The estimated reading time for this post is 0 minutes
Today is the first day that you can order an iPhone 4S in the US and six other countries. As you bide your time waiting for the Apple, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint websites to load so you can place your order, take a few minutes to remember what your first Apple device was.
Were you an early adopter, getting one of the first Apple computers? Do you remember Lisa? Did you have a MessagePad running the Newton operating system? Was an iPod your first Apple device? Or are you buying your first Apple device when you purchase a new iPhone?
Do you still have your first Apple device? Once you got an Apple device, were you ever without one? Tell us about your first Apple device in the Comments section below!
******************************************************
If you are debating getting an iPhone 4S in the US but aren’t sure which carrier and/or plan is best for you, check out this handy article, complete with a comparison chart, at TiPb: AT&T vs. Verizon vs. Sprint: Which iPhone 4S should you choose?
* Image by Charis Tsevis
My first Apple was the Apple II+ – the one that really started it all. I went all out and purchased the two external floppy drives – 143K each. I didn’t do much video then – a one hour HD video would require 27,972 floppies and you’d have to swap them every eighth of a second when watching the show!
Hi Gary, Wow, how times have changed. That’s a great argument for why people upgrade. I remember asking my computer teacher if I could fill up my IBM 386 hard drive and he said it would be impossible. He advised that no matter how much information I loaded, it would be like filling a page in a book in a library. How times have changed! There is more space on a micro SD card now than was on your external floppy drives!
Thanks for your fantastic comment, Gary!
I remember taking a drive to Cupertino in 1977 and visiting a small office there stacked with these cream-colored plastic computers. I was trying to decide which computers to buy for our soon-to-open Marin Computer Center. There were two bearded young men there eagerly giving me a demo of their Apple II. Pretty impressive! In the end, we went with the Processor Technology Sol 20 because it could do upper and lower case and the Apple II couldn’t (yet). We did buy 6 Apple II’s a couple of years late.
I forgot about that meeting for years… then realized when I remembered it again that I had met with the two Steves!
We also got a Mac Plus in 1985, and have been using them every since. I bought a hard drive for it the following year, $700 for a 20MB drive!
Hi David, Wow, how cool that you visited Apple in 1977! That must be a very special memory of meeting the two Steves. Amazing that their computers couldn’t do upper case and lower case and now they are launching phones with artificial intelligence. How far they’ve come!
Thanks so much for sharing that very special memory with us, David. 🙂
If course, in 1977, I had no idea who they were! One of those things I wish I could do over again with current knowledge intact. 🙂
But that’s part of what’s so special about the encounter, you had no idea who they were. A great lesson for life. 🙂
Absolutely!
My first apple toy was my father’s Quadra 605. Yes, I still have it, along with a couple of Classics and a few powerbooks. I have never since then been seen without a Mac for work or leisure. I don’t own an iPhone or iPad and don’t think I will. But my iPod is my third kidney.
Hi Emilio, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Wow, you have quite a history with Apple. You clearly have a strong affinity for Apple products. So, Emilio, why do you choose not to have an iPhone, if you don’t mind my asking? I’m guessing you’re not a fan of smartphones.
Thanks so much, Emilio, for your visit and intriguing comment!
My first Apple device was a Mac Mini. I had been thinking about trying Mac for a long time, but it was just to expensive to buy one. I didn’t know a single person who owned a Mac, so when the Mac Mini launched I thought that I could afford it, even if I failed to enjoy it 🙂
And I have been an Apple fan since then.
Hi Jens, I bet you know some people now who own Macs. Maybe you’re the one who started the trend! 😉 I wouldn’t be surprised.
I am beyond a late adapter; I got my son’s iPod when we got him a new one for Christmas and when that broke I found used one just like it online and bought that.
It’s not that I wouldn’t like to have all these toys, they just never seem to be that high on the ‘must have’ list if the stuff we do have seems to get us by. Remember, I the ‘I would rather win one’ kind of guy so get those contests going; especially now that you are famous in the Philadelphia Enquirer………..that is so cool.
BTW – my iPod works great……….:)
Hi Bill, Well, you’re probably not the last person on the planet to get an Apple device, so I wouldn’t worry too much about being a late adopter!
You’re very clever to get a gently used iPod. One of the great aspects of Apple releasing new devices so frequently is that there are perfectly good iPods in the resale market on eBay, Craig’s List, etc. that people sell just because they want the latest and the greatest devices.
No contests today, sorry about that! But I hope you continue to enjoy your iPod! 🙂
An iPod Nano for me – after I had got one for my son, I took a fancy to one of my one.
Got an iPod Touch these days – but never been tempted by the phones somehow.
Hi Hamish, The iPod Nano was the first device for my girls too. The Nano has changed so much over the years, I’m surprised they’re still using the same name.
That’s good you’ve never been tempted by the iPhone. Many people are tempted when they get the iPod Touch because they love the apps and want to have access to the internet on the go. (People including me!)
Thanks for sharing your device experiences with us!
Hello again Carolyn. Glad you found my comment of some use. Yes, Apple and I go way back. I even remember the first Mac i saw; it was a schoolmates’s dad’s Mac 128, waaay back when.
(Am I giving myself away here?)
My reason for not buying an iPhone is the lack of support for some of its most interesting or useful features here in Chile, where I live. Many of its apps are useless around here, making the cost of purchase that much more unjustifiable.
The iPad? well, I like to create content as much as I like to consume it, so a device centered so much around just one of these possibilities is of no real use to me. For my needs a 13″ MacBook Air is many times more useful without much more cost or weight added. I need something that can run Aperture, Photoshop and Scrivener, even if it is on a smallish screen.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Emilio
Thanks for clearing that up, Emilio. Unfortunately in some countries the functionality of the iPhone is severely limited. But I’m glad you are happy with your MacBook Air. How cool you still have your Newton.
Someday the iPhone will be considered old tech.
PS. I even have a Newton 210 buried somewhere in my office… just for kicks. 😀
Emilio
To be real honest, I never was a Mac/Apple fanboy. In fact, I was just the opposite. Back in 2004 or so, I took a audio recording class where they used Mac only. And it was hard for me to use. I used to think, why would anyone ever want to buy such a system, where you can hardly find softwares for, etc, etc.
I think it entirely changed with Mac OS X. OS X was essentially UNIX. So if you are a developer, esp a web developer, you’re better off with a Mac, because most of the web dev systems were initially written with Unix in mind (with exception of ASP.Net etc.).
I am a late adopter of Mac, but in 2007, I started wrking on Mac. Having worked on Unix, I totally loved the reclaiming of the command-tool. And then all the softwares, slowly the Mac-widgets, …. and the whole nine-yards.
I am in Silicon Valley, and if I go to a dev meetup, a conference or so, its really really hard to find a non-Mac laptop.
I have had the MacBook for 4+ yrs, and in last 4 yrs, not a single day has gone with worrying about virus or malware or spyware. I just do my work, and do not waste anytime worrying about things that I am not supposed to worry about. This is how a computer should be built. I still have 4 Win laptops lying around the house, which are literally gathering dust. When my wife had to buy a new laptop earlier this year, I made her buy a 15″ MacBook Pro, and she is a convert now too.
I think I can go on …. but honestly I cannot thank Apple enough for creating a machine that’s beautiful, efficient, usable!
Hi iRewardChart, Yes, people who use Macs love them, and once they convert, they don’t ever seem to come back to PC’s. Interesting that your wife made the switch reluctantly and then ended up loving the Mac. It must be easier for you now having an all Mac household now (except for the laptops gathering dust).
Thanks so much for stopping by to share your story with us!
Carolyn, aloha. How thrilling that I could actually participate in this poll with a check next to a product. Though I do own an ipod it has been a long time–possibly years–since I have used it. Nothing wrong with the device nor have I replaced it with anything, I just don’t use it.
When I used to take walks by myself, I would listen to music or motivational speakers. However, since Jim and I walk together I talk with him instead.
Carolyn, again, CONGRATULATIONS on being a regular columnist in the newspaper in Philadelphia. What an achievement. Give yourself a big pat on the back. Good luck with your first official week as a columnist.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. No doubt when I return next time, you will be below 100,000 as well. Way to go, Carolyn. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet, Thank you very much, I am truly thrilled to have a column appearing in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
How interesting that you don’t use your iPod any more. You’re right, much better to have someone to talk to when you walk than to listen to music.
I find I don’t use my iPod to listen to music much any more either. I use mine for podcasts and audio books a lot though.
Thanks so much for voting in the poll, Janet. I’m so glad you could participate!
It took me ages to cave and buy an Apple device; as a PC household my dad was very strict about which type of computers we used. Then I fell in love with iPhones and succumbed to the lure a year ago and have never looked back. They are amazing and streamlined devices and I use them religious for my travels now 🙂
Hi Shannon, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! You’re not alone, falling in love with your iPhone. It may have seemed like ages to you before you tried an Apple product, but I know there are others who haven’t tried one yet and wonder what all of the hoopla is all about!
Thanks for visiting The Wonder of Tech and sharing your experiences with us, Shannon. 🙂
Well you definitely know the answer to this one my friend, thanks to you.
So now I have to go back and read up on what makes the iPhone 4S so fabulous that it’s the talk of the internet. I saw where you had written a post on it so will have to be sure and read through that. I’m sure it has some special additions and extra bells and whistles. Heck, if it’s an Apple product then I already know it rocks.
See you later Carolyn… Oh, have a great day by the way!
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, You may be the newest Apple convert to vote in the poll, but you’re right, I know your vote! I’m so happy you are enjoying your iPod Touch.
Yes, you’re right, there is a lot to be excited about with the iPhone 4S. What’s not exciting is the name and the external design (same as the iPhone 4), so a lot of people say they were disappointed. But if you get beyond those two limitations, there is a lot of innovation in the 4S. I hope you enjoy the articles.
So, Adrienne, are you considering getting one? Now that you have the iPod Touch, are you tempted by the iPhone?
Thanks for your visit, tweet and wonderful comment, Adrienne!
I don’t doubt that, I probably am. A lot further behind than most I would assume.
Not really, haven’t considered getting an iPhone. I’ve seen my sisters and some of the stuff that it does and for something that small, I find it way too confusing for me. Oh I’m sure if I had one, I would get use to it but right now, I don’t really think I need one. By the time I do, there will be so many more bells and whistles to it I’m sure. Only time will tell.
Thanks Carolyn!
Yes, you’re just getting used to the iPod Touch, so it would be a bit soon to get the iPhone. But maybe someday you will be tempted! 😉
My first Apple was the iifx. I spent an outrageous amount of money on it. Maybe six months of wages. [grin] I remember hauling it back and forth from coast to coast (school to home) for the holidays.
Some years later, I switched to a PC. I had a friend working at Apple who told me that the dual processors were a marketing gimmick. It never used the second processor. That turned me off Apple big time.
Also, I was doing freelance document and PowerPoint design for big companies like McKinsey, AC, and Booz; they all used PCs.
Hi Stan, You have a very interesting history with Apple! Not many people go from Apple back to a PC. But I believe you’re back with Apple, so you mind must have been changed again?
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, Stan!
My first Apple product was an iPod Nano, I have since had a newer nano, 2 iPod touches, a Macbook Pro an iMac and 2 Mac mini’s.
I think that once you buy one apple device it’s hard to buy anything else!
Hi Lucy, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Wow, you have had a lot of Apple devices since your Nano. I’m thinking you’re a very satisfied Apple customer.
Thanks for sharing your Apple story with us! 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
My first Apple device was ipod, that I purchased when I was in USA for sometimes. It is a sturdy machine and one of its kind. I loved the clarity of music that it used to play.
However, I was a little troubled by the itunes software and kind of restrictions Apple had put in there. Even then ipod remained the most fav of my music players( I had a Philips music player too ).
Today I have switched to Samsung Galaxy tab and would stick to them unless they get crazy :).
Hi Carolyn,
I also wish to buy apple Mac to record music. But it is so costly :). Maybe one day 🙂
Hi Ashvini, iTunes has updated and is selling DRM-free songs now, in the US, I’m not sure if they sell songs that way in India. So, do you have your music on your Galaxy Tab now? What music player do you use?
I hope you’re able to get a Mac soon. I agree, they are quite expensive.
My first device is ipad2 <3 is really an awesome gadget 😀 important thing is , i bought it with my self earned money 😀
Hi Suresh, That’s great that you love your new iPad 2! Often people appreciate devices more if they earn the money to buy them. Enjoy! 🙂
Hey, Carolyn! My first Apple device was an iMac that I bought a few years ago, about the same time I got my first iPOD. It’s a very cool experience vs. PCs, although in the beginning it took me a while to get used to it, lol
Alison
Hi Alison, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! That’s pretty wild that you got a Mac and an iPod at the same time. You would have a lot to learn all at once, but it sounds like you succeeded well.
Thanks so much for your visit and your comment 🙂
iPOD was my first and only Apple device so far. I don’t like smartphones, so no iPhone and although I like Macs’ design, I prefer the convenience of PCs 🙂 Tomek
I know I will be killed, but I’ve never owned any Apple device till this year. The funny thing is that my husband offered me an iPOD for my birthday, I have just got an iPhone and I’m currently considering buying a Mac Book Pro. So I will end-up owning quite a few Apple toys :p
Erica
No killing here at The Wonder of Tech, lol! Erica, I’m certain you’re not the last to get an Apple device. 😉 It sounds as if you’re quite the Apple convert! I’m glad you’re enjoying your devices.
Hey Carolyn,
I got a Mac Book four years ago and never looked back. It’s pretty hard to convince myself to use the PC everyday at work, lol
Best,
Michael
Hi Michael, I can understand that, but it must be useful to understand both so well! 🙂
I know its not cool but I have activly avoided apples stuff because of their over giddy userbase. I might be cutting my nose off to spite my face but I dont want to join the masses.
It seems to me like apples does not have customers, it has fans
Hi Lessa, you’re not the only one who avoids Apple to avoid the fan base. But there may be a method to the madness. Although the passion might be fervent, there may be a valid reason behind it. If you find other products that work better for you, great. It’s fantastic that there are so many choices with tech!