[Fresh Wind]

Marketing people have been using the words “magic” or “magical” for at least the last century. Neither Apple nor Microsoft were first.

[roadcat]

Marketing people have been using the words “magic” or “magical” for at least the last century. Neither Apple nor Microsoft were first.

If you were to compare Steve Jobs presentation of the iPad years ago, to the video of Microsoft's presentation of the Surface years later, you would see many copycat phrases and images in the Microsoft video. Microsoft did indeed copy the Steve Jobs presentation. Right down to the removable lid cover clicking in place with magnetic catches.

[dayglored]

> Marketing people have been using the words “magic” or “magical” for at least the last century. Neither Apple nor Microsoft were first.

Quite true. I just meant the use of "magical" within the context of computers, and specifically, small ones like thin laptops and tablets.

Computing technology is great stuff, and amazing, and sometimes nearly unbelievable in its compactness and other characteristics.

And of course, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." (Arthur C. Clarke's Third Law)

But of all the things "magical" might be applied to, I find computer systems to be among the most mundane and non-magical. Maybe it's because I have worked with them for so many decades that I'm jaded.

OTOH, Ajax (I think) cleanser -- "Shakes out white, turns blue" -- now THAT is magical. :-)