I started on an Apple II, which I had bought at the very end of 1978 for half of my annual income. I made $4,500 a year, and I spent half of it on the computer.

Bill Budge’s quote, "I started on an Apple II, which I had bought at the very end of 1978 for half of my annual income. I made $4,500 a year, and I spent half of it on the computer," reflects his early journey into the world of computing and how significant an investment it was for him at the time. The Apple II, one of the first highly successful personal computers, played a pivotal role in shaping the personal computer revolution. Budge’s decision to spend a significant portion of his modest income on it underscores both the value he saw in the potential of computers and the personal sacrifice involved in pursuing that interest.

In the context of the quote, Budge emphasizes the financial commitment he made, dedicating half of his annual income to purchasing the Apple II, a significant sacrifice for someone earning $4,500 a year. This detail serves as a reminder of how far technology has come. At the time, personal computers were still relatively new and expensive, and many people had to make considerable financial decisions to enter the computing world. Budge’s story shows the passion and foresight that early pioneers had for the potential of computers, despite the steep costs involved.

The quote also highlights the early personal sacrifices that many people in the tech industry made in order to become part of the emerging digital world. Budge’s decision to invest in the Apple II not only shaped his own career but also reflects a larger trend of individuals who saw the value of computers and were willing to spend significant portions of their income on a tool that would eventually revolutionize society.

In essence, Bill Budge’s reflection on his early experience with the Apple II speaks to the passion and vision that early adopters of technology had. It also serves as a testament to the sacrifices that many made in order to be part of the growing tech revolution at a time when personal computers were still an expensive and novel concept.