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Vision

NeXTstation – Steve Jobs' Alternative Vision

The NeXTstation isn't directly part of Apple's history – yet it's a central element of it. It dates back to the time when Steve Jobs had to leave Apple and, with NeXT Computer, attempted to completely reimagine the computer.

The NeXTstation wasn't a machine for the mass market. It was expensive, uncompromising, and elite – designed for universities, research, and software development. And that's exactly how it felt. Black, angular, heavy, and completely devoid of any playfulness. A far cry from the colorful iMacs that would follow years later.

Technically, the NeXTstation was far ahead of its time in many respects. The NeXTSTEP operating system was object-oriented, stable, and elegant – concepts that Apple wouldn't adopt until many years later with Mac OS X. Anyone who has ever worked with NeXTSTEP immediately recognizes the DNA of macOS: Dock, Services, clear typography, clean architecture.

The monochrome MegaPixel monitor with its high resolution was legendary. Black and white – but razor-sharp, steady, and perfect for working. Text, code, and graphical interfaces appeared more precise than on many color displays of the time. Color wasn't a consideration – focus was everything.

In everyday use, however, the NeXTstation was demanding. It was loud, generated a lot of heat, and placed high demands on peripherals and SCSI devices. It's also not an easy machine to repair. Power supplies, proprietary connectors, and aging components make every working NeXTstation something special today.

I own several NeXTstation systems, including models with the original monitor. Operating them is never entirely straightforward. Boot media, SCSI configurations, and spare parts require patience – and a certain amount of passion. But when a NeXTstation is running, you immediately sense it:

This is no ordinary computer.

In retrospect, NeXT wasn't a commercial success – but a technological triumph. Without NeXT, there would be no Mac OS X, no iOS, and ultimately, no modern Apple. Steve Jobs' return to Apple would have been unthinkable without NeXT.

The NeXTstation therefore holds a special place in my collection. Not because it's perfect—but because it demonstrates how radically Steve Jobs thought when he didn't have to compromise.

The NeXTstation isn't a nostalgia device. It's a manifesto.