I Woz by Steve Wozniak

I, Woz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon – Getting to the Core of Apple’s Inventor, by Steve Wozniak

LoTempio Law Blog Book Review

About the book

In this autobiography,  Steve Wozniak describes his life–before and after Apple. From his childhood where he learned about electronics from his father, to the time of the invention of the Apple I personal computer, to the rise of Apple as an industry giant. A firsthand account by Steve Wozniak, inventor genius, about the origins of Apple and the computer revolution.

My review of the book

Everyone wonders how a true genius comes up with his great idea. Steve Wozniak tells of his early childhood and how his interest in electronics was the foundation that guided him to the world’s first practical personal computer.

It can be argued that Steve Wozniak  is one of the great inventors of all time, but he will not go down in history as a great writer based upon this book. Although his stories of childhood pranks and interaction with Steve Jobs regarding his technical life leading up to Apple are very interesting, parts of it are over technical for the average reader.

In addition, the reader gets the feeling that the author has too much control over the editor. One must wonder if the ego of the multimillionaire author controls the direction of the book and the editor is incapable to reel in the line.

Despite the book’s shortcomings, after reading it you will feel as though you got to know the person Steve Wozniak and you can’t help but like him. in addition, I was interested to learn that Apple protected much of their early technology with copyright rather than patents because of the high cost of patent preparation. I thought it was also interesting to read about his struggles with corporate politics.

He reveals that he wanted to stay out of management t but remain involved in the inventive/creative side of the business. I had hoped he would have shared more details regarding how they split up the profits of the company and his relationship with Steve Jobs.

About the Author

Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder, changed the direction the computing industry with his design of the world’s first mass produced personal computers, the Apple I and Apple II.

In 1985, Steve was awarded the highest honor bestowed on America’s inventors; the National Medal of Technology by the then  President of the United States, Ronald Regan.

In 2000 Steve was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for “single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.”

Wozniak founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. He currently is the Chief Scientist at Fusion-io and recently he danced on “Dancing with the Stars.”