The world of retro computing has received a delightful addition with the launch of LisaGUI, an in-browser recreation of the Apple Lisa Office System. Developed by Andrew Yaros, this project offers enthusiasts a chance to explore one of the first computers designed for everyday users, despite its limited market reach in the early 1980s.
Released in 1983, the Apple Lisa was notable for its graphical user interface, despite not being the first of its kind. While earlier systems, such as the Xerox Alto and Star workstation, had introduced GUI technology, the Lisa was the first to bring it to a broader audience. Unfortunately, with only about 10,000 units sold, the Lisa remains a rare artifact of computing history.
Exploring LisaGUI’s Features
LisaGUI diverges from modern user interface conventions in several intriguing ways. For instance, the application is designed to be more document-focused. Users do not simply start a program by double-clicking on the LisaType icon; instead, they “tear off” a document from the icon, which can then be opened with another double-click. This design choice highlights a unique approach to document management that differs from contemporary systems.
The desktop environment in LisaGUI is another point of distinction. Rather than serving as a permanent file storage area, it acts as a temporary workspace. Users can set aside files on the desktop, but their original locations on the disk remain unchanged, reflecting the Lisa’s original design philosophy.
While LisaGUI aims to recreate the experience of using the Lisa, it does not claim to be a perfect replica. Yaros has incorporated several modern enhancements to improve usability. For example, the menu system has been updated; in the original Lisa, users had to hold down the mouse button to keep menus open, whereas LisaGUI allows menus to remain open for easier navigation.
Additionally, features like a menu bar clock and a frames-per-second (FPS) counter are modern additions. Users can also customize icon themes and adjust the one-bit color palettes, offering a level of personalization that Lisa users could only dream of in the past.
A Glimpse into the Past
Currently, the software selection available through LisaGUI is limited, with LisaType being the primary program accessible. Retro computing enthusiasts might have hoped for the inclusion of LisaProject, a significant application that played a role in NASA’s decision to purchase the computer. Nonetheless, Yaros has indicated that this is an early version of the software, suggesting that more applications may be added in the future, provided they do not conflict with Apple’s intellectual property.
While some users may critique LisaGUI for not prioritizing period-accurate fidelity, it nevertheless provides a valuable opportunity to experience a pioneering system. Retro computing fans looking for a nostalgic journey will find LisaGUI to be a compelling tribute to the legacy of the Apple Lisa.
This project came to wider attention through a video from Action Retro, where the host showcases his own functioning Lisa II, a slightly more common successor to the original Lisa. As retro computing continues to gain traction, LisaGUI stands out as a noteworthy effort to celebrate the early days of personal computing.
