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| iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It | 
 enlarge | Author: Steve Wozniak
Creator: Gina Smith
Publisher: W. W. Norton
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
Buy New: $6.99
You Save: $7.96 (53%)
New (30) Used (11) from $5.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  119 reviews
Sales Rank: 50978
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 304
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.4 x 1
ISBN: 0393330435
Dewey Decimal Number: 621.39092
EAN: 9780393330434
ASIN: 0393330435
Publication Date: October 22, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Absolutely Brand New. Gift quality. Not a remainder. 20 copies available.
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Product Description
The mastermind behind Apple 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. 16 pages of illustrations.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 114 more reviews...
 Wozniaks (lame) attempt to not be forgotten November 9, 2008
I just finished reading iWoz last night and I have to say that I was extremely dissapointed.
This book offers advice at the end, almost as an afterhought. If Wozniak wanted to make the book more interesting it would have served him better to turn the last chapter into a phamplet and sell that.
Reading through this book you will find several digs at Steve Jobs. Immediately I realized that Woz is quite bitter and resentful against Jobs.
There is no doubt in my mind about Woz's intelligence and what he has created but he talks about it in such a boastful way that it begins to become draining. "I was the first to do this, I was the first to do that" over and over again.
What I realized at the end of the book is that Wozniak has taken everything he has for granted. He forgets what while he may have invented many things he would not have financially benefited from ANY of it without Apple and without Jobs. He would still be a engineer at HP in their calculator division had OTHERS not worked with him. He rarely credits others for getting him where he is today.
My opinion of Steve Wozniak was much higher BEFORE I read this book. Unfortunately this book made me see what kind of person Steve Wozniak is, perhaps this is why he's burnt through so many wives. He's arrogant, self-centered and egotistical. Perhaps if you want a lesson in how to be thankless to those who've helped you reach much success you should give this book a read.
While Woz claims he did this book to 'set the story straight' it reads more like a last ditch attempt at not being forgotten.
It's informative, inspiring, and hilarious. September 22, 2008
I was looking to find out how much was true of Pirates of Silicon Valley when I came across this book. I'm not a fan of Apple, but I am a person who enjoys history of many sorts, and I am close to getting a degree in Engineering Technology.
It's just a great read. There are many interesting things in here about history, such as his thoughts on Vietnam. He talks about his design decisions in simple terms. He describes in detail the most hilarious pranks that had me laughing aloud. I even learned a few things that might help me as an engineer. If I wasn't so busy, this book would be done in 2-3 days tops. It's just that difficult to put down. I always want to know what happens next and am disappointed when I have to put it down.
There are a few minor downsides. He is often repeats himself. He can be pompous at times. Some sentences don't communicate well. Even after reading the sentences multiple times, I couldn't understand what it was saying.
I'm just over halfway done with the book and I had to write the review because I am so excited about this book. I don't think you have to know any technical knowledge to enjoy it for what it is.
A Reminiscing Romp through early Computer History September 17, 2008
If you use a computer (which is almost everyone now) I believe your obligated to read this book. Even though I enjoyed the book I felt like it lead me a little to how Woz wants to be remembered. I have a great admiration for him and this story certainly supports that. While for me there was nothing really shockingly new I did find a lot of little facts and stories that I had not known. Unfortunately I never did follow or understand his activities with the huge concerts in California. Being a long time computer enthusiast I couldn't help but loving this book. Hope you enjoy it as much.
 Well written actually September 14, 2008
Don't be put off by the negative statements about this guy. He is actually a very good writer. He explains himself clearly, and gets across complicated ideas in an accessable way, that... sort of just flows into the brain with the minimal of the reader's effort.
I think the main problem that readers have with his writing, IS his accessability! They want him to write in really over-complicated ways. You know... University degree educated people who feel something is not correct unless it's hard to read and hard to understand, so they can prove they are smarter than everyone else. I think most of the negative reviewers here are the ones who are bloated on the ego and butcher language, cos I found Woz a lot easier to read than their reviews.
Sadly, this is a comment on our times. There are too many stupid people in society who go around rubbishing inventors cos they are jealous that for all their degrees, achievements and so called intelligence, they never found themself capable of inventing anything.
Small minded arrogant University degree educated people make life tough for those who want to make the world a better place.
Great contrast to the Steve Jobs story August 28, 2008
I bought this book about a year ago when I had recently been laid off and wanted to introduce some new ideals into my brain.
I read the Second Coming of Steve Jobs, which showed how a man can be a cutthroat and succeed.
iWoz however, shows how a man can find success doing something he loves, and not get hung up on money or power.
After initially reading the book I thought it was kind of blah, but after seeing more of Woz in person and in various bios, I truly appreciate how genius he truly is.
Excellent read for anyone seeking innovation and drive, because Woz clearly has it!
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