Apple II Plus: Difference between revisions
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The '''Apple II Plus''' is the second model in Apple Computer’s influential Apple II series, introduced in June 1979. It featured expanded memory, the introduction of Applesoft BASIC in ROM, and compatibility with a growing ecosystem of expansion cards, making it a mainstay of home, educational, and business computing into the early 1980s. | The '''Apple II Plus''' is the second model in Apple Computer’s influential Apple II series, introduced in June 1979. It featured expanded memory, the introduction of Applesoft BASIC in ROM, and compatibility with a growing ecosystem of expansion cards, making it a mainstay of home, educational, and business computing into the early 1980s. | ||
== | == Architecture and Processor == | ||
At its core, the Apple II Plus is powered by the '''MOS Technology 6502''' microprocessor, running at '''1.023 MHz'''. The 6502 was an 8-bit CPU widely adopted in early personal computers for its simplicity and low cost. The Apple II Plus architecture is fully compatible with the original Apple II, but adds improved firmware and ROM routines. | At its core, the Apple II Plus is powered by the '''MOS Technology 6502''' microprocessor, running at '''1.023 MHz'''. The 6502 was an 8-bit CPU widely adopted in early personal computers for its simplicity and low cost. The Apple II Plus architecture is fully compatible with the original Apple II, but adds improved firmware and ROM routines. | ||
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* Built-in system monitor in ROM for low-level programming and diagnostics | * Built-in system monitor in ROM for low-level programming and diagnostics | ||
== | == Memory and Storage == | ||
The standard Apple II Plus shipped with '''48 KB RAM''', expandable to '''64 KB''' via an additional 16 KB language card in slot 0. ROM was expanded to '''12 KB''', containing: | The standard Apple II Plus shipped with '''48 KB RAM''', expandable to '''64 KB''' via an additional 16 KB language card in slot 0. ROM was expanded to '''12 KB''', containing: | ||
* '''Applesoft BASIC''' (8 KB) | * '''Applesoft BASIC''' (8 KB) | ||
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* Third-party and later Apple expansion cards enabled hard disk, RAM disk, and other storage forms | * Third-party and later Apple expansion cards enabled hard disk, RAM disk, and other storage forms | ||
== | == Display and Graphics == | ||
The Apple II Plus used the same video subsystem as the original Apple II, providing: | The Apple II Plus used the same video subsystem as the original Apple II, providing: | ||
* '''Text modes''': 40 columns × 24 rows (upper/lowercase with third-party mods) | * '''Text modes''': 40 columns × 24 rows (upper/lowercase with third-party mods) | ||
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The graphics system was memory-mapped, allowing direct manipulation of the display by software. | The graphics system was memory-mapped, allowing direct manipulation of the display by software. | ||
== | == Sound Capabilities == | ||
Sound on the Apple II Plus was simple but effective for its era: | Sound on the Apple II Plus was simple but effective for its era: | ||
* '''1-bit built-in speaker''', toggled by writing to a memory-mapped address ($C030) | * '''1-bit built-in speaker''', toggled by writing to a memory-mapped address ($C030) | ||
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* More advanced sound (multi-voice, music, speech) was possible with third-party sound cards and peripherals | * More advanced sound (multi-voice, music, speech) was possible with third-party sound cards and peripherals | ||
== | == Input/Output and Expansion == | ||
The Apple II Plus was renowned for its expandability, featuring '''eight internal expansion slots''' for peripherals such as: | The Apple II Plus was renowned for its expandability, featuring '''eight internal expansion slots''' for peripherals such as: | ||
* Disk II controller cards (for floppy drives) | * Disk II controller cards (for floppy drives) | ||
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* '''Expansion slots (8)''' | * '''Expansion slots (8)''' | ||
== | == PCB Schematics & Service Manual == | ||
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" /> | <templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" /> | ||
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The official '''Apple II Plus Reference Manual''' and '''Apple II Plus Technical Reference Manual''' provide comprehensive schematics, troubleshooting, and service procedures. | The official '''Apple II Plus Reference Manual''' and '''Apple II Plus Technical Reference Manual''' provide comprehensive schematics, troubleshooting, and service procedures. | ||
== | == Gallery == | ||
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> | <gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> | ||
File:Apple II Plus.jpg|Apple II Plus front view | File:Apple II Plus.jpg|Apple II Plus front view | ||