In Pictures: Apple's 15 boldest computer designs, 1976 - 2012

Apple's computer hardware designs through the years have reflected the state of the company. Subliminal messages abound with each product release. Here are some of Apple's most bold, iconic computer designs and what we think they're telling us.

By Tom Kaneshige

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Macintosh Portable (1989)

Apple's foray into the mobile computing world didn't start out smoothly, beginning with the clunky Macintosh Portable, whose claim to fame was that it was used to send a message from space. But the pricy computer was mired with battery problems, and sales languished. Although not really a "mobile machine," the affordable pizza box-shaped Macintosh LC (1990) followed on the heels of the Macintosh Portable and at least allowed you to take your computer from work to home.

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