As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the Apple Macintosh's 40th birthday would have occurred on January 24, 2024. I don't have specific information on events or developments that have occurred after this date. However, I can provide a general comparison between the historic Apple Macintosh and contemporary technology as of my last update.
**Apple Macintosh (Released in 1984):**
1. **Design:**
- The original Macintosh featured a compact design with a built-in 9-inch monochrome display and a graphical user interface (GUI). It was revolutionary for its time in terms of design and user experience.
2. **Performance:**
- The Macintosh had a Motorola 68000 processor running at 8 MHz and came with 128 KB of RAM. It was capable of handling basic productivity tasks and graphical applications.
3. **Storage:**
- The early Macintosh models had limited storage capacities, typically ranging from 400 KB to 1 MB. Storage was often provided through floppy disks.
4. **Connectivity:**
- Connectivity options were limited compared to modern standards. The original Macintosh featured ports for peripherals like a mouse and keyboard but lacked the extensive range of ports seen on contemporary computers.
5. **Software:**
- The Macintosh introduced the Mac OS, which was known for its graphical interface and ease of use. However, software availability was initially limited.
**Contemporary Technology (2022):**
1. **Design:**
- Modern computers come in a variety of designs, including sleek laptops, powerful desktops, and compact all-in-one systems. Displays are larger, thinner, and often feature high resolutions.
2. **Performance:**
- Contemporary computers are powered by advanced processors from companies like Intel, AMD, and Apple. They have significantly higher processing speeds, multiple cores, and improved graphics capabilities.
3. **Storage:**
- Storage capacities have seen a dramatic increase. Solid-state drives (SSDs) and high-capacity hard disk drives (HDDs) are common, providing faster data access and larger storage space, measured in terabytes.
4. **Connectivity:**
- Modern computers come with a wide range of ports, including USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and more. Additionally, wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are standard.
5. **Software:**
- Operating systems have evolved significantly. Apple now uses macOS, while Windows and various Linux distributions are popular on other systems. Software availability is vast, covering a wide range of applications and games.
6. **Graphics and Display:**
- Graphics capabilities have advanced tremendously. High-resolution displays, dedicated graphics cards, and support for advanced graphics technologies are standard in contemporary computers.
In summary, the Apple Macintosh was a groundbreaking computer that played a crucial role in popularizing the graphical user interface. However, it is incomparable to contemporary technology in terms of performance, design, storage, connectivity, and software capabilities. Over the decades, advancements in hardware and software have transformed the computing landscape.