This Media Album is a white vinyl 2-ring binder that measures 135mm x 185mm x 40mm. It contains 7 plastic CD pages, CD-ROMs, and 2 card stock inserts (1 folds out into 3 panels).
The interior card stock page includes the welcome message:
“Check out all of the cost-saving, high-impact Apple marketing materials on your three new CDs-especially the new lifestyle images!”
Each of the plastic CD pages contains a CD-ROM on one side and a paper insert on the other side that describes the contents of the CD. CDs include a Marketing Toolkit for the Performa line of Macintosh computers, Product Photo Libraries, Media Toolkits, and 3 Media Image Discs. All CD-ROMs are from 1994 and 1995.
The CD-ROMs contain a variety of file formats and applications designed to run on Macintosh Systems of the time (many do not open or run on modern macOS computers). Several of the images are compressed with now-defunct file concatenation formats (e.g., Stuffit). Other images appear to be in a now-unreadable Kodak PhotoCD format. However, a few folders contain JPEG images that can be opened (in 2023)—after manually appending each file name with “.jpg” so it can be recognized.
This catalog is titled StartingLine: Apple Marketing Communications Catalog and was released in Spring 1993. It measures 8.5 x 11 inches and is spiral-bound with white plastic. The front and back covers feature colorful, brush-stroke stylized graphics of the types of products featured in the catalog. The cover describes the contents of the catalog as containing:
Ad Slicks Literature Product Art Merchandise Photography Videos Data Sheets Over 150 new items to choose from
The Table of Contents reveals four major sections: Product Materials, Merchandising, Markets and Solutions, and Additional Information. The catalog provides a welcome message:
“Welcome to the Spring 1993 edition of StartingLine, Apple’s marketing communications catalog. As you can see, there have been some exciting changes. We’ve combined the Print, Revue, Merch, and Video catalogs into a single volume with hundreds of new items to line up to all your marketing and sales support programs. Plus, as always, we’ve included a completely updated Apple Media ToolKit CD-ROM, Apple’s electronic source for customizable marketing communications materials.”
For a collector, the Merchandising section of this catalog is a treasure trove of Apple-logo item information from the time. Included below are photos of the entire Merchandising section that provide product shots and descriptions. This source has allowed me to confirm provenance, date, and an “official” description for several items in my collection.
This collection of CDs include original cardboard packaging with each package containing 1–3 CD-ROM discs. Each CD package is titled “The Apple Sales and Marketing Resource Library” and features a color photo of an Apple computer. Each package is also dated.
The CD contents include:
November 1998 (1 CD) Pictured: Power Macintosh G3 (beige desktop) with keyboard, mouse, and monitor CD 1 Interop Seminar Materials Apple Loan Reseller Sign Up Mac OS 8.5 Interactive Demo Mac OS 8.5 Data Sheet & FAQ “e-mail” and “Beige” Commercials PowerBook G3 Overview & FAQ PowerBook G3 Sales Pres USB Sales Fact Sheet & Pres Apple Commercial Credit New/Revised Data Sheets
January 1999 (3 CDs) Pictured: Macintosh Server G3 (tower) CD 1 Tales of the iMac “Hal” Commercial Publishing Market Guide MacWorld Product Intro Materials New Product Presentations New Product Photography Mac Products Guide Data Sheet Library CD 2 Creator2 In Concert SFX Machine Conflict Catcher Mac OS 8.5.1 Update fusion EFFECTS Unity DS-1 Retro AS-1 ReBirth 4D V6 CD 3 (Apple PowerSales) SAP New Apple Products (MacWorld) Jeff Hansen
April 1999 (2 CDs) Pictured: G3 Tower (blue and white) CD 1 PowerSales Apr 1999 Gistics AppleScript ROI Rpt Ed ANAT Volume Lic. Promo AMA/Enhancing the Workflow Small Business and iMac Presentation PM G3 AV for Education Data Sheet Power Macintosh G3 Poster Pfeiffer Technology Report PowerBook Ad Slicks Mac OS X Server Material (and more) CD 2 Myth II: Soulblighter Dark Vengeance Demo Hoyle Card Games Demo 3D Ultra NASCAR® Pinball Quest For Glory V: Dragon Fire M.Y.O.B. Trial Version 8 Lode Runner 2 Demo Civilization II Demo AppleWorks 5 (and more)
August 1999 (1 CD) Pictured: iBook (blueberry) CD 1 QuickTime 4 [Resource Library CDs appear to be lost]
This set contains two luggage tags that feature the 6-color Apple logo on one side and a window for identification on the other side. The tags were originally white, but discolored over time.
The package includes two blank identification cards and two black plastic straps. The set is sealed in the original plastic.
This product is featured on page 61 of the Spring 1993 Starting Line: Apple Marketing Communications Catalog. Its description reads:
Luggage Tag No more lost luggage. This tag has a clear slot that allows you to slip in your business card, home address, or the address of your destination. The strap is detachable, making it easy to put the tag on another piece of luggage Two tags per package. Dimensions 4 1/2” x 2 1/2” APL344
These Apple Unified School System notepads feature the logotype for the Apple Unified School System at the bottom center with a yellow-gold logo above that depicts a highly stylized image of a three houses with people (perhaps students and teachers) above represented by a combination of shapes and whitespace. The top of the notepads have a black Apple logo.
I have been unable to date these notepads specifically, but an Apple Corporate Timeline on the Mac Mothership website reports that in March 1987, Apple Marketing introduced “the Apple Unified School System and Apple’s Education Purchase Program (EPP) in a shared commitment with educators to integrate computers into the learning process.”
Each notepad measures 8.5 x 11 inches and is bound with a tearaway edge.
My research has not yielded much specific information on the Apple Unified School System. The OAC (Online Archive of California) contains a listing for an Apple Unified School System report at Stanford, but it is not available online (and the report is undated). An online history of the 1985 “edutainment” software Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? claims that the Apple Unified School System helped popularize this game when Apple’s “nationwide computer-in-the-classroom infrastructure” was implemented in the late 1980s.
Not to be confused with the Apple Pencil, this wooden Apple pencil is painted white and features the Apple logotype printed in Apple Garamond in bright red.
This product is featured on page 59 of the Spring 1993 Starting Line: Apple Marketing Communications Catalog. Its description reads:
Apple Pencil Perfect for seminars, meetings, trade shows, and sales events, this item is the natural companion to Apple notepads. It’s the irresistible, old-fashioned, low-tech, number-two wooden-and-graphite pencil, complete with eraser and silkscreened Apple name in red. APL476
This Apple IIc pin is cast in gold metal and printed with the 6-color Apple logo. The pin is 17mm square on a primarily red field. The font used for the words “The Apple IIc” is likely Univers 47 (Condensed Oblique), the font used in the Apple IIc’s marketing and on the computer’s keyboard.
The back of the lapel pin uses a protruding perpendicular pin with a butterfly clutch to secure the pin to clothing.
This multicolor Apple logo pin is cast in gold metal and printed with the 6-color Apple logo. The pin is roughly in the shape of Apple’s classic logo and measures 12mm x 15mm.
The back of the lapel pin uses a protruding perpendicular pin with a butterfly clutch to secure the pin to clothing.
This product is featured on page 60 of the Spring 1993 Starting Line: Apple Marketing Communications Catalog. Its description reads:
Apple Lapel Pin Show off the Apple logo on your lapel in colorful, sculpted enamel. An ideal inexpensive giveaway for grand openings, seminars, and other events. APL340
Apparently, 1996 was a major year for Apple to focus on the advantages of using a Macintosh over Windows. According to EveryMac, Apple released almost 50 different Macintosh models in 1996 year including 21 Performa models, 18 Power Macintosh models, six server products, two PowerBooks (1400 model), and the Newton 130.
These three “Macintosh advantage” resources used facts, quotes, and testimonials to highlight the pros of using a Macintosh.
50 Macintosh Advantages book (1996)
The book titled 50 Macintosh Advantages is unambiguously subtitled, “Why Macintosh computers are better than PCs running Windows 95.” The book is divided into four sections, including Ease of Use, Power, Advanced Multimedia, and Compatibility. Each of the 50 advantages begins with a statement and is followed by an explanation—and often includes a screen capture or other supporting visuals. Quotes and testimonials are also included throughout this two-color-printed book (printed in black and dark purple). The 50 advantages listed in the book (from the Table of Contents) include:
Floppy disk management is easier with Macintosh computers.
Checking memory is easier on a Macintosh.
Macintosh computers offer more flexible monitor support.
Changing your mouse is easier and faster on a Macintosh.
Macintosh menus scroll, so they’re easier to use than Windows 95 menus.
Macintosh supports plug-and-play peripherals today.
Macintosh computers are easier to network.
The Mac OS keeps track of files and applications over a network.
Infrared networking is more powerful and more versatile with Macintosh computers.
Macintosh makes Internet access and publishing easier.
Filename limitations.
Filename incompatibilities between Windows 95 and Windows 3.1.
Pathname limitations.
Macintosh files stay linked to the applications that created them with Windows 95, that isn’t always the case.
Macintosh aliases are easier to work with than Windows 95 shortcuts.
The complexity of the Windows 95 Registry is a disadvantage compared with Macintosh.
The Mac OS provides active assistance: Windows 95 doesn’t.
It’s easier to add fonts and other resources to a Macintosh.
It’s easier to add an application to the Apple menu than to the Windows 95 Start Programs menu.
Applications launch once on the Macintosh, with Windows 95, some applications may launch multiple times.
It’s easier to cut and paste graphics between applications on the Macintosh.
An advanced industrial design makes Macintosh computers easier to work with.
The Macintosh desktop metaphor is easier to use.
Macintosh re-sorts folders when you add a new item: Windows 95 doesn’t.
The Macintosh Trash is easier to use.
Easier security and customization with the Macintosh.
Macintosh has easier access to alternate character sets.
Macintosh computers are faster.
The Macintosh speed advantage will increase.
Macintosh offers 32-bit computing today, PCs don’t.
With the RISC-based platform, Macintosh computers are better equipped to run more powerful applications.
Macintosh has integrated scripting.
Macintosh computers include features that cost extra on PCs.
Macintosh is the world’s most popular platform for multimedia.
It’s easier to add CD-ROM drives to a Macintosh system.
Installing and using CD-ROM titles is easier with Macintosh computers.
Recording and playing back desktop video works better on Macintosh.
Videoconferencing is easier on the Macintosh.
Macintosh computers provide better representations of color on screen, and a better match between screen images and printed output.
It’s easier to cut and paste multimedia data on a Macintosh.
Macintosh is ahead of Windows 95 in speech capabilities.
Macintosh is much better at handling three-dimensional graphics.
Virtual-reality software is more realistic on the Macintosh.
Macintosh computers provide more sophisticated type and graphics capabilities.
You can buy a Macintosh and still be compatible with MS-DOS 6.2, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95.
You can work with Windows 95 files on your Macintosh.
You can run applications for the Mac OS, MS-DOS 6.2, and Windows 95 on a Macintosh.
Macintosh computers are compatible with applications for Windows 3.1 and Windows 95.
You can connect a Macintosh computer to almost any network.
Macintosh users are more satisfied with their computers.
This book measures 8.5 x 11 inches and has 54 pages.
Why do People Prefer Macintosh? brochure (1996)
The brochure Why do People Prefer Macintosh? is subtitled “Why people think Macintosh computers are better than PCs running Windows, in their own words.” This brochure uses many of the same “Macintosh advantages” from the source above, but presents them as case studies and testimonials by Macintosh users. Users are identified by name and state or country, and most include a photo.
This brochure measures 8.5 x 11 inches and has 35 pages.
Why Macintosh? brochure (1996)
This Why Macintosh? brochure is a marketing piece and presents bold, full-color spreads printed on glossy paper. On the first page, this brochure declares:
“More than 10 years after the debut of the Apple Macintosh computer, Microsoft released its Windows 95 operating system. But while Microsoft is just now adding to its Windows operating system features that Macintosh users have enjoyed since 1984, Apple has been busy moving Macintosh to the next generation of personal computing.”
The next four 2-page spreads each focus on an aspect of the Macintosh: Ease of Use, Power, Multimedia, and Compatibility.
This brochure measures 8.5 x 11 inches and has 12 pages.
The 1997 Apple MacAdvocate CD-ROM is a marketing CD from Apple designed to allow Macintosh fans to convince other computer users to consider buying a Macintosh.
The inside of the CD explains the purpose of the CD:
Are you a MacAdvocate?
Do you plan your winter and fall vacations around the San Francisco and Boston MacWorld shows? Do you find yourself looking at Windows PC users and asking, “Why would they buy one of those without looking at a Mac?” If you answered yes you probably are a MacAdvocate. Welcome to the club. As a fellow MacAdvocate, we want to provide you with the materials you need to win others over to the Macintosh—and the freedom it represents. That’s why we created this CD. The 1997 MacAdvocate CD features all kinds of tools—such as product sheets, technology showcases, research studies, interactive demos, and system updates—you need to dazzle your friends and help you make the case that Macintosh is, simply put, the best personal computer you can buy. We’ve also included a couple of surprises, just to keep things interesting. So pop this CD into your local Macintosh and have a look. And feel free to give it to any of your Windows friends (yes, it runs on PCs too). Because, after all, if we don’t show them, who will?
