Today is another fun day in History of Computers: on January 22, 1998, Chiat/Day introduced The Apple Macintosh, the first consumer computer to popularize the computer mouse and the graphical user interface. Famous “1984” commercial ad, an allusion to George Orwell’s novel, was placed in Super Bowl XVIII spot . It used the unnamed heroine (played by Anya Major) to represent the coming of the Macintosh as a means of saving humanity from “conformity” (Big Brother played by David Graham). “1984” became a signature representation of Apple computers. In his 1983 Apple keynote address, Steve Jobs read the following story before showcasing a preview of the commercial to a select audience:
“It is now 1984. It appears IBM wants it all. Apple is perceived to be the only hope to offer IBM a run for its money. Dealers initially welcoming IBM with open arms now fear an IBM dominated and controlled future. They are increasingly turning back to Apple as the only force that can ensure their future freedom. IBM wants it all and is aiming its guns on its last obstacle to industry control: Apple. Will Big Blue dominate the entire computer industry? The entire information age? Was George Orwell right?”