General Magic was one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. David Hoffman's archives will be viewed by future generations as one of our true national treasures. His inside access during this period was unparalleled.
I remember vividly spending a lot of time playing with a Magic Cap (or maybe Magic Link) demo unit at an electronics store in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco back in the mid-1990's. My family was living in our car and playing music there a lot at that time, and I was a nerdy kid desperate to get my hands on any sort of computer-related stuff I could despite not having a home or place to tinker. I'll never forget how futuristic it felt to play with the Magic Cap - even the fuzzy black-and-white display + stylus combo felt like something just a revision or two away from the PADD's they used on "Star Trek." Thanks you for making and sharing this video - it really helps clarify that my childhood fascination with this gadget wasn't misplaced!
I still remember when I was at a computer show in NY (Dec. 1993?) and some guy from COMPAQ(?) was walking around showing an amazing tiny hand held computer. Size was about 18cm x 10cm x 2cm. It had a 50x40mm black and white screen and even a tiny hard disk. He told us that this wonder machine was running for about 15 minutes per charge. He asked us how much we would be willing to pay for such a thing. When we told him our desired prices, he was laughing. Because the costs alone for those low current parts they were using was more then 25000 USD. Time is flying... ;)
I very much appreciate your work and vision as a film maker, your archive really is something special and by looking at the past we can understand the future. Now, I just wish you had something on Jordan Belfort and Stratton Oakmont.
David Hoffman Hear, hear. I haven’t had a chance to watch the new documentary General Magic yet, but I’m curious: did they use your incredible footage?
Were you contacted by the team behind the General Magic Documentary? You, sir, were ahead of the curve. Thank you capturing this moment in time for posterity.
I didn't expect to hear "cloud" from a video made in 1993. Thank you!
Wow. This documentary is a nugget of gold.
General Magic was one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. David Hoffman's archives will be viewed by future generations as one of our true national treasures. His inside access during this period was unparalleled.
Thanks for this fascinating video. I feel like I have come across a secret story from the past that may have been lost.
Interesting in so many ways.
I remember vividly spending a lot of time playing with a Magic Cap (or maybe Magic Link) demo unit at an electronics store in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco back in the mid-1990's. My family was living in our car and playing music there a lot at that time, and I was a nerdy kid desperate to get my hands on any sort of computer-related stuff I could despite not having a home or place to tinker. I'll never forget how futuristic it felt to play with the Magic Cap - even the fuzzy black-and-white display + stylus combo felt like something just a revision or two away from the PADD's they used on "Star Trek." Thanks you for making and sharing this video - it really helps clarify that my childhood fascination with this gadget wasn't misplaced!
Thank you for your comment, Huxley. I'm nice memory you have. Glad you posted it.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
I still remember when I was at a computer show in NY (Dec. 1993?) and some guy from COMPAQ(?) was walking around showing an amazing tiny hand held computer. Size was about 18cm x 10cm x 2cm. It had a 50x40mm black and white screen and even a tiny hard disk.
He told us that this wonder machine was running for about 15 minutes per charge. He asked us how much we would be willing to pay for such a thing. When we told him our desired prices, he was laughing. Because the costs alone for those low current parts they were using was more then 25000 USD.
Time is flying... ;)
I very much appreciate your work and vision as a film maker, your archive really is something special and by looking at the past we can understand the future. Now, I just wish you had something on Jordan Belfort and Stratton Oakmont.
damn..these people are artists in a form they pioneered
such great work.
thank you for this documentary.
This is a gem. Thank you for making it and sharing it with the world. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
What a moment. What a company. What a spectacular individual Megan Smith was and is.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
David Hoffman Hear, hear. I haven’t had a chance to watch the new documentary General Magic yet, but I’m curious: did they use your incredible footage?
Emoji’s, clouds. Thirty years ago.
This made me cry !
Thank you for the video
great video... thank you for sharing..
Todd Rundgren: Magician. That kinda blows my mind.
Great. Thanks for sharing.
Which one of these guys is not a billionaire by now?
Were you contacted by the team behind the General Magic Documentary? You, sir, were ahead of the curve. Thank you capturing this moment in time for posterity.
His footage was used throughout the film. And he appeared on camera too!
its in my hand. now.
Is Joanne Hoffman related to David Hoffman?
No.
where can i watch this documentary for free.
No way that I know of.
David Hoffman filmmaker