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Apple Almost Built a Futuristic Cybercafe in 1997 With Computers at Every Table

Steve Jobs would've never built a futuristic cybercafe in 1997 with computers at every table.
 
CE3 said:
I think it could've worked, it just would've had to evolve with the times. Yes, it's a wireless mobile world, but cafes and coffee shops are still incredibly popular. In fact, all the mobile devices indirectly contribute to their continued success, because of all the people who use them at these places.
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But the stationary desk top theme wouldn't have lasted. Agreed about cafe's still being predominant for convenience and for meetings. Mobility and portability would have positioned a shop like this to Change or make it known why it's unique in its own merit to last, which it wouldn't have in today's world. In 1997, this would have been likely lucrative.

It's hard to believe 1997 was 20 years ago. Seems like yesterday in retrospect.
 
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They were really going to build it, then Steve looked at the Independence Day trailer showing on the left hand screen and thought "Hmmm...."

What... the new campus? No, I was thinking of the hockey-puck mouse!
 
And right after having a coffee, you could've visited the Apple gift shop and dress to impress...

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Relentless Power said:
But the stationary desk top theme wouldn't have lasted. Agreed about cafe's still being predominant for convenience and for meetings. Mobility and portability would have positioned a shop like this to Change or make it known why it's unique in its own merit to last, which it wouldn't have in today's world. In 1997, this would have been likely lucrative.

It's hard to believe 1997 was 20 years ago. Seems like yesterday in retrospect.
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I know, it is hard to believe!

You might be right - Internet cafes never really took off in America, did they? The public libraries seemed to fill that niche.

Still, I kinda like the idea of an AppleCare plan that lets me enjoy a complementary meal while they fix my MacBook ;)
 
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CE3 said:
I know, it is hard to believe!

You might be right - Internet cafes never really took off in America, did they? The public libraries seemed to fill that niche.

Still, I kinda like the idea of an AppleCare plan that lets me enjoy a complementary meal while they fix my MacBook ;)
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Even just a coffee would be good.
 
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This story comes around every couple of years and always makes me go 'n'awww' weren't the 90s so full of spirit.
 
It would have mimicked the 2015 back to the future café with the hat and self drying jacket and auto lace shoes.
 
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ILuvEggplant said:
i suppose you can argue apple store fronts are becoming irrelevant as more people take care of their needs online
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No, not even close. Store fronts still serve for hands on demo's, Genius appointments, turtorials, midnight launches, in store purchases for products NOT available immediately online, consultations, pre-order pick up's, etc.

Online has many limitations and isn't always reliable for various services.

Need I say more to prove it's not irrevelant?
 
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HobeSoundDarryl said:
How many people around here would have starved because they refused to eat food unless it was Apple food, and the nearest Apple cafe was just too far away for day-to-day nutritional needs? ;)
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Starved?

May have been great for interval fasting.

Could still happen?

➰
 
I don't get the point. I mean, public comps are useless for me. All my stuff is on my laptop.
 
aloshka said:
I don't get the point. I mean, public comps are useless for me. All my stuff is on my laptop.
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I think that's true for a lot of people now, but back in 1997, things were quite different.

I think a large percentage of people would've taken advantage of this back then (and even now, while the number might not be as high, there are still people & communities where public computers are needed)

But as others mentioned, they would've needed to adapt rather quickly to the changing landscape.
 
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I remember when they had theatres in the Apple Stores for education and training. I thought that was a really good idea but they didn't last long sadly. The Apple Store is just plain boring now.
 
farewelwilliams said:
jony would have designed coffee cups that wouldn't fit in anyone's cupholders.
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That would be why u'd spill it all the time, because the handle would be tiny right ?

I would enjoy this... if it was a fast food joint as well, i'd never leave
 
Coffee50 said:
During the late 90's, "themed eateries" were in. Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock, there were even model theme (Fashion Cafe) & sports (that NBA one).

Although, at the time, I could see why it was proposed. It took the theme eatery a step further with potential productivity, but I don't think the long term prospects would've been good. Those style restaurants eventually died out (excluding major tourist hubs).
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Depends on the theme. Exotic ones like Rainforest Cafe have a harder time than Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock, which benefit from cultural connection to diners. And eateries based on space and time seem to do okay as well. Outback Steakhouse, Johnny Rockets, etc.

One based on a theme of the future could do well if done subtly (secondary concern of course. Primary being the food/drinks). Even those with sci-fi themes appear to do well enough.
 
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