Meryl's Notes Blog

The recent announcement of the new 7 Wonders of the World prompted EWeek to start a fascinating conversation asking what should be the 7 Wonders of the Modern Computing World. You can read about the original 7 Wonders of the World.

The Apple ][ should be one of the wonders. It was the first affordable home PC. While other desktop PCs beat Apple, they were not affordable or realistic for homeowners. The Sony Walkman made music portable. While the iPod changed online music and music in general — the Walkman came first — if there’s room for both, then by all means.

ENIAC is another. Charles Babbage should also be considered. While he didn’t build anything, he originated the idea of the programmable computer. He sketched the archiecture for the difference engine, and scientists used the specs to build it in 1991. It worked. What do you think should be considered?