This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:19:42
The video focuses on the MacPhone Telemanagement System by Intermatrix, a Macintosh peripheral introduced in 1984 for phone management tasks. Priced at $199.95 at launch, the MacPhone is highlighted for its unique integration with the Macintosh, combining telephone capabilities with computer software. Despite its promotional appearance, the device is not wireless and lacks a built-in modem. The video also delves into other lesser-known Apple-related products and references a prototype by Frog Design under the Snow White design language that never went into production.
Intermatrix, a small company from North Hollywood, briefly existed in the mid-1980s before ceasing operations. The presenter encounters typical difficulties while unboxing and testing the MacPhone, including dealing with vintage hardware's power supply issues. They also explore its functionalities, demonstrating features like MacDialer and Mac Phone Book programs for a rolodex/speed dial setup and discussing how to make calls using various methods.
The video's experimentation includes testing text-to-speech software like SmoothTalker, integrating modern technology like Siri, and playing vaporwave music through the handset. Moreover, the presenter opens up the MacPhone to examine its internal components, revealing inexpensive materials despite the device's high cost, yet appreciating it as an interesting piece of technological history.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the MacPhone Telemanagement System by Intermatrix, a Macintosh peripheral introduced in 1984. This device, showcased at the National Computer Conference in Las Vegas, functions as a regular phone that attaches to the side of a Macintosh computer, enabling users to make phone calls and manage phone-related tasks through accompanying software. Marketed as a comprehensive management tool for various user groups, the MacPhone was priced at $199.95 at launch, translating to over $600 today. Despite the promotional images suggesting otherwise, the device is not wireless and lacks a built-in modem, essentially serving as a handset that connects to the phone line and the Macintosh’s speaker output. The presenter notes the high cost of business software in 1984 and mentions how the MacPhone’s software could be used independently. The segment also touches on the MacPhone’s potential use with voice synthesizers like SmoothTalker, adding historical context to the technology of that era.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses various lesser-known Apple-related products such as the MacBottom, MacStation, MacCharlie, MacTilt, and the Intermatrix MacPhone. The MacPhone is highlighted, mentioning that this wasn’t the only MacPhone device and referencing a prototype design by Frog Design under the Snow White design language, which never made it to production. The presenter goes into detail about Intermatrix, a small company from North Hollywood, forming briefly in the mid-1980s and releasing the MacPhone and ChequeBook, a checking account management software, before ceasing operations. The MacPhone now exists as a rare collectible. Then, they proceed to unbox the MacPhone they have, noting missing documentation and software but explaining the components they do have, such as the speaker, RJ11 passthroughs, and audio cable. The segment ends with the presenter attempting to set up and test the MacPhone, encountering typical difficulties associated with vintage 1980s hardware.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter is trying to troubleshoot and test multiple early compact Mac systems but encounters various power supply issues. Some systems like the Mac 128s and Macintosh Plus exhibit problems such as failing to turn on or being stuck in a reboot loop when a floppy drive is used. The presenter notes that one Mac SE can read a floppy disk created with Floppy Emu, while the Mac Plus cannot. Ultimately, they decide to proceed with a working Mac despite a slightly defective display. The setup involves connecting an audio cable to the Mac’s speaker output and using an XLink Bluetooth adapter to interface with a landline phone jack, instead of a physical landline.
00:09:00
In this segment, the speaker demonstrates the functionality of a MacPhone. They verify the dial tone and discuss how the phone doesn’t need to be physically hung up to disconnect. The speaker tests the ringer by calling from another phone, noting the 1980s style of the ring. They describe attaching the MacPhone to the side of a Mac using 3M strips, mentioning the absence of the original velcro or manual and speculating about the purpose of the mounting holes. The speaker boots up the Mac SE and explains that the Mac sounds are audible through the handset. They showcase the MacDialer and Mac Phone Book programs, highlighting how to use the integrated phone book and dialer features, emphasizing the appeal of this combination as a rolodex/speed dial setup.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses how to use programmability features on an office phone via computer software. This includes billing rate calculations during calls, consultation rate charges, and displaying the local number. The presenter demonstrates various ways to make a phone call, such as using a mouse, numpad, speed dial, or bypassing the software entirely. They attempt to make a call and leave a message using an old ’80s technology setup, comment on the surreal experience of mixing old and new technologies, and express amusement at using this phone system for recording and uploading on YouTube.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses their fascination with old computers and explores the functionality of an old pulse dialing phone handset. They experiment with detaching the handset and using it independently, proving that it can still produce audible signals and receive calls. They also test the SmoothTalker application, a text-to-speech synthesizer from the 1980s, and play a humorous automated message. Further experimentation includes using Siri and playing vaporwave music through the handset, which evokes the feel of 1980s phone hold music. Despite maximizing the volume, the sound remains relatively quiet through the handset but is louder through the speaker.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter opens up an old MacPhone device to examine its internal components. The inside reveals a simple setup with a cone speaker, some amplification transformer bits, and various electronic components like resistors and capacitors. The presenter comments on the poor quality of the materials, likening them to high-quality takeout container styrofoam, and expresses surprise at the high original cost of the device. Despite its simplicity and potential overpricing, the presenter still finds the MacPhone charming and interesting as a piece of technological history. They also mention the need for the original manual or disk for the device and invite viewers to join their channel for more content.