- The document provides a timeline of key events in Apple's history from 1976 to 2008, including the establishment of Apple Computer, the release of important products like the Lisa, Macintosh, iPod, and iTunes, and the return of Steve Jobs as CEO in 1996. - It also outlines some issues Apple was facing in 2004-2008, such as Steve Jobs' health problems, the planned release of Palm Pre smartphone and Windows 7 operating system. - The document concludes with discussion questions about Apple's dependence on Steve Jobs, the impact of Palm Pre and Windows 7 on the iPhone, and people's experiences switching between Apple and Microsoft products.

1. Hardware Distributor Software Producer Music Distributor Cell phone Producer Apple Inc.

2. From Apple Computer Inc. to Apple Inc. 1976 - Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne establish Apple 1983 - Apple Lisa first Personal Computer w/ GUI

3. 1984 – Macintosh released, – First public offering (Shares) 1985 – Steve Jobs resigns 1991 – Powerbook, a success! 1993 – 1997 SLUMP

4. 1996 – Steve Jobs returns to Apple 1998 – iMac release, a huge success 2001 – First two retail stores opened CA, VA 2001 – First generation iPod released 2003 – iTunes first released 2005 – Apple and Intel form partnership

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6. Marketing Venues: Online

7. Marketing Venues: Online

8. Marketing Venues: Online & TV

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10. Issue: Steve Jobs’ Health 2004 – Cancerous tumor in pancreas 2006 – pancreaticoduodenectomy 2008 – Mistakenly published obituary 2008 – MIA Macworld

11. Issue: Release Of Palm Pre Beat ‘Multi touch screen’ patent Touts features over the iPhone: Backgrounding aka ‘cards’ Physical QWERTY Keyboard ‘ Synergy’ allows seamless search Released June 6, days before Apples new iPhone Palm also has loyal customers

12. Issue: Release of Windows 7 Latest Microsoft OS Improved security Can be used on Netbooks Improved usability over Vista Assumed to be released before Apple releases their next OS

13. Discussion Does Apple live and die by Steve Jobs? What kind of impact will the Palm Pre have on the iPhone? What kind of impact will Microsoft’s new OS have on Apple? What do you think of the back forth between Apple and Microsoft’s marketing campaigns? Tasteless or Cheeky fun? Has anyone here switched from Microsoft to Apple for OS? What do you think of the products and functionality? Better or Worse?