I was about to wipe my old 15GB iPod and thought to myself I’ll have a look before I do. The only thing on it was the copy and PDF of an interview I did with Steve Wozniak when I worked full time at MacUser magazine. I also interviewed Gil Amelo, Jef Raskin and Andy Hertzfeld not bad going for a lowly staff writer.
It was part of a series with all the same questions for ex-Apple people. Of the people I emailed, phoned, wrote letters only John Sculley, Bill Atkinson and, of course, Steve Jobs didn’t reply.
Of all the interviews this is the one I’m most proud of (which must be why it had an iPod all to itself) but tucked away on page 67 of the 9th of July 2004 issue is a really special piece of information that, looking back is really quite interesting.
I asked Gil Amelio What should Apple do next? His reply?
If it wants to remain a computer company, it should port Mac OS X to the Intel Processor and compete with Windows head-on.
Bloody good idea.
Here’s the text of the Wozniak interview:
MU What is your favourite Apple product ever?
SW That’s a tough one. The [Power Mac] 8500 goes and goes to this day (even the power supply). The first PowerBook changed my life forever. The Duo was my favourite of all – ultimate portability, light, great dock. The Titanium was the best-conceived product ever. Until the Aluminium series – my most useful Macintosh ever. The Cube really changed my home. The 20th Anniversary Macintosh with its sound system – wow! The G5 with its clean looks. The iPod changed my music life forever. The iPod mini is my music device now. It’s tough when you’ve had almost every Macintosh and loved them all.
MU What’s so special about Apple Computer that makes people love it so much?
SW Every product is great and special and lovable. Well, almost every one is. Apple lives up to its image of humanism in computers, ease of use and leadership. Owning a Macintosh makes you a special person. Being in a threatened minority makes you passionate. Our history is a lot of it.
MU What was your favourite time at Apple?
SW The early days – starting a revolution and knowing it.
MU As you see it now, what should Apple do next?
SW More consumer electronics products that go well with the computer – in other words, home products.
MU Is Apple’s future in software or hardware?
SW Yes. Seriously, it has been mainly in software. We bought Macintoshes even when they looked dull, because of the operating system. Switching isn’t that easy or that much an option. Also, certain apps that fit those that remain in the Macintosh camp, such as Photoshop and video editing, were driving factors for many to buy Macs.
MU Which person do you most admire?
SW My father. He taught me good values and supported my electronics interest.
MU If you could change one thing, what would it be?
SW Having had so much money.
MU What was the last book you read?
SW Deception Point by Dan Brown.
MU What’s your favourite holiday destination?
SW Maui. But I must say that London is close and safaris can’t be beat, also a cruise in the South Pacific without a computer was great, too.
MU Have you ever been to Bill Gates’ house?
SW No.
Bloddy hell that’s four years ago..
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Apple, Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs, Andy Hertzfeld, Jef Raskin, Gil Amelio
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