Lisa: Steve Jobs’ sabotage and Apple’s secret burial | FULL DOCUMENTARY

The Verge

The Verge

30 min, 2 sec

This detailed account explores Apple's buried past involving the Lisa computer, from its ambitious invention to its eventual disposal in a Utah landfill.

Summary

  • Apple's Lisa, a groundbreaking computer, faced a premature end and was buried in a landfill in Logan, Utah, in 1989.
  • The disposal of approximately 2,700 Lisas was initially a mystery but was later discovered to be a business decision by Apple.
  • Bob Cook's company, Sun Remarketing, revived the Lisa temporarily by selling modified versions, but Apple's return to a strategy of forward focus and control under Steve Jobs ended this venture.
  • The story of the Lisa illustrates a very different era for Apple, one with less control and focus compared to the company's later years under Steve Jobs' leadership.

Chapter 1

The Mystery of Apple's Buried Lisas

0:05 - 37 sec

Apple quietly disposed of 2,700 Lisa computers in a Utah landfill, an event shrouded in mystery until discovered through a newspaper article.

Apple quietly disposed of 2,700 Lisa computers in a Utah landfill, an event shrouded in mystery until discovered through a newspaper article.

  • In 1989, Apple buried 2,700 Lisa computers in a landfill in Logan, Utah, a fact known only because of an old newspaper article.
  • The event has the air of an urban legend, prompting further investigation into its truth and context.
  • The initial details include a used computer store and an unusual business deal.

Chapter 2

Journey to Uncover the Lisa's Fate

0:42 - 34 sec

A search for the truth about the Lisa's burial leads to Utah, where interviews and old records are sought to piece together the story.

A search for the truth about the Lisa's burial leads to Utah, where interviews and old records are sought to piece together the story.

  • The search for the truth about the Lisa's burial takes the investigators to Utah.
  • Anecdotes from the past are collected, contributing to the understanding of Lisa's legend.

Chapter 3

The Rise of Apple and the Lisa's Creation

1:16 - 1 min, 0 sec

Apple's early success with the Apple II funded the Lisa project, an innovative computer that aimed to change the computing industry.

Apple's early success with the Apple II funded the Lisa project, an innovative computer that aimed to change the computing industry.

  • Apple's success in the personal computer market was largely due to the Apple II.
  • The company aimed to stay ahead of competition by creating the Lisa, a computer with a new kind of technology, such as a graphical user interface.

Chapter 4

Steve Jobs and the Lisa's Turbulent Development

2:16 - 1 min, 27 sec

Steve Jobs' involvement with the Lisa was marked by passion and controversy, ultimately leading to his removal from the project.

Steve Jobs' involvement with the Lisa was marked by passion and controversy, ultimately leading to his removal from the project.

  • Steve Jobs, at age 25, was a driving force behind the Lisa project, but his management style caused friction.
  • His passion for the Lisa led to conflict, and he was eventually ousted from the team.

Chapter 5

The Lisa's Launch and Competition with Macintosh

3:42 - 1 min, 15 sec

The Lisa launched to great fanfare but was overshadowed by the cheaper Macintosh, also pushed by Steve Jobs.

The Lisa launched to great fanfare but was overshadowed by the cheaper Macintosh, also pushed by Steve Jobs.

  • Reviewers praised the Lisa for its innovation, but it struggled in the market with a high price tag and competition from IBM PCs.
  • Steve Jobs, having taken over the Macintosh project, undermined the Lisa, leading to its decline.

Chapter 6

The Lisa's Second Life Through Sun Remarketing

4:58 - 1 min, 21 sec

Bob Cook's Sun Remarketing extended the Lisa's life by selling refurbished units and providing support, gaining notable success.

Bob Cook's Sun Remarketing extended the Lisa's life by selling refurbished units and providing support, gaining notable success.

  • Bob Cook acquired Apple III's and later Lisa computers, refurbishing and selling them under Sun Remarketing.
  • His company provided a second life for the Lisa, modifying it and rebranding it as the Lisa Professional.

Chapter 7

Apple's Sudden Reclamation of the Lisas

6:18 - 2 min, 4 sec

Apple unexpectedly decided to take back the Lisa computers from Sun Remarketing, leading to their destruction.

Apple unexpectedly decided to take back the Lisa computers from Sun Remarketing, leading to their destruction.

  • In a surprising move, Apple repossessed the Lisa computers from Bob Cook, despite the ongoing business.
  • The Lisa computers were then buried in a landfill, an act that was monitored by hired guards.

Chapter 8

The Legacy and Aftermath of the Lisa's Demise

8:23 - 2 min, 54 sec

The burial of the Lisa computers marked a pivotal moment in Apple's history, reflecting a shift towards a future-focused strategy.

The burial of the Lisa computers marked a pivotal moment in Apple's history, reflecting a shift towards a future-focused strategy.

  • The Lisa's landfill fate has become a part of tech folklore, highlighting a period of trial and error for Apple.
  • The incident is reflective of Apple's transition towards innovation and control, particularly under Steve Jobs' later leadership.

Chapter 9

Exploring the Reasons Behind Lisa's Landfill Burial

11:16 - 3 min, 14 sec

The motivations behind Apple's decision to bury the Lisa computers remain speculative, with business strategy being a likely factor.

The motivations behind Apple's decision to bury the Lisa computers remain speculative, with business strategy being a likely factor.

  • Apple's exact reasons for burying the Lisa computers are unclear, but business considerations are suspected.
  • Theories suggest the burial was to avoid distractions from Apple's focus on new products or to claim a tax write-off.

Chapter 10

Bob Cook's Journey and Apple's Transformation

14:30 - 15 min, 6 sec

Bob Cook reflects on his journey with the Lisa and Apple's transformation into the company it is today.

Bob Cook reflects on his journey with the Lisa and Apple's transformation into the company it is today.

  • Bob Cook's business thrived when Apple was without Steve Jobs, but faced challenges upon his return.
  • The story of the Lisa and Bob's involvement with Apple reflects a stark contrast to the company's later success and strategic focus.

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