Apple Macintosh Microcomputer

Description:

The Apple Macintosh microcomputer introduced a graphic user interface (GUI) to the Apple line of computers. The idea had originated at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center in the 1970s, but Xerox was slow to commercialize it. Apple proved far more successful when it introduced the Macintosh in January 1984, with a splashy television advertisement during the Superbowl. The original price was around $2,500.

Instead of typing out names of programs on command lines, users with a GUI could click "icons," or pictures that represented the programs they wanted to run. They could also execute functions like saving, moving, or deleting files by clicking and dragging the icons around the screen with a pointing device called a mouse. Apple's version of the mouse had a single button, which became an Apple standard. The first Macintosh, exemplified by this object, had only 128K RAM, and users quickly found this insufficient. The Macintosh 512 KB, nicknamed "Fat Mac," was introduced in September 1984. It gave users four times as much memory, and allowed them to keep several major programs open simultaneously (for an example of this machine see 1985.3011.01). The vertical processor case and 9" monochrome screen were distinguishing features of all the early Macintosh line.

The Macintosh 512 KB contained a Motorola 68000 microprocessor which ran at 8 MHz. It contained 512 KB of RAM and 64 KB of ROM and initially had a 400 KB Floppy disk drive. Applications included MacWrite, a word processor, and MacPaint, a drawing program that turned the mouse into a paintbrush. Shortly after the 512 KB appeared, Apple also introduced a LaserWriter printer, which enabled desktop publishing for individuals and small businesses. Over time, Apple computers would appeal most strongly to artists and designers, while the IBM/DOS line of computers sold better in business markets.

After selling hundreds of thousands of units, Apple discontinued the "Mac Classic" line of computers in April 1986.

Date Made: 1984

Maker: Apple Computer

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: California, Cupertino

Subject: Macintosh

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Computers, Family & Social Life, Work, Computers & Business Machines

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Apple Computer

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1985.0118.01Catalog Number: 1985.0118.01Accession Number: 1985.0118

Object Name: microcomputer

Physical Description: manufactured (overall production method/technique)plastic (overall material)metal (overall material)Measurements: overall: 13 1/2 in x 16 in x 20 in; 34.29 cm x 40.64 cm x 50.8 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a1-384c-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_334371

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.