I sit here with my favorite gadgets all around me - my laptop, my desktop, my iPhone, my iPad, and I can't help but be terribly sad. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computer, passed away today. He was 56. It seems way too soon, doesn't it? And, when I went to Apple's site, and saw his photo - well, that made it hit home.

This is a local news site, and we typically try to stay close to home with our news coverage. But, there are some things and people that are local and national and even international.

As far as I know, Jobs never came to Prescott. But, the products of his company, Apple, are seen all over the place. Go into Starbucks or Wildflower Bread Company. Check out the smart phones people are using. Look at all the white earbuds connected to music players. All products of Apple. All extensions of Jobs' vision.

I never met Jobs personally. I've never seen him give a live keynote. And it's my understanding that he could be a bit, well, crotchety. But, he knew what he wanted to see, to experience, to feel. He knew, in short, that the personal computer could lead to a new kind of freedom. Jobs knew that computers didn't have to be for only nerdy geeks. He knew that computers could be placed in the hands of the mom and the student and the instructor. He knew that computers could be, well, personal. 

And he wanted to make sure it was done right.

When I first thought about getting a computer, I knew nothing. I didn't know the difference between software and hardware, and anyway, why did software come in those hard little floppy cases? I knew there was an IBM computer and an Apple computer, but I didn't know what the difference was. Windows either hadn't been released yet, or was in very early stages, I don't know, because I was clueless. I asked lots of people which I should get, and I got lots of opinions. But, finally I spoke with someone who knew something about both, and he said, "Well, Lynne, the Apple is the smarter computer."

That solved it. I was such a dummy, I needed the smartest computer I could get. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, or why I needed it, but it had better be smart.

I bought a used Apple for $500 with 1 MB RAM and a tiny hard drive. I learned about upgrading the memory, and for about $150 I got it up to 3 MB RAM. Eventually, I upgraded to another computer, and I learned even more. I went to an Adobe workshop and fell in love again with Photoshop and Illustrator. I discovered web design. Before long, I was teaching what I knew in Phoenix and all over Arizona. At one point, I was even flown to Adobe Headquarters in San Jose to put on a training session. I became an Apple Consultant Network member, and wrote courses for programmers to create apps on OS X. And, eventually, I dredged up some of my earlier schooling in journalism at Cal State Fullerton, and started Prescott eNews.

In short, I reinvented myself. All thanks to Apple Computer and the vision of Steve Jobs.

And my story echoes over and over and over across the state, and the country and the world. Millions of people, just like me, were caught up in a revolution we didn't even realize was happening.

Jobs had grit and tenacity and vision. Qualities I admire. Not only did that vision change my life, but Jobs really did help to change the world.

Thank you, Mr. Jobs. We'll miss you. 

Update: 9:07 PM

Here is the memo that Apple CEO Tim Cook sent out to the employees of Apple:

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Tim

Here are a couple of great videos. The second one, you'll have to click on to watch at the YouTube site.

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