Celebrating 40 Years of Macintosh: my talk on community and Apple’s legacy
On the 40th anniversary of the Macintosh computer, the Computer Museum in Ljubljana organized an event “40 Years of Macintosh”, celebrating the revolutionary product's impact on technology, design, and culture. The Macintosh, first introduced in 1984, brought a fresh perspective with its efficient user experience and innovative design. This was a groundbreaking moment in computer history.
At the event, hosted and moderated by Silvana Žorž, I participated as one of the speakers in a roundtable discussion. We discussed marketing, the impact of the Macintosh on communities, and its significance in the market. I took the opportunity to present the historical importance of the project Jabolko.org, once a vibrant and active community of Apple product users in Slovenia. Although the project is no longer active, it remains accessible as an archive at jabolkoorg.muzej.si.
40 years of the Macintosh, exhibition and round-table topics
The exhibition offered visitors an insight into the development of Apple products—from the first Macintosh to modern models. Exhibits showcased how Apple has transformed the way people use technology over the decades. Among the items on display in the museum is my former iPad (1st generation), which I drove to Italy to purchase as soon as it became available.
The discussion was divided into three thematic sections: marketing, community, and market impact. Among the guests who shared their perspectives with the audience were:
• Janez Damjan, an advertising expert who presented the legendary “1984” ad and its global and local significance.
• Janez (slomacuser) Starc, who revealed how he, with the help of original Apple creators, reconstructed the 1984 presentation video.
• David Praznik (myself), where I presented the historical importance of the Jabolko.org project and shared experiences about building a community that connected Apple users in Slovenia.
• Matjaž Likeb, co-founder of the Jabolko company, who highlighted the importance of the iMac in the rise of desktop publishing in Slovenia.
• Jan Jagodič, artistic director and founder of the agency Kabinet 01, who spoke about the creative use of Apple devices.
• Matej Hrček, founder of the company Pro23, who shared his experience transitioning creatives into the digital age.
Each speaker highlighted, in their own way, how the Macintosh influenced their work, careers, and the industries in which they operate.
Macintosh as a symbol of creativity
In my speech, I emphasized how the Macintosh became a symbol of creativity, rebellious spirit, and innovation. The Jabolko.org project, which I presented, was a key element in connecting the Slovenian Apple community. Together with the entire Jabolko.org team, we tackled technical challenges, shared knowledge, and explored ways to adapt technology to local needs. Although the project was concluded in 2014, it still represents an important part of my story and the history of computing in Slovenia.
Conclusion
The “40 Years of Macintosh” event was an exceptional opportunity to reflect on the impact of technology on society and the importance of preserving its history. I am grateful to have been part of this story and to have had the chance to share my experiences with the event participants. Thank you to the Museum and everyone who attended the event.
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