Apple II tops PC World's top 25 all-time computers

I wouldn't put the C64 in this list at all, and I'm glad to see they didn't. Although it was popular, ultimately it didn't bring anything new to the table.

I'm surprised to see the PowerBook listed so low, and the ThinkPad 700C so high. It seems the PowerBook 100 had a much bigger impact on redefining the laptop than the ThinkPad 700.

I'm also a bit surprised at the G2 iMac. While cute, it ultimately passed without really impacting the industry in any way. The G1 had a much bigger impact, almost single-handedly pushing the desktop adoption of USB.

Still, it's hard to argue with the list as a whole.

Can't believe they only gave the Atari ST an honerable mention. It was the first (and to my knowledge, only) computer with built-in MIDI ports, making it a staple in the music industry for many years. In fact, Fatboy Slim still does *ALL* his work on a 512k 520ST, including his film work (he did the Can-Can-Can work in Moulin Rouge, doing everything including SMPTE time code synching on his little ST that could...)

As for "revolutionary", it was the computer that really shattered the price barrier. It had the same processor (Motorola 68000) as the Macintosh and Amiga, but was half the price of either. "Power without the price" was the official marketing slogan.

I'll never forget the first time I saw 16 ST computers connected in series via the MIDI ports, playing a "networked" game called MIDI Maze (basically a 3D maze game where you track down your opponents and shoot them.) There was even one computer set up as a spectator, showing an overhead map of the maze with the locations of all the players, so those observing could follow along with the action. Oh, and this was back in '86. Try *that* with a "PC" back then!

There's no way I'd take an Apple II over a new Mac Pro! Just no comparison.

Just kidding. I agree that the Apple II is probably the "most important" personal computer ever built. And I also agree that the Commodore 64 should be up there as well. My top 5:

1. Apple II (1st real PC)
2. IBM PC (1st PC accepted by business)
3. Macintosh (changed the concept of what a PC should be)
4. Commodore 64 (brought the PC to the home)
5. PowerBook (just guessing, but someone's laptop belongs here)

I can't take seriously a top 25 computer list that doesn't include the Commodore 64. It's still the top selling computer of all time. I'm a programmer, I know lots of programmers, and the majority of us learned to program Commodore BASIC, copying code blocks out of Byte magazine. It was cheap, had top notch graphic and audio capabilities, worked with a TV or monitor, had a ton of software available, and was easy to program. A gross mistake by PC World - c'mon!

I don't dispute the Apple II as #1, but the C64 should at least be in the top 5.

this is simply ridiculous.
they left the commodore 64 out of the top 25!
come on, 30 millions units sold, one of the most advanced programming scene, still alive in 2006, a sound quality that was WELL ahead of its time and still they leave it out (while putting in the area 51 pc, which is nothing but a STANDARD pc with a flashy case)...

M

I was in college in the late 70s, and everyone I knew was fascinated with the Apple II. One of the primary reasons was Visicalc, which, to quote Wikipedia, "propelled the Apple II from being a hobbyist's toy to being a much-desired, useful financial tool for business". Very useful in engineering too.

My first computer, if you could call it that, was a Coleco Adam. Yes, that's right.

Next up was a Commodore 128. Y'see, I was a serious computer user; a Commodore 64 wouldn't do. Pass the UP PERISCOPE game, please.

I then dumped computing altogether and got an IBM Selectricâ„¢ typewriter.

Afterwards, I think I had one of those huge hulking word processor typewriters they used to sell for $300 or so at Sam's Club.

When I got out of college, I got a PC running DOS. Why? Games. I wanted to play DOOM, and X-WING, and SECRET WEAPONS, and WING COMMANDER. Couldn't do that on a Mac at the time.

Second job out of college was at an all-Mac place -- an engineering firm, if you can believe it. They forced me (that's right, forced) to get a Mac, my first Mac, a very used PowerBook 160, with I think a 40MB HD and 4MB of RAM. I resisted, hated the thought of it. "It's a toy, it's not a serious computer!"

(cue Wonder Years music) I've been through a lot of Macs over the years, and converted a lot of people to the Mac side. I still very fondly remember that 160. I have my own business which allows me a lot of freedom and affords me the opportunity to spend more time with my family and kids. I can honestly say it wouldn't have been possible without my Mac.

1977 indeed, my own Apple ][ europlus is built in 1979 (and I am from 1980 myself).

I grew up with an Atari 800 too! My family & friends spent many, many, MANY nights in front of that thing playing text-based games, like Zork. It was that machine that ignited my interest in technology.

oh my mistake, 1977 then. way before my time ;)
first Mac at 6 months, how man people can say that eh? :D

Cya, Al.