20 Early Apple Devices That Will Always Make Us Feel Nostalgic
How Many Of These Apple Products Do You Remember?
Given how high-tech the original iPod or Macintosh computers seemed at the time, it's surprising that they're now objects of our nostalgia. Technology has advanced at such an alarming rate, with Apple leading much of the charge, that the company's early products, which once looked so futuristic, now look like dinosaurs. Here are 20 Apple throwbacks that will spark your nostalgia.
Photo taken by Al Luckow on Wikimedia
1. iPod Touch
The iPod Touch, an iPod with a full touch screen, was all the rage when it came out in 2007. However, as soon as the iPhone surpassed it technology-wise, it became obsolete.
2. iPod Video
The iPod Video was a bulky brick of a device that every true music lover owned between 2005 and 2010 because it could carry 160 gigabytes of memory. That's a lot of discographies. It was also the only iPod that could carry videos, but you'd have to be okay with watching them on its tiny screen.
3. iPod Shuffle
The iPod Shuffle was the cheapest and most basic iPod model. It was tiny, extremely portable, and could clip to your clothes, making it the perfect device for working out.
4. iPhone 1
15 generations oh iPhones ago, the original iPhone 1, Apple's first smartphone, was released in 2007. It completely changed the smartphone game, setting the stage for every competitor.
5. iMac G3
The iMac G3 was the most coveted item for elementary school kids in the early 2000s. It was a series of personalized computers that came in cute candy-like colors.
6. iBook G3 Clamshell
The iBook G3, produced between 1999 and 2006, was one of Apple's most iconic laptops. The original version was super cute and colorful with curved edges, a departure from the beige boxes that were available at the time.
7. iPod Mini
The iPod mini sat right in between the Shuffle and the full-sized iPod. It was released in 2005 and came in a variety of colors and featured the classic iPod dial and a 4-gigabyte hard drive.
8. iPod Nano
The iPod Mini was out of production after the slimmer Nano was introduced. It became the quintessential iPod until it was discontinued in 2017.
9. Studio Display CRT
The Studio Display CRT was essentially the adult version of the G3. It featured a transparent casing so you could see the monitor's hardware, boasted amazing image quality, and professional-level features.
Kai Wegner from Berlin, Deutschland on Wikimedia
10. Apple II
You have to be a little older to appreciate the Apple II, the computer that put the company on the map back in 1977. Today, it looks like a dinosaur, but in the 70s, it was a technological marvel and became a mainstay in schools and libraries.
Rama & Musée Bolo on Wikimedia
11. Macintosh 128K
The first Mac, the 128K, was the star of the iconic 1984 advertisement, making it forever solidified in our memories. The user-friendly graphical interface and the integration of the mouse were revolutionary for their time.
12. Macintosh Color Classic
The Color Classic, released in 1993, was the first Apple computer with a built-in color display. It was also the first Macintosh to come with a built-in microphone.
13. iSub
The iSub was a USB subwoofer aimed at enhancing the bass sounds of the iMac. It not only did its job of improving the sound quality, but its transparent design was striking and highly coveted.
14. MacBook Original
By today's standards, the original MacBook looks horrendously bulky. However, in 2006, it was incredibly compact, cutting edge, and surprisingly affordable, making it a popular choice for college students.
Jared C. Benedict on Wikimedia
15. Power Mac G4 Cube
The Power Mac G4 Cube was a transparent desktop computer released in 2000. Even though it was discontinued only a year later, its memorable design makes it one of the early oughts Apple products we simply can't forget.
16. PowerBook G4
Marketed towards creative professionals, the PowerBook G4 was the precursor to the MacBook Pro. It offered enhanced functionality, advanced graphics, and a sleek design in a titanium-clad body.
17. iPod Original
If you remember the early oughts, it doesn't get much more nostalgic than the original iPod. Of course, by now, all iPods are obsolete, but back then, they were necessities, and it all started with this guy in 2001.
18. PowerBook G3
The PowerBook G3 was sold between 1997 and 2001. Particularly, the "Wallstreet" model was seen as the ultimate professional's laptop thanks to its enhanced performance. It was also the first PowerBook to include USB ports.
19. MacBook Air
Bringing us closer to the modern era is the original MacBook Air. It was advertised by Steve Jobs' famous reveal in which he pulls it out from a manila envelope, instantly making it one of the most sought-after tech items of 2008.
20. Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah
Apple's first major public release of the desktop operating system was a disk with a cheetah on it. Released in 2001, it featured a water-like desktop theme and core features that are still integral parts of the macOS system today.
