HardwareThe PC’s greatest nemesis was born 40 years ago todayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

HardwareThe PC’s greatest nemesis was born 40 years ago todayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Michel Porro via Getty Images)

The model badge showing the working memory of 128K of an early Apple Macintosh Model M0001, as they celebrate 40th anniversary, is on display at the independent Apple products store chain Amac, on January 24, 2024 in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Based on the Motorola 68000 microprocessor, the Macintosh was the first successful mouse-driven computer with a graphical user interface.

The Apple Macintosh is 40 years old today. Far from the first home computer, the Macintosh has become one of the most well-known. Announced back in January of 1984, the Macintosh became famous as a personal computer that could compete with the IBM-compatible PCs that were so prevalent at the time. Or perhaps it was the George Orwell1984inspiredSuper Bowl adthat drew in the crowds—Apple sure does know how to make its products appear desirable.

“On January 24th, Apple Computer will introduce Macintosh. And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984’,” the ad read.

Enter, the Macintosh. Developed alongside the Lisa, the Macintosh was a whole lot cheaper than the Lisa despite using the same Motorola processor. A whole lot less RAM helped reduce costs. It launched for a cool $2,495 and included its own GUI alongside two apps designed to show off all the Macintosh had to offer: MacPaint and MacWrite.

The Macintosh was a ready to go box, including a 512 x 342 monochrome display and mouse, and that really helped sell it en masse.

(Image credit: Michel Porro via Getty Images)

An original Apple Macintosh Model M0001, as they celebrate 40th anniversary, is on display in between 2024 Apple models at the independent Apple products store chain Amac, on January 24, 2024 in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Based on the Motorola 68000 microprocessor, the Macintosh was the first successful mouse-driven computer with a graphical user interface.

Steve Jobs would talk up the Macintoshin his famous style, too, which would later become even more popular with the invention of the iPhone. The line? IBM is the bad guy, big blue, big brother and Apple is the only one that can stop it with its cool, independent, exciting Macintosh.

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Though, while this machine would eventually lead to the Mac vs PC debate and years of tribalism, I’m not here to give Apple a good kicking. The Macintosh, like many other computers of its time, was a seminal moment for the industry, and it proved that a GUI is much, much better than some command-line interface (sorry, hardcore Linux users). Without it, I still think we’d have a GUI like we’re used to today, but maybe it wouldn’t be quite the same as we know it now.

Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.

Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.

Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.

Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.

Best CPU for gamingBest gaming motherboardBest graphics cardBest SSD for gaming

Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.

Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.

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A robot having its face pulled off

If you’re trying to convince me your ‘companionship’ robot is ‘lifelike’, maybe don’t rip her face off in the demo video

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Today’s Wordle answer for Saturday, January 11

Wordle answers

Today’s Wordle answer for Saturday, January 11

Today’s Wordle answer for Saturday, January 11

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A bunch of the best Steam Deck accessories on a blue background.

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