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.

iWoz is iCool

Steve Wozniak is one of, if not the smartest, most creative guys in the world. He's accomplished his goals, laughs alot and enjoys life. I've followed him since the day I heard about him in 1982, and thoroughly enjoyed his book. His creative genius has changed the world. If you're into digital technology, the fabulous world of Apple, or just want to hear a few jokes you'll enjoy this book. Steve is just an average guy who followed his dreams...the rest is history. Thanks, Steve! :)

Interesting read if a bit self serving

overall good look into Steve's life… kind of gives you an idea of what makes him tick... comes across as a bit self-serving at points but I guess it's hard to write an autobiography without doing that

Great book about a great man

No one's going to accuse Woz of being overly humble, but he's also incredibly kind and gracious which make this easy to forgive. He is such a delightful man and it's a joy to hear his story in his words. The only way this could have been better is if it were also in his voice. The current narrator is wonderful, but I can't help longing for the man himself.

Great story

This is a very informative book if your interested in the history of apple or computers. He is his own biggest fan but he did some incredible things.

Awesome read!

The only things I knew about Woz were the commonly banded about tales and his depiction on the Jobs movie. His book corrects manyi ncorrect impressions and was an inspiring read. Really loved the down to earth tone and how he clearly expressed his beliefs and north star that he used to go about his life. I have a very different view of Woz and appreciate him even more for the type of man that he is.

Geek porn

This book with its seemingly endless descriptions of RAM, ROM, breadboards and soldering of circuitry appealed to my inner nerd. Woz seems like a very interesting guy. And while this book does not really tell the entire story of Apple, it does shed important light on the life of the lesser-known Steve, and provide some facts to counter some of the rumors surrounding the creation of the personal computer. I listened to this book at double speed, which made the experience extra frenetic and quirky.

good read

this book is a fine way to pass some time. it is both entertaining and informative. the author creates every opportunity to point out how smart he is and how others are not, but it works because ther are other things to balance it all out. steve jobs is the cheating no class man we thought he was. i was surprised to find that "WOZ" is a man with a great heart and a teriffic human being. not what i had guessed prior to the read. good book, left me feeling upbeat and wishing more people were like him.

Just a Pleasure

My wife and I have been enjoying this book as we drive. It is just wonderful. As most know Woz is a 'nice' person. Once in a while a nice person really makes it big by doing 'good' and not harming! The book is often exciting. The father-son relationship is also a big + and will be helpful to new parents. Love it!!!

This book is fun and insightful!

I loved listening to this book.

It is a great story with so many insights especially in a world where working around the clock and grabbing every dollar that comes your way seems to be the only way to “succeed”.

Steve talks about real success and it is something that depends on what is important to you rather than impressive to others.

great computer history book

Where does iWoz rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As a child when the first personal computer came out, I really enjoyed this story.