Operating instructions, 'Macintosh Plus'

This boxed set of operating instructions supported the Apple Macintosh Plus computer.

The first Macintosh computer was released in January 1984 and transformed personal computing around the world. The next model, Macintosh Plus, was released in January 1986. It contained one megabyte of RAM and a keyboard with cursors and numbers. It sold for US$2,600.00, with one million units being sold by March 1987.

The Department of Education in New Zealand bought Apple Macintosh computers for its School Publications Branch in the late 1980s. This particular computer was used by Don Long who was the Maori and Pacific Editor for the School Publications Branch. The Branch published the renowned 'School Journal' which is believed to be the longest-running serial publication for children in the world (beginning in 1907).

This computer represents a huge change in the history of publishing. When Don Long started working for the Department of Education in 1986, he relied on a typing pool for all his work. The arrival of this personal desktop computer revolutionised his work, enabling him to work independently. However, the computer's small capacity of one megabyte meant that every piece of work had to be saved to a floppy disc.

The Mac Plus was discontinued in October 1990, and has become Apple's longest serving Macintosh computer.