That Time Apple Told Apple III Customers to Drop Their Computers
Apple faced design flaws with the Apple III in the 1980s, causing overheating and chip dislodgment. Support engineers advised dropping the computer to reset circuits. Despite modifications, the reputation damage led to discontinuation in 1984.
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In the early 1980s, Apple faced issues with its Apple III computer due to design flaws, including overheating that caused chips to dislodge. To address this, Apple support engineers advised customers to lift the computer two inches and drop it to reset the circuits. Despite later modifications, the Apple III's reputation suffered, leading to its discontinuation in 1984. The flawed design stemmed from Steve Jobs' aversion to fans and vents, impacting the computer's performance. While subsequent improvements stabilized the platform, the damage was already done. The incident reflects Apple's historical challenges with product design and highlights the company's evolution in addressing technical issues. Despite the unconventional solution of dropping the computer, it underscores the complexities of balancing design aesthetics with functionality in the tech industry.
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11 commentsAmazing that Apple survived, at all. Equally weird that, despite inflation, Apple's cheapest ever computer is the current $599 Mac mini.
https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/a-history-of-the-amiga...
It usually worked.
I used to have a Dual G5 PowerMac and when you have that thing going at full speed, it was LOUD! I suspect that absolutely bugged Jobs to no end could have been a big point that lead to the Intel transition.
I get the desire to have fanless computers, they are neat but you have to aware of the limits. Look at the M series Apple chips and it makes so much sense to be fanless.
Honestly one of the funniest repairs. (If they had warranty I would swap em out, it was an era of “everyone gets a free swap”).
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