The Apple Collection Was Everything That Was Wrong With Late 80s Apple [Images]

[tom21]

In 1985, after a power struggle developed between Steve Jobs and John Sculley, Apple Computer’s charismatic co-founder was forced out of the company his vision had created. For the next twelve years, the company foundered, lost marketshare hands over fist and almost went bankrupt before Jobs returned to the company in 1997 to put things right.

We all know that story. Still, it’s amazing how just one item from the dark years can hilariously put the disconnect between pre- and post-Jobs Apple in sharp relief. Could anything better exemplify the now-hilarious differences in vision between Apple under Jobs and Apple under Sculley than this 1987 relic, The Apple Catalogue?

Let’s put it this way. Under Jobs, Apple sold great computers. Under Sculley, Apple released an entire catalogue of Apple-branded sweaters, watches, coffee mugs, beach umbrellas, towels, backpacks, scarves, hats, sailboats

Right here, in these yellowed pages, is the difference between John Sculley and Steve Jobs. John Sculley internalized all of the lessons he learned at Pepsi making fizzy sugar water: he tried to turn Apple into a whored-out brand for the Pepsi Generation, where the logo was the product. Steve Jobs’s vision was very different: he was out to change the world.

Here’s the complete catalog. As egregious as this shilled out tat is, there’s more than a few products here I wouldn’t mind getting for Christmas. That beer stein and watch are pretty swank, but my vote would be for the leather computer bag on page 1. What’s your favorite?

Source: Original text

[D3xus]

You embedded the flash object onto the page? Impressive

[tom21]

No, I didn't and you can always check the source code.

[babaman]

honesty!!! also impressive!!!

[K1LL1aN]

I'll take the Apple (white) Optimus Prime, The Apple Umbrella , The F2 Sailboard (Awesome!) Also, the Leather Expandable Briefcase ,the money clip, oh and the (Apple) Prince Albert Ring jewelry on page 29 item I. Just kidding I know it's a keyring! hahaha

[tom21]

I'm going for D on page 14 and L on page 29.

[djmelee]

I'm going for F on page 4

[franzenk]

I like the watch on page 12.