Editing Apple Graphics Tablet

{{Infobox computer peripheral
| image = [[File:Apple Graphics Tablet (Apple II).jpg]]
| caption = Apple Graphics Tablet (Model A2M0029)
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type = Graphics tablet
| released = 1979
| discontinued = 1984
| price = US$650
| interface = Peripheral card (670-0012)
| compatible = Apple II, Apple II Plus, Apple IIe, Apple IIGS
| dimensions = ~380 mm × 380 mm × 25 mm (15" × 15")
| weight = ~1.5 kg
| predecessor = None
| successor = None
| model = A2M0029
}}

The '''Apple Graphics Tablet''' (model A2M0029) was Apple's digitizing tablet for the [[Apple II]] family, released in 1979. Priced at US$650 (approximately $1,980 adjusted for inflation), it allowed users to draw images at 280 × 192 resolution—years before the mouse became a standard input device.

== Background ==

The Graphics Tablet was released during a period when graphical input devices were rare and expensive. At $650, it represented a significant investment for Apple II owners. The tablet predated the mouse by several years, making it one of the earliest consumer-accessible graphical input devices.

== Design ==

=== Physical Construction ===
The Graphics Tablet measures approximately 15 inches × 15 inches (380 mm × 380 mm), significantly larger than modern tablets:
* Plastic frame housing
* Transparent overlay sheet
* Wire matrix sensing surface
* Tethered stylus

The overlay protected the sensing matrix and provided a smooth drawing surface. Over time, these overlays yellowed or cracked, particularly in early units.

=== Sensing Technology ===
The tablet uses capacitive sensing through a wire matrix:
* X and Y coordinate wires arranged in a grid pattern
* Changes in capacitance indicate stylus position
* Wires held in position with adhesive
* Age causes adhesive failure and wire displacement

=== Connection ===
The Graphics Tablet requires a dedicated interface card (part number 670-0012) installed in an Apple II expansion slot. The first revision connected via a wire with a header that plugged directly into the card. The second revision used dual DB-9 connectors.

== Revisions ==

=== First Revision (1979) ===
* Wire with header connector (no DB-9)
* No FCC approval
* Caused RF interference with television sets
* Pulled from market after FCC intervention

=== Second Revision (1980+) ===
* Dual DB-9 connectors
* FCC approved
* Improved RF shielding
* Limited market success due to timing (Macintosh and mouse approaching)

== Software ==

The tablet shipped with Apple Graphics Tablet Software (1979):
* Drawing application
* 280 × 192 resolution support
* Required interface card present to load

Additional third-party software supported the tablet for various drawing and design applications.

== Specifications ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Parameter !! Value
|-
| Model number || A2M0029
|-
| Interface card || 670-0012
|-
| Active area || ~12" × 12" (estimated)
|-
| Resolution || 280 × 192 pixels
|-
| Dimensions || ~380 mm × 380 mm × 25 mm
|-
| Connection || Wire header (rev 1) / DB-9 (rev 2)
|-
| Case material || Plastic frame, transparent overlay
|-
| Compatible systems || Apple II, II Plus, IIe, IIGS
|-
| Price (1979) || US$650
|}

== Issues ==

=== RF Interference ===
The first revision caused significant radio frequency interference with television sets. Many Apple II owners used televisions as displays, making this a serious usability problem. The FCC required Apple to pull the product until it met emissions standards.

=== Reliability ===
The internal wire matrix relies on adhesive to maintain wire positioning. Over decades, this adhesive degrades:
* Wires detach from their positions
* Coordinates become inaccurate or non-functional
* Repair is extremely difficult due to the number of wires involved

=== Market Timing ===
By the time the FCC-approved revision was available:
* The Apple IIe had launched with a more refined ecosystem
* The Macintosh (1984) introduced the mouse as standard
* Consumer interest in stylus-based input had waned

== Maintenance ==

=== Overlay Care ===
* Clean with mild soap and water
* Avoid solvents that may cause yellowing
* Store away from direct sunlight
* Do not press heavily—overlays become brittle with age

=== Internal Repair ===
Repair of the wire matrix is generally impractical:
* Hundreds of fine wires require precise positioning
* Original adhesive cannot be easily replaced
* Disassembly often causes additional damage

Most surviving units with internal wire displacement are considered non-functional.

== Collecting ==

=== Rarity ===
The Graphics Tablet is uncommon due to:
* Limited original sales (high price point)
* First revision recall
* Fragile internal construction
* Age-related failures

=== Condition Assessment ===
* '''Mint:''' Original box, clear overlay, functional (extremely rare)
* '''Excellent:''' Clear overlay, no visible damage, may be functional
* '''Good:''' Some overlay yellowing, unknown functionality
* '''Fair:''' Yellowed/cracked overlay, likely non-functional
* '''Poor:''' Damaged frame, missing parts, non-functional

=== Components ===
A complete system includes:
* Graphics Tablet unit (A2M0029)
* Interface card (670-0012)
* Stylus
* Software disks
* Manual

The interface card is essential and often missing from surviving units.

=== Market Value ===
Working examples with interface cards command premium prices. Non-functional units still have collector value for display purposes. Auction houses including RR Auction have sold Graphics Tablets as vintage computing collectibles.

== See Also ==
* [[Apple II]]
* [[Apple Mouse]]

== References ==
* AppleToTheCore.me — Apple Graphics Tablet documentation
* RR Auction lot descriptions
* Computing History museum records

[[Category:Apple Vintage Accessories]]

{{Navbox-AppleVintageAccessories}}