40 Years of Innovation: Celebrating the Apple Macintosh Birthday
January 24th marks a significant milestone in the world of technology – the 40th anniversary of the release of the Apple Macintosh computer. To commemorate this occasion, the Fondation Folon has shared an intriguing anecdote about a long-forgotten project that Steve Jobs once commissioned. The story revolves around Mr. Macintosh, also known as Mac Man, an illustrated character designed by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon.
The Concept of Mr. Macintosh
In 1982, Andy Hertzfeld, one of the original Mac designers, recalled a conversation with Steve Jobs where he discussed the idea of creating an animated character that would inhabit every Macintosh machine. This enigmatic figure was meant to surprise and delight users by popping up unexpectedly, leaving them wondering whether they had actually seen it or not.
The Collaboration with Jean-Michel Folon
It wasn’t until a few months later, in 1982, that Steve Jobs met with Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. The software team at Apple was overwhelmed with work, and the project to implement Mr. Macintosh was put on hold temporarily. However, after meeting Folon, Jobs saw an opportunity to bring this unique concept to life.
The Project’s Demise
Although the collaboration between Folon and Apple seemed promising, the project ultimately fell through due to limitations in ROM (Read-Only Memory), disk space, and development time. Despite this setback, it is fascinating to note that Folon was deeply fascinated by the embryonic Macintosh machine he saw during his 1982 visit to Cupertino.
Collectible Items: A Glimpse into Apple’s Past
Although the Mr. Macintosh project never came to fruition, its legacy lives on through various collectibles. Some rare items include:
- Folon-designed buttons: Given away at trade shows, these buttons feature illustrations from Folon’s sketches.
- Mac poster: A promotional poster showcasing Folon’s artwork for the Macintosh computer.
- Letter between Steve Jobs and Jean-Michel Folon: This letter reveals a friendly exchange between the two individuals after the project was abandoned.
Digging Through Apple’s History
For those interested in exploring more of Apple’s history, consider searching online archives or visiting the Digibarn Computer Museum. Some intriguing items include:
- Original Mac circuit board: A rare find featuring Folon’s Mac Man emblazoned next to the copyright notice.
- Other collectibles and memorabilia: From buttons and posters to letters and sketches, these artifacts offer a glimpse into Apple’s innovative past.
As we celebrate 40 years of innovation with the Apple Macintosh, it is clear that its legacy extends far beyond the technology itself. The story of Mr. Macintosh serves as a reminder of the creative risks taken by pioneers like Steve Jobs and the artists who contributed to the evolution of personal computing.
