Mactracker

What: Macintosh history database

By: Ian Page

Cost: Freeware (contributions accepted)

Download: www.mactracker.ca

Mactracker is a desktop database application that provides detailed technical information on every Macintosh model ever made (including the short-lived Mac OS clones), as well as information on Apple printers and peripheral devices, cameras, Newtons, iPods, and versions of Mac OS X.

In addition to the technical information, most entries include a small picture and short history of each computer or device. Macintosh entries even have buttons that will play that model's startup and death chimes.

The figure shows Mactracker's category lists, along with two entries from the database: a technical overview of the Macintosh Color Classic and a history of the Apple Lisa/Macintosh mouse.

Why I like it: If you're curious to see how the Macintosh has evolved over the years, Mactracker is a good place to start.