Apple II Series
The machine that launched an industry. Open architecture, color graphics, and Wozniak's brilliance.
Historical_Context
Steve Wozniak designed the Apple II to be the computer he wanted to use. It was the first consumer microcomputer to offer color graphics and expansion slots out of the box. It defined the "Trinity" of 1977 (along with PET and TRS-80).
The Apple II's longevity is incredible. It remained in production in various forms until 1993. The Apple IIGS (1986) was a 16-bit powerhouse that rivaled the Amiga in sound but was stifled by Apple to protect the Macintosh.
Woz's design was full of hacks. The disk drive controller used software timing loops instead of hardware chips to save money, a testament to his engineering genius.
Notable_Models
Apple II
1977The Woz machine. Integer BASIC in ROM. Displayed color on a TV.
Apple II Plus
1979Replaced Integer BASIC with Applesoft (Floating Point). Auto-start ROM.
Apple IIe
1983Apple II Enhanced. 80 column support. Lowercase characters. Reduced chip count.
Apple IIc
1984Portable (Compact). Closed system. No slots. Built-in handle.
Apple IIGS
1986GS = Graphics Sound. 16-bit 65816 CPU. Ensoniq synth. Mac-like GUI.
Tech_Specs
- CPU MOS 6502 @ 1 MHz (65816 @ 2.8MHz in IIGS)
- RAM 4 KB to 128 KB (standard)
- Graphics Hi-Res (280x192, 6 colors), Double Hi-Res
- Audio 1-bit Clicker (Ensoniq Wavetable in IIGS)
Key_Silicon
The chip that powered the revolution.
Wozniak's masterpiece of minimalism.
32-channel digital wavetable synthesizer. A beast.
IIGS chip that collapsed an entire Apple IIe into one chip.