CNNMoney has compiled some snippets from reviews of the Macintosh when it was released in 1984. Here’s my favorite, from John C. Dvorak:
Apple makes the arrogant assumption of thinking that it knows what you want and need. It, unfortunately, leaves the “why” out of the equation — as in “why would I want this?” The Macintosh uses an experimental pointing device called a ‘mouse’. There is no evidence that people want to use these things. I dont want one of these new fangled devices.
Apple’s “arrogant assumptions” seems to be as right today as they were 20 years ago.