In 1983, when I was 10, I used an Apple II in computer classes. In 1988, I typed some of my first published articles on the original Mac.
In 1993, I bought a used Macintosh LC. It inspired a roommate to get into technology. He's now a Linux administrator.
In 1996, my PowerMac inspired another roommate, an artist, to get into graphic design. He later built The Beat's and ProMedia.travel's websites (including the one you're reading right now), and he continues today as a freelance web designer.
I have owned or used probably a dozen more Macs over the years for professional or personal purposes. In 2007, my wife and I got rid of cable TV and our television. Instead we watch streaming TV and DVDs on our iMac. That same year, I waited in line at a mall with colleague David Jonas to spend $600 on the first iPhone. I didn't regret it when the price dropped. It was my third mobile phone. The first was a ridiculous combination of a personal digital assistant with a mobile phone attachment that I (no joke) threw out my car window while driving on the highway.
When Apple released the iPad, I couldn't fathom how I would use it. Now my household has two.
Thank you, Steve Jobs. [more]