The Birth of Apple: A Story of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In the early days of personal computing, Steve Wozniak, a brilliant engineer and co-founder of Apple Inc., had a vision to create a revolutionary computer that would change the way people worked and lived. The story began in 1975 when Wozniak calculated that designing and manufacturing a circuit board for his proposed computer would cost around $1,000. He hoped to recoup his costs if at least 50 people bought the boards for $40 each.

However, Steve Jobs, another co-founder of Apple, had a different idea. He suggested designing and selling a single etched and silkscreened circuit board that people could use to build their own computers. This was a bold move, but it paid off. Wozniak and Jobs gave out schematics for the computer to interested club members and even helped them build and test copies.

Inspired by his creation, Wozniak immediately set to work on what would eventually become the Apple I computer. On March 5, 1975, he attended the first meeting of the Homebrew Computer Club in Gordon French's garage, where he showcased his prototype. The Apple I was Apple's first product, and it marked the beginning of a new era in personal computing.

To finance the creation of the Apple I, Wozniak sold his HP-65 calculator for $500, while Jobs sold his second-hand VW Microbus for a few hundred dollars (although he initially planned to use his bicycle to get around). The idea of selling the computer came from Wozniak's friend and co-founder Steve Jobs.

The Apple I was released in 1976 and was an 8-bit desktop computer that could be expanded to 8 KB or 48 KB using expansion cards. It featured a unique hardware-implemented scrolling capability, thanks to the Signetics 2513 '64×8×5 Character Generator'. This innovative feature set it apart from other computers of its time.

Today, the Apple I is remembered as a pioneering achievement in personal computing and a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship. Wozniak's vision and dedication have inspired generations of computer enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike. The story of the Apple I serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious ideas can become a reality with hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks.

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