Editing Apple IIe Enhanced

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Apple IIe Enhanced
| image        = [[File:Apple IIe.jpg|250px]]
| caption      = Apple IIe Enhanced – the upgraded version of the Apple IIe
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = Home computer
| release date = March 1985
| discontinued = November 1993
| cpu          = Western Design Center 65C02 @ 1.023 MHz (upgrade from NMOS 6502)
| memory       = 64 KB RAM onboard (expandable via auxiliary/expansion slots)
| storage      = External cassette, 5.25″ Disk II floppy, optional 3.5″ drive, hard disk
| display      = 40×24 and 80×24 text, 280×192 hi-res, 560×192 double hi-res (mono/colour with extended memory)
| sound        = 1-bit built-in speaker
| dimensions   = 48 cm × 38 cm × 11 cm
| weight       = 5.4 kg
| os           = Apple DOS 3.3, ProDOS, CP/M (with Z-80 card)
| predecessor  = [[Apple IIe]]
| successor    = [[Apple IIGS]]
| codename     = Diana (same as IIe)
| model        = A2S2000 (Enhanced revision)
}}

The '''Apple IIe Enhanced''' (commonly called Enhanced IIe) is an upgraded version of the standard Apple IIe model, introduced in March 1985. It features significant microprocessor, firmware, and character-ROM improvements aimed at enhancing compatibility and fixing known bugs.

== Enhancement Overview ==
Rather than a full redesign, the Enhanced IIe was created through a modest but impactful revision. Apple offered an official upgrade kit that included four socketed chips to be replaced: the original 6502 CPU, two system ROMs (Applesoft/Monitor), and the character ROM (Video ROM).

=== New CPU: Western Design Center 65C02 ===
* Upgraded from the original MOS Technology 6502 to the CMOS-based '''65C02''', running at the same 1.023 MHz.
* Benefits: lower power consumption, additional instructions and addressing modes, and improved reliability.

=== Firmware and Character ROM Updates ===
* Updated Applesoft BASIC and Monitor firmware improved 80-column routines, fixed bugs, and enabled lowercase input.
* Video ROM introduced '''MouseText''' — a set of box-drawing characters first seen in the Apple IIc.

These enhancements improved speed and reliability in text and programming routines, particularly in 80-column mode.

== Appearance Differences ==
* Enhanced IIe units received cosmetic updates: darker keycaps, smaller and black-printed key labels positioned at the top of the keys.
* A small “Enhanced” sticker was placed near the power light to denote the upgraded version.

== Memory and Expandability ==
* Base memory remained '''64 KB RAM''', with expansion via auxiliary slot or internal expansion allowing up to '''128 KB''' (commonly with an 80-column/64 KB card) and beyond with third-party RAM cards up to '''1 MB'''.

== Compatibility and Software Support ==
* Enhanced firmware greatly improved compatibility with newer software and fixed known glitches—especially in 80-column and 80-column language support.
* Lowercase input and MouseText broadened the usability for serious text-based applications.
* Note: Some older programs that relied on the original character encoding saw display quirks due to the new MouseText mapping.

== Upgrade Kit ==
Apple offered a user-installable '''Enhanced IIe upgrade kit''', which included the four required chips plus a cosmetic “Enhanced” label template. The upgrade was relatively straightforward for users comfortable handling DIP sockets.

In the aftermarket and collector communities, the upgrade remains popular. A note of caution: authentic 65C02 CPUs are sometimes counterfeited or mis-labeled in online listings.

== Historical and Commercial Significance ==
* First shipped as a new SKU in March 1985 as part of Apple's ongoing IIe model updates, and was widely sold through to the line’s discontinuation in 1993.
* The Enhanced IIe remains beloved among vintage Apple II collectors as delivering a “best of both worlds” blend of legacy Apple II compatibility and incremental modernization.

== Technical Summary ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Component !! Original IIe !! Enhanced IIe upgrade
|-
| CPU || MOS 6502 @ 1.023 MHz || WDC 65C02 @ 1.023 MHz (CMOS, more instructions)
|-
| System ROMs (Applesoft/Monitor) || Original IIe firmware || Updated firmware with bug fixes, lowercase, better 80-column routines
|-
| Character ROM (Video ROM) || Standard character set || Includes MouseText characters
|-
| Memory || 64 KB onboard || Same, expandable up to 1 MB
|-
| Appearance || Original keycaps, no sticker || Darker keycaps, “Enhanced” power-light sticker
|}

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Apple IIe.jpg|Apple IIe Enhanced (front view)
File:Apple IIe Enhanced Keyboard.jpg|Enhanced IIe with darker keycaps and “Enhanced” sticker
File:Apple IIe Enhanced Internals.jpg|Inside showing replaced 65C02 and ROM sockets
File:Apple IIe Enhanced MouseText.png|MouseText character demonstration on Enhanced IIe
</gallery>

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]
{{Navbox-AppleVintage}}

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