iWoz
A New York Times Bestseller: "iWoz traces the life and times of a brilliant, gifted...individual whose contributions to the scientific, business and cultural realms are extensive." —Bookpage Before slim laptops that fit into briefcases, computers looked like strange, alien vending machines. But in "the most staggering burst of technical invention by a single person in high-tech history" (BusinessWeek) Steve Wozniak invented the first true personal computer. Wozniak teamed up with Steve Jobs, and Apple Computer was born, igniting the computer revolution and transforming the world. In iWoz the mischievous genius with the low profile treats readers to a rollicking, no-holds-barred account of his life—for once, in the voice of the wizard himself.
The Boy Who Loved Electrons
Growing up in Sunnyvale, California, Steve Wozniak was influenced early by his father, Jerry, an engineer at Lockheed. Jerry taught Steve the fundamental principles of electronics, emphasizing logic and the beauty of how components interact. Unlike most kids his age, Wozniak became obsessed with ham radio, science fairs, and building gadgets from scratch. He developed a philosophy of extreme efficiency, always trying to use the fewest parts possible to achieve a result. This period established his identity not as a businessman, but as a pure engineer who viewed technology as a form of magic to be mastered through curiosity and persistence.
Pranks, Puns, and Prototypes
Wozniak’s teenage years were defined by a rebellious streak channeled through technical ingenuity. He was a notorious prankster, using his knowledge to build electronic devices that could disrupt classroom routines or spoof phone systems. These stunts weren't just for laughs; they were rigorous tests of his engineering skills. During high school and his early college years at CU Boulder, he pushed boundaries by designing the "Cream Soda Computer" with his friend Bill Fernandez. This era highlighted Wozniak's unique ability to merge technical excellence with a playful spirit, proving that engineering could be an expression of personality and humor rather than just dry academic study.
A Fateful Partnership Begins
The trajectory of Wozniak’s life shifted forever when Bill Fernandez introduced him to Steve Jobs. Despite their five-year age gap, the two bonded over their shared love for electronics and music. While Woz remained the introverted genius focused on the "how," Jobs was the visionary focused on the "what." Their first collaboration involved building and selling "Blue Boxes," devices that allowed users to make free long-distance phone calls by mimicking tone frequencies. This venture was a crucial precursor to Apple, demonstrating that Wozniak’s technical wizardry could be successfully commercialized through Jobs's marketing instincts and bold, often aggressive, business drive.
Engineering by Moonlight
While working at Hewlett-Packard, a company he deeply admired for its engineer-centric culture, Wozniak spent his nights designing the circuit board that would become the Apple I. He wanted to build a computer that was affordable and easy to use, unlike the complex kits available at the time. Inspired by the Homebrew Computer Club, he shared his designs freely, embodying the hacker ethic of open collaboration. Wozniak’s breakthrough was integrating a keyboard and a television screen, creating a user-friendly interface that fundamentally changed how people interacted with computers. At this stage, he was still primarily motivated by the joy of invention.
The Birth of Apple Computer
Steve Jobs recognized the market potential of Wozniak’s designs and convinced him to start a company. Initially reluctant to leave his secure job at HP, Wozniak eventually agreed to form Apple Computer. They famously sold personal possessions—Wozniak’s HP calculator and Jobs’s VW bus—to fund the production of the Apple I circuit boards. Operating out of Jobs's family garage, they began fulfilling orders for local electronics shops. This period marked the transition from a hobbyist's dream to a legitimate business entity. Wozniak handled all the technical aspects, while Jobs focused on branding, sales, and the ambitious goal of putting a computer in every home.
The Apple II Masterpiece
Wozniak considers the Apple II his greatest technical achievement. Unlike its predecessor, it was a complete, consumer-ready machine housed in a sleek plastic case. Wozniak innovated by adding color graphics and a highly efficient disk drive, which he designed in a matter of weeks using revolutionary shortcuts. These features set the Apple II apart from competitors and made it the standard for personal computing and education for a decade. His engineering philosophy of "less is more" reached its peak here, as he managed to do with a handful of chips what others required dozens to accomplish. This machine truly launched the personal computer revolution.
Wealth, Fame, and the IPO
The massive success of the Apple II led to Apple’s record-breaking initial public offering in 1980. Suddenly, Wozniak was a multi-millionaire, but he remained remarkably grounded and indifferent to corporate power. In a move that highlighted his character, he initiated the "Woz Plan," selling five percent of his stock to early employees who had been denied stock options by the company. He felt that the people who built the company deserved to share in its success. Despite the fame and fortune, Wozniak felt increasingly alienated by the growing corporate bureaucracy and the shift away from the engineering-first culture he loved so dearly at HP.
The Crash and the Reset
In 1981, Wozniak’s life took a dramatic turn when he crashed his small plane shortly after takeoff. The accident left him with temporary amnesia, unable to create new memories for several weeks. This traumatic event served as a "reset button," prompting him to step back from the daily grind of Apple and reevaluate his priorities. He took a leave of absence to return to UC Berkeley under the pseudonym "Rocky Raccoon Clark" to finally finish his degree. This period allowed him to reconnect with his roots and explore interests outside the tech industry, including his desire to give back to the community and influence younger generations.
US Festivals and New Ventures
Following his recovery, Wozniak funded and organized the US Festivals, massive three-day events intended to celebrate the intersection of technology and music. While the festivals were financial losses, they represented Wozniak's vision of technology as a tool for social harmony and cultural progress. He eventually left Apple for good to pursue new entrepreneurial ventures, such as CL 9, where he developed the first universal remote control. His departure was not fueled by bitterness, but by a desire to be an engineer again—to build small, innovative things from the ground up without the constraints of a multi-billion-dollar corporation.
Teaching and a Living Legacy
In the final chapters of his narrative, Wozniak reflects on his post-Apple life as a teacher and philanthropist. He spent years teaching computer literacy to elementary school students, believing that the best way to shape the future was to inspire children. He remains a vocal advocate for individual creativity, ethics in engineering, and the importance of staying true to one's passions. Wozniak’s legacy is not just the hardware he designed, but his enduring image as the "Great Engineer" who prioritized fun and human connection over profit. He concludes by encouraging others to follow their curiosity and believe in their own ability to change the world.