When I heard the news that Steve Jobs had died, my mind flashed back to 1985, when I began my love affair with computers. I was stationed in Moscow for The Associated Press, and I ordered an Apple IIc - by Telex - from a department store in Helsinki, Finland. They express-shipped it to me, a month later, by train.

Andrew Rosenthal’s quote reflects on the profound impact that Steve Jobs and his creations, like the Apple IIc, had on his personal and professional life. Upon hearing the news of Jobs' passing, Rosenthal’s mind traveled back to the 1980s, a pivotal time when he first fell in love with computers. The mention of his Apple IIc marks a significant moment in his life, underscoring how deeply technology became intertwined with his journey.

The origin of the quote lies in Rosenthal’s career as a journalist for The Associated Press stationed in Moscow. At the time, obtaining cutting-edge technology, such as an Apple IIc, was not as simple as purchasing it locally. Rosenthal recounts how he ordered the computer through Telex, a method that seems almost archaic in comparison to modern online shopping. The process of receiving the computer, which took a month to arrive by train from Helsinki, emphasizes the unique and challenging nature of acquiring technology in that era.

Rosenthal’s story highlights how early personal experiences with technology and computers shaped his understanding of innovation and how those moments became intertwined with his career. The reference to Steve Jobs’ passing serves as a reminder of how Apple and its visionary founder revolutionized the tech landscape, deeply influencing not just consumers but also professionals in various fields, like Rosenthal himself.

Ultimately, Rosenthal’s reflection on Steve Jobs and the Apple IIc underscores the long-lasting influence of Jobs’ vision and the way technology has transformed the way we live and work. It also captures a moment in history when personal relationships with technology were still evolving, with technology’s future just beginning to unfold.