Sneaking into the auditorium for the Windows 2000 launch rehearsal
Raymond Chen delivers a delightful flashback to the Windows 2000 launch rehearsal, sharing his clandestine observations of a massive stage setup and a surprising celebrity host reveal. This post resonates on HN for its nostalgic peek behind the curtain of a major tech event, coupled with Chen's signature charming and detailed storytelling. Commenters fondly recall forgotten technologies like infrared file sharing and marvel at his vivid memory.
The Lowdown
Raymond Chen, a Microsoft veteran, recounts his experience "sneaking" into the dress rehearsal for the Windows 2000 launch event in San Francisco. While colleagues waited, Chen found an unlocked door and observed the intricate preparations for the grand spectacle.
- He describes the elaborate stage, featuring a 10-meter tall mock laptop, multiple screens, hidden curtains for reveals, and even a simulated airplane cabin for mobile computing demonstrations.
- During the rehearsal, he witnessed the giant laptop lid slowly open to display a Windows 2000 login, followed by a video montage, culminating in the announcement of "Patrick Stewart!" as the celebrity host – initially played by a crew member.
- Chen's colleague, while attempting to sneak into a VIP tent, returned with a commemorative boxed copy of Windows 2000.
- The actual launch event proceeded as rehearsed with the real Patrick Stewart, whose commanding presence made even the most technical explanations sound captivating, despite his likely unfamiliarity with the jargon.
- He specifically highlights the infrared file sharing demo, noting its eventual obsolescence, prompting a wave of nostalgia among readers.
Chen's narrative provides a charming and detailed glimpse into the theatricality and scale of major tech product launches from two decades ago, offering a slice of tech history that many contemporary users might find surprising.
The Gossip
Infrared's Enduring Remembrance
Many commenters vividly recall infrared (IR) file sharing, directly challenging Chen's playful assertion that "Of course you don't" remember it. Discussions range from its early uses, like beaming contacts between PalmPilots, to its speed limitations for larger files. Despite its slowness, many agree it was surprisingly reliable compared to modern alternatives like Bluetooth or AirDrop for certain tasks, leading to a shared sense of nostalgia for the simpler, if slower, tech.
Chen's Chronicling Prowess
Admiration for Raymond Chen's exceptional memory and storytelling ability is a recurring theme. Commenters express amazement at his detailed recall of events decades past, prompting discussion on how one might cultivate such a rich memory. Speculation includes diligent note-taking, having a strong intrinsic memory for significant events, or a natural selection bias to blog only about what one distinctly remembers.
Optical Oddities & Datalink Devices
A fascinating tangent emerged about older, less common optical data transfer methods, specifically the Timex Datalink watch. This device, popular in the 90s, could synchronize data by holding it up to a flickering CRT monitor, which encoded information via light patterns. Commenters shared personal experiences with the Datalink and similar microcontroller toys, marveling at the "magic" of this early wireless transfer and comparing it to contemporary methods like QR codes.