Why Are Apple Computers Called ‘Macs’?

We all know how Apple got its name but have you ever wondered why their computers are called ‘Macs’ (Macintosh)? What is a Macintosh after all?

Let’s find out.

Many theories have evolved over the years about the origin of the name Macintosh but, thanks to the Job’s official biography Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson (Get it from Amazon) we now know the true story. As it turns out, Macintosh is named after the “McIntosh” apple variety and it was proposed by Jef Raskin, the man who was in charge of the Macintosh project. Here’s the relevant excerpt form the book: (the article continues after the ad)

“When Jobs was looking for someone to write a manual for the Apple II in 1976, he called Jef Raskin, who had his own little consulting firm. Raskin went to the garage, saw Wozniak beavering away at a workbench, and was convinced by Jobs to write the manual for $50. Eventually he became the manager of Apple’s publications department. One of Raskin’s dreams was to build an inexpensive computer for the masses, and in 1979 he convinced Mike Markkula to put him in charge of a small development project code-named “Annie” to do just that. Since Raskin thought it was sexist to name computers after women, he redubbed the project in honor of his favorite type of apple, the McIntosh. But he changed the spelling in order not to conflict with the name of the audio equipment maker McIntosh Laboratory. The proposed computer became known as the Macintosh.”

Excerpt From: Isaacson, Walter. “Steve Jobs.”

If you like what you read, then you will definitely love this one: The Mysterious Little Man Steve Jobs Wanted To Add To Every Mac 

Main Article Photo: Matthew Yohe / MacRumors
Photoshop: I’m A Useless Info Junkie
Sources: Etymology of Gringo | Who, Exactly, Is A Gringo?