The Mac Pro 2013 and the Failed Promise of the G5
The podcast discusses the disappointment of the Mac Pro 2013 and how it failed to deliver on the promised G5 chip. Steve Jobs had announced a future G5 chip that would run at three gigahertz, but IBM could not deliver on this promise. This led to the end of the power pc alliance, Apple's relationship with IBM, and the subsequent transition to Intel. While the G5 never made it to a laptop and the transition was challenging, it ultimately allowed the Mac to reach parity with Intel-based PCs and attract a new generation of switchers.
The Troubled Butterfly Keyboard Era
The podcast explores the issues with Apple's butterfly keyboard introduced in the 2015 MacBook and later used in other MacBook models. Despite Apple's attempt to make a more compact and thin keyboard, it proved to be highly unreliable, with keys sticking or failing to respond. The keyboard's shallow travel and lack of durability led to widespread dissatisfaction among users and reputational damage for Apple. The keyboard issues persisted throughout several generations until the return of scissor switches in the Apple Silicon Macs. The butterfly keyboard era represents a pivotal moment of discontent around Apple's product design.
Celebrating 40 years of the Mac, we've gathered an all-star panel of longtime Mac users to pick the best Macs, Mac software, and Mac accessories, as well as induct a few events or devices into the Mac Hall of Shame.
This episode of Upgrade is sponsored by:
- Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
- DeleteMe: Remove your personal info from data brokers. Get 20% off your plan when you use this link and code UPGRADE20.
- Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UPGRADE.
Guest Starring:
Dan Moren, John Gruber, John Siracusa, Shelly Brisbin, and Stephen Hackett
Links and Show Notes:
Get Upgrade+. More content, no ads.
Submit Feedback
Mac (computer) - Wikipedia
20 Macs for 2020 - Relay FM
The best Mac ever | Macworld
The iMac G3 Project – 512 Pixels
How the iMac saved Apple - The Verge
BBEdit
FileMaker - Wikipedia
tinkerBOY
'The Green Button'
A Tour of Apple’s External (LCD) Displays – 512 Pixels
PowerBook 5300, a Compromised Mac | Low End Mac
Some of Apple’s lemons – 512 Pixels
20 Macs for 2020: #17 – PowerBook 500 & 5300 – Six Colors
The Macintosh TV was a cul de sac off the road to converged video | Ars Technica
20 Macs for 2020 #9: Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh (#12) - Relay FM
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
