Insanely Great

The Life and Times of Macintosh, the Computer that Changed Everything

By: Steven Levy

Narrated by: Steven Levy

The creation of the Mac, in 1984, catapulted America into the digital millennium, captured a fanatic cult audience, and transformed the computer industry into an unprecedented mix of technology, economics, and show business. Veteran technology writer and Newsweek senior editor Steven Levy zooms in on the great machine and the fortunes of the unique company responsible for its evolution. Loaded with anecdote and insight, and peppered with sharp commentary, Insanely Great is the definitive book on the most important computer ever made. It is a must-have for anyone curious about how we got to the interactive age.

©1994, 1995 Steven Levy (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Insanely? Maybe.

The book is well done and I felt like I was reading about the history of a great company and a great technology. Levy did not whitewash how Mr. Jobs really was nor how kind of lucky the whole thing was to have actually got up and running. Those were weird times, how weird nobody knew until now. The book's ending is understandable, but certainly makes Levy out to be a sycophant. There's nothing wrong with that I suppose, but came off a bit gratuitous as well. Levy is actually a really good narrator.

Mac Aficionado (and a request to Audible)

Any Mac aficionado will love this book. I am very aware of Steven Levy's writing. He is one of the best technology chronologist of our time. Even though I am not a Mac User, I really enjoyed listening about how Apple got started. There is a secret hidden gem about Apple and their stories.

This company is like a blockbuster movie, lights, action, and drama. There is no other tech company out there like Apple that keep their consumers wanting more. I don't see multiple books about Intel, but there is always an new plot on Apple.

I really wish that Audible will record more books from Steven Levy, like "Hackers." Please record this book. We are missing out one of the best tech titles in audio. I would pay 2 credits for Hackers without a doubt!

What a remarkable experience. Thank you Mr. Levi.

Steven Levy should have allowed a more talented reader narrate his excellent journalism. I loved the book and plan to read all of Levi's work now.

Not your typical Jobsian apotheosis

Good thing it was written way back in the 90s (then updated, then updated some more). Had it been written today, it wouldn't have seen the light of day.
This is story of the real Apple, the real Steve Jobs, and the real origins of the ideas that have shaped the way we interact with technology. It credits the right people for the right things, and by this it does a great historical justice.
Must read for anyone who ever worked on, or interested in UX/UI, and computer-human interfaces in general.

Not what I expected

This book has mainly great reviews. To me, the story seemed to jump all over the place. I did realize that this book is old and maybe they added content for the audiobook and maybe that’s why it felt that way to me.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed other Apple based books: Jony Ive book and Second Coming of Steve Jobs, but this one didn’t do it for me. If you haven’t read a lot of Books about the early Apple days already, you’ll probably enjoy it.