Episode 305: Perpetual Beta Tester

We revisit IBM’s total dominance over the PC industry in the early 80s, how they got there, and how we can apply the IBM model to current events.

Plus a batch of your feedback, and a defeated discussion about the state of all desktop operating systems and hardware kicked off by Apple’s taking our beer away.

Links:

• Big A Says Keep an Eye on Playgrounds
• Esteban with words from the gut
• History of IBM — In 1911 the company that leased Unit record equipment, especially Hollerith punched cards and card readers to government bureaus and insurance agencies, became the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR). Thomas J. Watson (1874-1956) took over in 1924
• DOMINANCE ENDED, I.B.M. FIGHTS BACK - The New York Times — In agreeing to drop its antitrust suit against the International Business Machines Corporation, the Department of Justice has recognized what computer experts and securities analysts had long since concluded: I.B.M. no longer dominates the computer business.
• The Computer Chronicles - Profile of Big Blue - IBM (1985) - YouTube — A towering figure in the computing industry throughout the twentieth century, IBM has its own special episode dedicated to its business on this episode of The Computer Chronicles.
• IBM's First 100 Years: A Heavily Illustrated Timeline
• Apple's Revamped Mac Pro to Launch in 2019 - Mac Rumors — Panzarino was told in no uncertain terms that the Mac Pro will not be arriving before 2019 as the product is still in development
• Intel Hades Canyon NUC Review: A Tiny Machine With Smoking Performance — Compact design that doesn't skimp on ports. Front USB is always-on for charging gadgets. SD card reader right where media pros want it. Goes like stink. Quiet.
• Apple’s 2019 Mac Pro will be shaped by workflows — The answer, it turns out, was that Apple had decided to start completely over with the Mac Pro
• The Science of Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone (and Why You Should) — It's important to push the boundaries of your comfort zone, and when you do, it's kind of a big deal.