1980


 * February 1: Ann Bowers joins Apple Computer as employee #1111 and becomes its first VP of human resources.
 * April 2: Microsoft releases the Z-80 SoftCard for the Apple II computer.
 * May 19: Apple Computer announces the Apple III. Due to production glitches, the computer did not reach retailers until November and is deemed a failure.
 * September: Future CEO Michael Spindler joins Apple's European office.
 * November 4: Ronald Reagan is elected 40th President of the United States.
 * December 12: Apple Computer starts trading on the stock exchange (price at IPO: USD 22 per share). Jean-Louis Gassée joins Apple on the same day.