Apple IIe
 | |
| Apple IIe – The Enhanced Apple II | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Home Computer |
| Released | January 1983 |
| Discontinued | November 1993 |
| Intro price | US$1,395 (1983) |
| CPU | MOS Technology 6502 @ 1.023 MHz (later 65C02) |
| Memory | 64 KB RAM (expandable), 16 KB ROM |
| Storage | External cassette, 5.25" floppy disk drive (Disk II), optional 3.5" drive, hard disk |
| Display | 40×24 or 80×24 text, 280×192 graphics (6 colours), 560×192 monochrome (with Double Hi-Res) |
| Sound | 1-bit built-in speaker (toggle) |
| Dimensions | 48 cm × 38 cm × 11 cm |
| Weight | 5.4 kg |
| OS / Firmware | Apple DOS 3.3, ProDOS, CP/M (with Z80 card) |
| Predecessor | Apple II Plus |
| Successor | Apple IIGS |
| Codename | Diana |
| Model no. | A2S2000, A2S2128 (Enhanced), A2S2064 (Platinum) |
The Apple IIe (styled as "Apple //e") is the third model in the Apple II series of personal computers produced by Apple Computer, Inc. Introduced in January 1983, it became the most popular and longest-lived Apple II variant, widely used in education, business, and the home.
Architecture and Processor
[edit | edit source]The Apple IIe is based on the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, running at 1.023 MHz. Later revisions (the Enhanced IIe and Platinum IIe) used the CMOS-based 65C02 CPU, which offered additional instructions and improved reliability.
Key architectural features:
- 8-bit data bus, 16-bit address bus (64 KB addressable memory space)
- Integrated keyboard with full ASCII support and four-way cursor keys
- Support for 80-column text (with included or optional 80-column card)
- Seven internal expansion slots for peripherals and upgrades
Memory and Storage
[edit | edit source]The standard Apple IIe shipped with:
- 64 KB RAM on the mainboard (expandable via memory cards)
- 16 KB ROM containing Applesoft BASIC, Monitor, and system firmware
Storage options included:
- Cassette tape interface (via rear port) for basic program storage
- Disk II 5.25" floppy drive – the most common storage medium
- Optional 3.5" UniDisk drive (with controller card) for ProDOS support
- Optional hard disk (e.g., ProFile) via expansion card
The IIe could be expanded with auxiliary memory cards, enabling up to 128 KB or more for advanced applications and double hi-res graphics.
Display and Graphics
[edit | edit source]The Apple IIe featured versatile text and graphics modes:
- Text: 40×24 characters standard; 80×24 with 80-column card
- Graphics:
- Low-res: 40×48 pixels, 16 colours
- Hi-res: 280×192 pixels, 6 colours (colour limitations per line)
- Double hi-res: 560×192 pixels, monochrome or up to 16 colours (with extended memory and Enhanced IIe)
Video output was provided via composite video (NTSC), suitable for colour or monochrome monitors and televisions.
Sound Capabilities
[edit | edit source]The Apple IIe included a simple 1-bit speaker, driven by toggling a memory-mapped address. This allowed for basic beeps and software-generated tones, but no dedicated sound chip. More advanced audio could be achieved via third-party sound cards (e.g., Mockingboard).
Input/Output and Expansion
[edit | edit source]The IIe was designed for expandability and connectivity:
- Seven internal expansion slots for disk controllers, serial/parallel cards, memory expansion, CP/M cards, and more
- Auxiliary slot (for 80-column/extended memory card)
- Game I/O socket for paddles, joysticks, and light pens
- Composite video output (NTSC)
- Cassette input/output (mini-jack)
- DE-9 joystick port (on later models)
- Keyboard with reset key and open-Apple/closed-Apple keys
The IIe supported a wide range of peripherals, including printers, modems, and networking cards.
Gallery
[edit | edit source]-
Apple IIe (original, 1983) -
Apple IIe Platinum (1987) -
Apple IIe Main Logic Board -
Apple IIe with Disk II drives and monitor
