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