Comment from E-mail:
Hello Mr. Wozniak, my name is Mark W. and I have a question that was brought about through curiousity. Why does Apple not let other companies build Macintosh clones, microprocessors, or anything like that, like many other companies build microprocessors for IBM clones? It only seems logical that Apple would let other companies produce Apple clones. Do you happen to know why Apple so safely guards their computers? Thanks.
Woz:
Apple makes both hardware and software and can provide a better, more complete product that way.

Microsoft provides software only, for the most part. They would certainly want all companies to build the computer for it. Intel only makes components, so they would certainly want all companies to build computers using their components. Each clone company would prefer not to have the competition, but they have no choice about that.

Comment from E-mail:
I picked up a Macally iKey keyboard (graphite version) and also (don't hate me) a MS Intelimouse Explorer (both usb). despite being MS it works great. Don't feel bad, Microsoft makes great hardware! So does Sun. I'm waiting for both of them to make some decent software.
Woz:
FWIW, Microsoft did not develop the Intellimouse. It is an HP product that they bought, and rebranded. Not surprising considering MS's software practices.

Comment from E-mail:
It must feel wierd to be one of the most important inventors in human history. Thank you for bringing about such positive change for everyone.
Woz:
It makes me realize how normal the others might have been!

Comment from E-mail:
I purchased an iMac in February 1999. This February, I went to the store where I got my machine after phoning them to ask the price to upgrade from 64 MB to 128. I was given a price of $199 Canadian. But when they opened my machine and found the two slots filled with a 32 MB each, I was told I would have to "trash" my memory and buy two 64's at a price of more than $400. Why were the "first" iMac's made that way? Why, when I upgraded at purchase to 64 MB, wasn't I informed that this was a bad thing to do? My computer literate friend said that all computer salespeople were like "snake oil salesmen" and I have to believe it. I was treated very badly by your "authorized" Apple products dealer and am now "stuck" with constant "not enough memory" boxes. I don't have the cash to get a new machine, since I will get next to nothing for this one. I must say, I am not impressed by how this matter was handled at COMPUTER SYSTEMS CENTRE, College St., Toronto, Ontario. They treat our customers without respect and should no longer be allowed to sell Apple products, as far as I am concerned. No consideration was made for the fact that I had spent thousands of dollars there on my system. If this the general experience of most Apple purchasers, then I will be sure never to buy any Apple products again, especially when no appreciation is given, after sale. And my "warrenty" was still in effect, although they said that if there were any problems I'd still have to pay for any fixes, regardless of warrenty. I'm sure you can do nothing about this, but I just had to vent my anger. I'll just be sitting here with my Grape iMac ten years from now (if it still functions) and will continue to be obsolete and, occasionally, very angry.
Woz:
My own opinion is that companies today get away with murder and customers have no easy remedies. It's wrong and atrocious and evil and inhuman and I hope that strict laws get written. Since when are companies more important than their customers? A casual buyer, of anything, can't know all the technical details and gotcha's, but the salesman can, because he works with them day in and day out. It must be the salesman's (and manufacturer's) job to communicate properly, or pay for it. I hope that this happens someday.

Comment from E-mail:
Do you think Apple will go back to beige computers again? I don't think it will be a good move, but what about you?
Woz:
It's certainly not time for this. Personal computers may never go back to looking like industrial machines. But if Apple someday makes models for the militaries or industrial sites, then beige may come back.

Comment from E-mail:
I work on W. San Carlos Street in San Jose and as I approach the museum I always notice the steet name. Can you tell me why it is called Woz Way?
Woz:
I donated the major starting funds for the San Jose Children's Discovery Museum, the San Jose Cleveland Ballet, The Tech, and more. I even contributed to improving the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts (the CPA) which greatly helped the orchestras that play there. The city was extremely kind to name this great and important street after me.