(Note: First published in the Mercury News in January, 1984. Silicon Valley has republished the article as part of its look back to the historic launch of the Macintosh.)

“After two years of secrecy, brainstorming and sometimes zany company maneuvering, Apple Computer Inc. will unveil a new personal computer Jan. 24 that is the size of a stack of paper and, for about the same price, contains more power than the basic IBM PC,” Evelyn Richards wrote.

“Known as the Macintosh and considered by analysts to be critical the the future of the company, the machine already is winning rave reviews from the dealers, software developers and industry analysts for its compactness and ease of use,” Richards wrote. “The machine, which sources way will sell for $2,495, is designed to catch the fancy of the college students, small businessmen and the American consumer who wants to have ‘fun’ with a computer. It is priced between the less expensive Apple IIe and the more expensive Lisa.”

“According to former employees, industry analysts and dealers, Mac weighs just under 20 pounds and is 9.7 inches wide, 10.9 inches deep and 13.5 inches high,” Richards wrote. “When one takes the Mac home, said one market watcher, ‘It’s not a one-night stand. You fall in love with it.’”

Full article here.