Apple Collection

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Apple Learning Series Secondary Multimedia CD collection (2001)

This Apple Learning Series Secondary Multimedia CD set contained 10 CD-ROM titles curated and sold by Apple Education as a bundle. The CDs were packaged in a 2-ring binder with vinyl pages that each held one CD-ROM.

The PDF spec sheet states that, “This product provides an outstanding collection of educator-evaluated software along with a comprehensive website that includes model student projects, step-by-step instructions, an online professional development course, and a tool that correlates the software and projects to select state and national standards.”

The set includes the following CDs:

  • Art Mania 12,000, Nova Development—A collection of clip art and quality photographic images on two CDs.
  • Cinema 4D XL, Maxon—A completely integrated 3D modeling, animation, and raytracing program.
  • Director 8 Academic, Macromedia—The standard for delivering powerful multimedia for the Internet, CD-ROMs, and DVD-ROMs.
  • Final Cut Pro 2, Apple—The all-in-one solution for professional digital video editing, compositing, and special effects. The set also included Boris Script LTD, Boris FX; Cinema 4D GO, Maxon; Commotion DV, Puffin Designs; Cleaner 5 EZ, Terran Interactive; EDL Access, Focal Point Systems; and QuickTime Pro, Apple.
  • Inspiration, Inspiration Software—A dynamic diagramming and outlining environments to help you organize ideas and information.
  • Painter Classic, Corel—An easy-to-use version of the world’s leading paint program.
  • Photoshop Elements, Adobe—An introduction to the world-standard image-editing solution.
  • SmartSound for Multimedia, Sonic Desktop—Tools to produce professional-quality soundtracks.
  • The Archives of History, MPI Multimedia—More than 100 QuickTime movies that can be used in presentations or viewed on their own.
  • The VR Worx, VR Toolbox—A complete suite of authoring tools for QuickTime VR (virtual reality).

Surprisingly, the PDF Spec Sheet for this product was still available on Apple’s website as a download as of January 2023.

Source: Apple

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Apple Education Review periodical (1992)

The Apple Education Review was an 8-page periodical aimed at the education market. This is Issue 2 from the 1992–1993 school year.

This issue contained five feature articles:

  • Multimedia Turns Five: What’s going on today? (celebrating HyperCard’s fifth “birthday”)
  • Education/Business Partnership
  • Research Review: Computers and Colleagues
  • News and Events
  • Spotlight on Innovation: Good-bye to Hide-and-Seek with Policies and Laws

The publication was printed on heavy white paper in two colors (black and gold) and the pages measured 8.5 x 11 inches.

Source: Apple

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Apple 65W Portable Power Adapter (2002)

This box is an example of 2002-era packaging design for Apple accessories. This particular item is the Apple 65W Portable Power Adapter. The box indicates that it was:

“Compatible with PowerBook G4 computers and iBook computers that have two USB ports.”

The box uses the Apple Myriad font during the year Apple was transitioning away from using Apple Garamond in their corporate identity. The box measures 150cm x 190cm x 55cm.

The box contains the original adapter, but none of the internal cardboard packaging.

Source: Apple

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APDA Tools for Developers magazine (February 1993)

Before Apple’s software developer program was referred to as “Apple Developer Program” (sometimes stylized as  Developer), the original developer program was started in 1980 by user group in the Pacific Northwest of the United States—the Apple Pugetsound Program Library Exchange (A.P.P.L.E.) User Group. The user group still exists as of 2023 and its website indicates:

“The Apple Programmers and Developers Association, or APDA, was started in 1980 by Don Williams in coordination with Apple, Inc. and A.P.P.L.E. The resulting tools produced by APDA were the tools with which all Apple programs have come to be and the resulting magazine which was produced quarterly was aptly named the APDAlog.”

Nearly a decade later, Apple reportedly purchased APDA. According to A.P.P.L.E.:

“In 1989, Apple Computer, Inc. bought APDA from A.P.P.L.E. for $3 Million and Apple began producing the APDA Log. The issues shown in this section are the ones produced by A.P.P.L.E. prior to Apple’s take over of the APDA.”

This magazine’s title is APDA Tools for Developers and was published by Apple in February 1993 as a successor to the APDA Log. This issue contains the following sections and articles:

  • What’s New: New and updated products
  • Getting Started in Macintosh Programming: Your first steps begin here
  • Essentials: Self-paced training courses, Technical Notes, Getting Started bundles, and more.
  • E.T.O.: Essentials, Tools, Objects: A subscription-based collection of powerful Apple development tools
  • Macintosh Programmer’s Workshop: This powerful development platform offers the flexibility you need
  • Object-Oriented Programming: MacApp, Macintosh Common Lisp, and other OOP tools and environments
  • Media Integration: QuickTime and other multimedia software development products
  • Apple UNIX Tools: A/UX development tools
  • Programming Languages & Libraries: Develop applications for the Macintosh with C, Pascal, and more
  • Debuggers & Supplemental Tools: MacsBug, Virtual User, ResEdit, and other programming tools
  • Networking & Communications: Extend your reach with DAL, MacTCP, MacX25, MacX.400, and SNA•ps
  • Hardware
  • Books & References

The magazine measures 8.5 x 10.75 inches.

Source: A.P.P.L.E.

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Macintosh Disability Resources letter, packet, and disk (1992)

As a company, Apple has historically focused upon making hardware and software that is accessible to all people. As of this writing in January 2023, Apple’s Accessibility features are available in categories of Vision, Hearing, Mobility, and Cognitive.

Apple’s Developer site provides a comprehensive set of tools for developers to use their Accessibility guidelines to create software, stating, “Apple operating systems provide extraordinary opportunities to deliver high-quality experiences to everyone, including people with disabilities.”

This letter, packet, and disk—now over 30 years old—attests to Apple’s long-time commitment to accessibility. Back in 1992, Apple called this division “Worldwide Disability Solutions.” This mailing was sent to education customers with a welcome letter, an information packet, and a 3.5-inch disk with a database of “Macintosh Disability Resources.” The disk contains “up-to-date information on the entire range of assistive hardware products for Macintosh computers.”

The aspirational welcome letter reads:

At Apple Computer, we have always believed that with a good idea and a lot of determination, anyone can do just about anything.
That’s the inspiration behind our company.
It’s the inspiration behind the computers we make.
And it’s the inspiration behind the people at Apple who are working to change the way the world understands disability. And what it means to be disabled.
Apple’s Worldwide Disability Solutions Group was formed in 1985. Our principal focus then, as now, was the individual. Young and old. His needs. Her wants. His dreams. Her imagination.
Technology, of course, was important to us, too. But our computers have always been secondary. People have always mattered most. Especially people who live with a label.
These are the people who, every day, tell us how Macintosh computers are helping them to express themselves. In words. In letters. In music. In pictures. In numbers. In whatever ways that matter to them.
These are the people who are now living their lives out loud. Or quietly. It’s their choice.
And that, in the end, is the point. Our technology. Their choices. Just as it should be.

Sources: Apple (Accessibility, Developer)

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Getting Started With the Apple Web Page Construction Kit booklet and CD-ROM set (1997)

This booklet and set of CD-ROMs included software and how-to guides to teach a user to create the elements of a web page at a time when the Internet was still considered new and unknown by many. In true Apple style, the set provided easy-to-use tools and directions “that can help you build creative and engaging Web pages of your own—without any complicated programming.”

In 1997 the “World Wide Web” was defined as “the fastest growing part of the Internet.” The guide provided a handy definition of a Web page:

“Using Web browser software, you can view color images, animation, and video, and even hear sound on the Web. The documents that you view on the Web are known as Web pages, and can contain links to other pages so that when you click a word or image that has been designated as a link, your browser will automatically display the contents of the linked page.”

The three CD-ROMs included in the kit were an Apple Web Page Construction Kit CD (containing Kaboom! Special Edition and Web Explosion Special Edition from Nova Development Corporation and WwwART from Microfrontier. Inc.), Claris Home Page 2.0, and WebPainter.

The kit was comprised of a 7.5 x 9.25-inch booklet and a single frosted vinyl CD packet containing 3 CDs. This kit was shipped in a cardboard box that I do not have in my collection.

Source: Apple

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eWorld 3.5-inch disk (1995)

eWorld was a relatively short-lived online service operated by Apple from June 1994—March 1996. eWorld’s services included email, news, a bulletin board system, and access to Apple software. According to the website, Remember eWorld, “eWorld competed directly against AOL, CompuServe, and MSN, and finally lost this competition.”

The service was available for Apple IIGS, Macintosh, and offered limited support for the Newton. Although AOL (America Online) was, by far, the most popular service of the time, Cult of Mac author Rob LeFebvre wrote fondly about eWorld, remembering, “When eWorld went online…the combination of real time chat and a distinct graphical style really made it stand out.”

Several historical references to eWorld noted its relatively high price. A Business Insider article reported that eWorld cost “$8.95 per month, which included two hours of evening or weekend use, with each additional hour costing $4.95.”

This 3.5-inch disk contains the software (Version 1.1) that allowed a Macintosh to access eWorld. According to TechNotif, “Users accessed eWorld through Apple’s custom client software and connected by way of a dial-up modem. Once you connected, the eWorld software displayed a playfully illustrated aerial view of a small city.”

Sources: Wikipedia, Remember eWorld, Cult of Mac, Business Insider, TechNotif

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Apple product poster (July 1993)

This fold-out poster is from July 1993 and lists product names and feature grids of every Apple product available at the time. Its headline reads “Everything you need to know about Apple products” in Apple Garamond, Apple’s corporate font used between 1984 and 2003. Folded, the poster measures 8.5 x 11 inches—but it unfolds into 16 panels to reveal a 34-inch wide x 44-inch long poster (nearly 3 x 4 feet).

The poster is printed on one side and includes the following product categories:

  • Macintosh Computers (25 options)
  • PowerBook Computers (11 options)
  • Displays (9 options)
  • Printers (12 options)
  • Networking
  • Peripherals

The list of devices offered included separate devices with different names and configurations—creating a dizzying array of options for consumers.

I was able to unfold this poster, perhaps for the first time, carefully enough to provide a photo from above that offers high enough resolution to read most of the grids.

The poster is printed on heavy white paper (yellowing slightly with age), primarily with black ink and dark green accents.

Source: Apple

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iPad Magic Keyboard (iPad Pro 11-inch Generation 4 and iPad Air Generation 5, white, 2021)

Apple describes the iPad Magic Keyboard as:

“…an amazing companion for iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Air. It features an incredible typing experience, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work with iPadOS, a USB‑C port for pass-through charging, and front and back protection. The Magic Keyboard has a floating cantilever design, allowing you to attach iPad Pro and iPad Air magnetically and to smoothly adjust it to the perfect viewing angle for you.”

When it was originally released, Apple touted that the iPad Magic Keyboard provided “A Unique Floating Design, Backlit Keyboard and Trackpad Make for the Best Typing Experience Ever on iPad.”

This iPad Magic Keyboard (model A2261) attaches surprisingly firmly to the iPad with magnets and still allows you to adjust the angle without becoming unattached. Further, it “Folds into a case to provide front and back protection for traveling with iPad Pro and iPad Air.”

Other features listed by Apple include:

  • Comfortable backlit keys and a scissor mechanism with 1 mm travel for quiet, responsive typing.
  • Designed for Multi‑Touch gestures and the cursor in iPadOS.
  • Smooth angle adjustability delivers the perfect viewing angle.
  • USB-C port for charging iPad Pro and iPad Air, freeing up the port on the iPad for other accessories.

This particular Magic Keyboard is compatible with an impressive number of iPad models, including iPad Pro 11-inch (Generations 1–4) and the iPad Air (Generations 4–5).

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom)

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Alpine Loop (Orange, Large, 2022)

The Apple Watch Alpine Loop was released along with the Apple Watch Ultra on September 7, 2022. The Apple Watch Ultra “brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.”

In the original press release, Apple described the Alpine Loop as one of its “New Bands Designed for the Great Outdoors.” Apple adds:

“With explorers in mind, the Alpine Loop band features two integrated layers made from one continuous weaving process that eliminates the need for stitching. The top loops, interspersed with high-strength yarn, provide adjustability and a secure attachment for the titanium G-hook fastener.”

Apple’s product page described the Alpine Loop:

“The rugged Alpine Loop is made from two textile layers woven together into one continuous piece without stitching. High-strength yarns reinforce the top loops, and the corrosion-resistant titanium G-hook slides easily into the loops for secure fit.”

This Alpine Loop is Orange. In fact, the entire band is bright orange with no other accent colors. The connectors and the “G-hook” closure are made of the same color titanium as the Apple Watch Ultra. Although splitting hairs, a more apt name for the hook would be a “g-hook” since it matches the shape of a lowercase—not uppercase—“g.”

All Apple Watch Ultra models fit the single-size 49mm case. The Alpine Loop is made primarily of polyester.

Finally, this Orange Alpine Loop was named “Band of the Year/2022” by users of the highly recommended Bandbreite app for Apple Watch Band collectors. I participated in the voting, and I included this band in the three choices I was allowed to contribute to the poll.

Source: Apple (Product, Newsroom), Bandbreite app