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.

Loved it!

Pretty sure this book embodies what we all think of Woz. In its child like retelling of his world and vision Woz makes the most amazing thing happen. He propels you to that time in history when you first sat at the Apple I, II or even the IIgs. At least it did for me. Well done Woz. This was a very enjoyable read.

Interesting for Geeks

If you are a tech person, and especially if you used computers in the early days of PC's, this book will be great for you. If you are not into the details of the innards of long gone computers, then you may want to pass.

quite a story

If everything I read in iWoz is true, the "other" Steve played a vital role in the development of personal computing. Clearly, the book gives Woz an opportunity to set the record straight on what he believes are inaccuracies told in other books about Apple. The story is also a great example of the value of team work, and the benefits of surrounding yourself with talented people.

Narrator not up to par

What didn???t you like about Patrick Lawlor???s performance?

I thought at first I had downloaded a young adult or younger book. Lawlor sounded like he was reading to children. His tone was patronizing at best, ineffective at least. Perhaps he was trying to set the pitch to his estimation of author's own voice. Made it hard to stick with the book.

Was iWoz worth the listening time?

For the most part.

Any additional comments?

I agree with other reviewers - Woz has an ego the size of Alaska, and some of the extended/protracted descriptions of technology were out of my field of interest. His penchant for pranks and particularly the lengthy description of the remote control prank wore thin. But there was still enough I liked learning to justify the credit. Would have been much easier with a different narrator, though.

Thanks Woz!

When you read this book, you will understand why you would want Steve Wozniak as your very best friend -- and why you would wouldn't want to be friends with Steve Jobs at all. Steve Wozniak has got to be one of the most transparent and benevolent geniuses of our day.

A great read

A must for any Apple or computer fan, this book clears the idea that Steve Jobs was not the only force behind Apple creation and success, very interesting and entertaining, ebook.

Needs Woz authentic voice

There is nothing boastful about the title. Steve Wozniak had as much to do with the creation of the personal computer as anyone. This book talks about how a particular skill, the ability to create a complete circuit with the smallest possible piece count, came in handy. He actually glosses over how much that was critical in the Apple II and he also doesn't mention one of my key points in computer history. That would have been at a Computer Faire in San Francisco when the crowd wanted to know about the Lisa but Woz said that there is a new computer coming that will really change things. That computer was the Macintosh.

Throughout this book Woz talks about some trick he pulled on someone. I've heard Woz talk many times and you can tell these tricks had no malice or profit motive in them. But the narrator hear doesn't quite capture the "impishness" of Woz's character. Also, the narrator refers to a computing language "complier" when he meant to say a "Compiler" and that's a mistake Woz wouldn't make in a million years. So I deduct one star for Woz not using his own voice and I deduct a second star because the narrator does not have enough computer background to pull it off.

Overall I still recommend this book because it is a great insight into a critical part of the history of the personal computer.

Very interesting and informative

Beyond the information itself, the narrator did a great job of reflecting the enthusiasm and high energy that radiates out of the story.

Wowed by Woz

Would you listen to iWoz again? Why?

WOW that was a great book! A must read for all you techies/makers/engineers/tinkerers out there!! So inspiring to hear all his stories, from all the pranks to the pivotal moments in computer history.

A good heart behind a big deal

Enjoyed the heart Woz showed as he explained his developments, decisions and life path. Glad I had a chance to learn from a guy that changed all of our lives.