2023-05-31 21:04:07
Launched in 1983, the Apple Lisa it was the first computer to bring a graphical interface and innovative features such as the trash can and folders, essential novelties for the later success of the macintosh. The Lisa itself, however, was a sales failure, having been discontinued in 1985.
What many people don’t know is that, four years after his “death”, 2,700 units of the computer were buried(!) in a landfill in the state of Utahin the United States — in the greatest style Atari with “ET” game cartridges.
From a news of the time, a documentary of The Verge sought to explore hitherto unknown details about the last days of the Lisa, including quite unusual events. A team from the vehicle went to the landfill site and even tried to dig up the computers, but this obviously proved to be unfeasible. The production, however, revealed curious details.
As said, Lisa was discontinued in 1985, having even been “re-released” with some upgrades like “Macintosh XL” and received discounts. After these incidents, the central character of the documentary emerged: the then computer salesman Bob Cook. He traded in old computers and he did the same with Apple ones.
More than just selling the old devices, he made distribution deals for discontinued computers with Apple. In 1985, Cook managed to 3.500 units of Apple III and, a year later, 7.000 Smooth. In addition to selling these machines — which were already becoming obsolete — at lower prices, he improved the computers’ specifications and capabilities by making changes to parts and configurations.
And he really got excited about this activity. The seller spent more than US$200 mil with “handcrafted” research and development, aimed at improving computers, making them more competitive in relation to newer models. He even created brands/models, such as “Lisa Professional”.
The story, however, did not have a happy ending. The agreement with Apple was terminated after these adventures by Cook, in a plot that involved episodes that even had the participation of Steve Jobsco-founder of the company, and the remaining Lisas ended up being buried in Utah.
The story, according to The Verge, it even helps to understand how the company reached the position it occupies today, which the vehicle described as “Leviathan of technology”. It’s worth checking out the full story!
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