Rating: 
Summary: A Bit Dated but Still Worth Reading
Review: This book was a book that launched a genre - the sarcastic, gossipy fast-paced insiders look at the computer industry. It's still one of the best of its kind even though it is now pretty dated. I work in a company on the fringe of the computer industry. Sometimes co-workers come and ask me what to read to understand the industry. This is the first book I give them. The stories in this book, how Microsoft beat IBM, how Apple grew, etc. are the fundamental mythology of the industry. If you work in or near the industry you ought to read this book. As some other reviewers have noted, the tone will make some readers cringe a bit, but the tone is pretty depictive of the way in which many people in the industry actually see things. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because it is a bit dated. Most of the stories have been told later and better by others so if you've already read a lot of the books about the industry this one will seem a bit old. Although I do still think this book is worth reading even if you've read the others.
Rating: 
Summary: You won't put it down until it's finished.
Review: Although it's now a little dated, it's still the first book you should read on the history of the PC. It flows through the crucial events and major players in very interesting and readable fashion, with an enjoyably-sarcastic spin - because that's exactly what the story calls for. Accidental empires indeed: in addition to the 'acquisition' of DOS and Windows, Bill Gates didn't even think the Internet was going to be that important five years ago!
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting content but Cringely's attitude makes me cringe
Review: As someone who's been working in Silicon Valley for years, I found this book interesting for its insight into the history of the computer business and the strong personalities who created it. It focuses on the early giants of IBM, Apple, Microsoft, Compaq, and the like, well before the Internet became a popular medium. The book highlighted for me how much an industry is shaped by the people and their peculiarities, and how the culture of an organization shapes its perception of and reaction to events. Still, Cringley's smug, know-it-all attitude detracted from the book and made me question the credibility of his analysis. He paints people in black and white strokes, often portraying the object of his ridicule as blind to the obviously correct course of action. Cringely is especially harsh on people he perceives as ego-driven and insecure, which, ironically, is just how he struck me. I suspect people who are not particularly tied into the computer culture won't find this worth reading. But if you are among those hooked on the computer industry and you can get past Cringely's attitude, the book has some useful insights, anecdotes, and facts.
Rating:
Summary: A history lesson for all computer scientists...
Review: When I first read this book I was amazed at the incredible history behind Microsoft/Apple/IBM etc. I eventually watched the PBS movie and was even more entertained. If you want to be able to understand where the technology industry has been, and where it may be goinf, you have to read this book... provides for good discussions at parties too!
Rating:
Summary: Big Companies Can Be Really Stupid--Useful Review
Review: A gift from one of the folks he writes about, this is one of the earliest books about Silicon Valley, and is both enjoyable and useful because of its early focus on the mistakes made by IBM, Xerox Park, 3Com, and other "CIA-like" giants, its discussion of the hit and miss and perserverence nature of the early start-ups, and some really big things to avoid like letting venture capitalists or the marketing staff tell you what to offer the public.
Rating:
Summary: A very nice anthology of recent history
Review: If you are interested in reasons behind the rise of Microsoft, the early demise of CP/M, and other historical facts about the computer industry, this is the book to go for. Cringely is a very informed reporter, who is not afraid to intersperse serious overviews with juicy remarks. This is a book about nerds who became billionairs, which means it definitely deserves to be studied carefully. Interesting and thought-provoking!
Rating:
Summary: fascinating
Review: anyone who wants to understand what caused the current online gold-rush should read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Makes computers fun again.
Review: This book reminds me how goofy the computer industry can be. It helps me keep my sense of humor when things don't work out (for example, when an "upgrade" makes things five times more complicated than they used to be).
Rating:
Summary: Great read even for non-techies
Review: I've read the books by David Kaplan and Po Bronson (Nudist on the Late Shift). Accidental Empires is by far the best written and the most informative of the three. I rarely read a book twice but this book was so fascinating and entertaining, I found myself rereading it. Bob Cringley, please write a sequel!
Rating:
Summary: Best Novice Introduction to Computers Ever
Review: This book is the most informative, best written, computer book I've ever run across. However, I do echo the regret that in the fast paced world of computers and the people that bring them to us, Cringely has not addressed the latest developments in the past several years (review written in early 2000). However, to bring me up to 1992, and thence updated with his 1996 reprint, I am extremely grateful for a comprehensive history made exciting to read by Cringely's writing style. I highly recommend this as a must read for the technically disadvantaged who of needs must use computers and wish they understood them better, like myself.
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