A Glimpse of Apple's Most Successful Products

Mac: In 1984 the first successful personal computer to offer a mouse and GUI found its way into many homes, building some market share for a small company named Apple Computer. Both the computer and the company were highly popularized in the same year with assistance from the legendary commercial that aired during Superbowl XVIII. The computer was revolutionary even with only 128k and no hard drive.

iPhone: If there was any way a smartphone could be made smarter, Apple did so with the 2007 iPhone. The all-in-one device has the form factor, OS, and features to make even a non-techno geek drool. Undoubtedly, the device has openly had its share of complaints, such as a carrier restriction, and initially low memory specs. Regardless, it has been purchased by the masses. With the release of the 3GS model in 2009, the iPhone has maintained its status as one of the coolest hi-tech toys to have.

iPod: The iPod has evolved over and over again, making the great only greater. The original iPod hit store shelves in 2001. Many models later, the iPod touch arrived in 2007, replacing the Sony Walkman as a household name synonymous with portable audio entertainment.

OS X: This OS is well know for replacing the "classic" Apple OS that was in existence since 1984. Taking over for OS 9, a variation of the Unix based OS X has been Apple's OS since 2001. A server version has been available since 1999.

Apple II: Introduced way back in 1977, the Apple II took the personal computer world by storm and put Apple on the map as a real computer company. As the successor to the Apple I, this computer appeared in many public school computer labs throughout the country. Amazingly it remained in manufacturing with only slight modifications for nearly 20 years, until its end in 1993.

iMac: The original iMac came in many different "flavors" (colors) in 1998. The all in one design was applauded, and various models can still be found all over the public school system today.

iTunes: With a software debut in 2001 and an online store opening in 2003, iTunes set the standard for purchasing digital entertainment. Those that existed before and came after still can't compete.

Quicktime: The world of digital multimedia entertainment was pioneered in 1991 with a piece of software called Quicktime. At the latest, version 7 still sets the standard in cross platform video playback and authoring capabilities.

Apple LaserWriter: Although Apple isn't quite so well know today for printers as it is for iPhones, one of the company's early successes was the LaserWriter printer. Based on the PostScript language, the LaserWriter would help set a new standard in desktop publishing.

iPad: Appearing to be a large iPhone with a 10" screen, the forthcoming iPad promises to be the new must have gadget for 2010. Weighing in at 1.5 lbs, and being thinner than many magazines at .5" thick, the device will be a top contender versus the currently popular netbooks.