It's not that computers prior didn't have speakers, it's that they didn't seem like a core part of the computer — always some clunky add-on that sat there occupying desk space or unattractively needing to be hooked on to the side of a monitor.
Apple had been doing built-in speakers for quite some time, especially in their Performas, but those weren't really seen in homes.
But with the iMac, not only were there speakers built-in but they had great sound, were beautiful (as far as aesthetics go in the 90s), and didn't feel like an afterthought. No used-up desk space, no ugly earmuffs on the screen, just booming sound coming from the front of this gorgeous, lickable, candy-coloured wonder.
We can talk about who did what first in the manner of a check list but that's sorely missing the point. A product isn't just what it is but how it feels — for every sense.
There's a reason why Apple uses terms like 'magic' and 'delight'. Whilst people deride it as marketing nonsense, every other company fires up their photocopiers, it's big enough of a deal.
Apple had been doing built-in speakers for quite some time, especially in their Performas, but those weren't really seen in homes.
But with the iMac, not only were there speakers built-in but they had great sound, were beautiful (as far as aesthetics go in the 90s), and didn't feel like an afterthought. No used-up desk space, no ugly earmuffs on the screen, just booming sound coming from the front of this gorgeous, lickable, candy-coloured wonder.
We can talk about who did what first in the manner of a check list but that's sorely missing the point. A product isn't just what it is but how it feels — for every sense.
There's a reason why Apple uses terms like 'magic' and 'delight'. Whilst people deride it as marketing nonsense, every other company fires up their photocopiers, it's big enough of a deal.