Business Notes Computers

Apple Computer has become the symbol of American entrepreneurs. In his tax speech last week, President Reagan alluded to its two founders, Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak, who started the firm in a garage and set out on a "golden future." The President may have spoken too soon. Wozniak left the company in a huff in February after a disagreement over policy, and last week Jobs lost his position as director of the division that produces the company's powerful and popular Macintosh computer. The move came as part of a major company reorganization. John Sculley, Apple's chief executive and president whom Jobs hired in 1983 from PepsiCo, announced the realignment of the company (fiscal 1984 sales: $1.5 billion). Jobs will remain chairman but will leave day-to-day management and assume a hazier role as the top idea man.

The reorganization is part of Apple's attempt to adapt to a sharp slump in the computer market. The company will now concentrate on selling machines to schools and small businesses. The pinch at Apple has brought changes in its freewheeling style. Sculley recently shut off the free fruit juice and massage treatments supplied to members of the Macintosh division.