iWoz

How I Invented the Personal Computer and Had Fun Along the Way

By: Steve Wozniak, Gina Smith

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

The mastermind behind Apple Computer sheds his low profile and steps forward to tell his story for the first time.

Before cell phones that fit in the palm of your hand and slim laptops that fit snugly into briefcases, computers were like strange, alien vending machines. They had cryptic switches, punch cards, and pages of encoded output. But in 1975, a young engineering wizard named Steve Wozniak had an idea: what if you combined computer circuitry with a regular typewriter keyboard and a video screen? The result was the first true personal computer, the Apple I, a widely affordable machine that anyone could understand and figure out how to use.

Wozniak's life before and after Apple is a "home-brew" mix of brilliant discovery and adventure, as an engineer, a concert promoter, a fifth-grade teacher, a philanthropist, and an irrepressible prankster. From the invention of the first personal computer to the rise of Apple as an industry giant, iWoz presents a no-holds-barred, rollicking, firsthand account of the humanist inventor who ignited the computer revolution.

©2006 Steve Wozniak (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

The Real Genius Behind Apple's Beginning

Inspired me as a programmer at my own company (Sabramedia). It all makes sense now. I hope Apple can learn something from this book <wink>. I particularly liked the moral compass Mr. Wozniak tried portraying throughout his life. Couldn't stop listening.

Story Was Good, but Came Off as Self Centered

What made the experience of listening to iWoz the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed most of the stories, but I didn't like how most of his stories were "look how smart I am" or "look how much good I can do". I liked how he did go into some technical depth on things he worked on, but in explaining his pranks, it made him seem like a jerk with little care about hurting others or the long term effects of his pranks.

Overall, it seems like he wrote this book to make sure everyone knew HE was the one that invented the Apple.

What did you like best about this story?

All the stories about him and Jobs were pretty good.

What does Patrick Lawlor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I really wish Woz had narrated it. Lawlor wasn't bad, but I usually prefer the author's voice when it is a famous person.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I felt some anger at some of the pranks he considered 'harmless' , but could have really done damage to other people and their careers.

Apples first act!

Would you consider the audio edition of iWoz to be better than the print version?

I've never read the print version and I got through this in a day. I still haven't finished the Steve Jobs book in a month in print.

What did you like best about this story?

Learning how a parent could impact their child's life and the world. Spend time with your kids away from the box.

Which scene was your favorite?

The history.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to it in one sitting.

Interesting

While some of the other reviews view the book as self centered and egotistical I don't really get that view. I see it more as being passionate about his career and life. I thought the book was a good listen. Anyone who enjoys computers and especially apple buffs should give it a listen. I think most of us computer geeks would agree it's worth the time .

Woz is Awesome!

This book is the personal memoir of Steve Wozniak, one of the founders of Apple Computers.

Woz fascinates me, he is an engineer at heart but he is also a teacher, a humanitarian, and a jokester. In this book he recounts his childhood experiences at science fairs, his teenage years with neighborhood friends plying practical jokes and making cool electronics, on to college, the creation of Apple, creating the US festival, becoming a 5th grade teacher, having children, and everything in between.

I got this book from Audible and Patrick Lawlor does a great job inserting passion and excitement into the text narrates the book. My limited knowledge of Woz is that he is a very excitable guy with huge passions for what he does, and that really comes across in the book.

It's a real shame Woz didn't read this himself.

As a longtime admirer of the two Steves (Jobs and Wozniak) of Apple, I've seen countless interviews with each man. I can bring their voices to mind with ease. Therefore, the narrator, though doing a serviceable job perhaps, just served to distance me from the material. Steve Wozniak strikes me as one of the kindest, gentlest, most genuine human beings I've ever known of. Many things that would've seemed simply ebullient, excited, enthusiastic when spoken by the man himself, tend to come off sounding boastful, egotistical or petty in another's voice. Wozniak's accomplishments in technology were huge, unprecedented and undeniable. I can help feeling that this reading of his book is a poor tribute to a great man.

Geek History

The narrator seems to be shouting through the entire book but it was interesting to get Woz's viewpoint of the creation of Apple.

Great listen

If you are a fan of technology this is a must listen. You get to see the personal computer revolution through the eyes of one of its major figures.

Wozniak's personality shines in this book. I laughed out loud more than once. The story of the TV jammer was hilarious.

My only real complaint is that the last portion of the book drifts a little. It just didn't seem to have the same energy.

I learned a lot about Woz. What a good guy!

I enjoy an insightful autobiography. This was a good read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

amazing unknown story

Wow! Completely blown away about this story that I had no clue about. What an amazing person that never gets the credit he deserves!