Review - iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon
For Apple fans this is probably the book they’ve been waiting for. iWoz is the autobiography of key founding member of Apple, Steve Wozniak. My copy duly arrived from Amazon and I devoured it within a couple of days.
Firstly I should point out that I loved it. Cheers Woz, I really appreciate hearing your story first hand. Having said that, I’m not sure I really learned anything new that really interested me. Woz seems to go out of his way to correct a series of fallacies that have built up over the years, he shows a real keenness to get the truth out there. The thing is though, while certain information does clarify matters I still feel exactly the same way about Woz as I did last week.
He’s a fascinating, lovable, cuddly prankster with only the best of intentions. My kind of guy but the new and clarified information in this book hasn’t changed that, or even enhanced it particularly.
This is not a heavyweight read. It reads much like the process that produced it – a conversation with Woz. It’s simple, straightforward and not in any way salacious or sensational. I can imagine some people being disappointed. It’s not packed with new revelations, it’s just a diary of events – this happened then that happened – not much more. Those events take us from early childhood almost to the present day in a linear fashion.
I do now know a little more about Woz’s personal life but he doesn’t talk extensively about his wives and kids. I enjoyed hearing about his relationship with his dad and about his early pranks. Woz and Gina (his co-writer) do a great job showing how events unfolded, how Woz’s understanding developed and how this led to the creation of his seminal work, the Apple II.
He’s been incredibly open in some ways and yet seems to reveal little. Gina Smith has done a professional job, seemingly faithfully reporting Woz in a style that really feels like the man himself. The only trouble with this is that Woz likes to keep things simple so the book is kept simple. It’s a little disconcerting having Woz explain how he basically invented the personal computer in such a matter of fact way. Maybe that’s part of the charm but I was hoping for a little complexity I think!
All in all, recommended for Apple nerds everywhere and for anyone who fancies a quick, lightweight read about a genuinely decent bloke. If you’re looking for a colourful, rich history of Apple then look elsewhere.
ps. My personal favourite book on Apple history is Revolution in the Valley by Andy Hertzfeld which I particularly recommend. You can read most of it online at http://folklore.org
I thought you might be interested in a new documentary on Silicon Valley, called In Search of the Valley. It also features Woz, and came out last month.
Cheers Steve,
DVD duly ordered – I’ll look forward to it.
No need to be coy about things round here though. I notice that you are the director of said DVD. That’s cool, you can pimp a product like that on this blog anytime.
BTW, nice preview clips!
Me coy? Never. Thanks for your support, when you’ve watched – we’d love to know what you think.
– Steve (Director)