Apple IIe

Apple IIe
	File:AppleIIe.jpg
	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

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

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

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

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

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.

🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual

Main Logic Board	Keyboard Assembly
File:AppleIIe LogicBoard.jpg Apple IIe Main Logic Board File:AppleIIe Schematic.png Apple IIe Logic Board Schematic	File:AppleIIe Keyboard.jpg Apple IIe Keyboard Assembly File:AppleIIe Keyboard Schematic.png Apple IIe Keyboard Schematic

The official Apple IIe Technical Reference Manual and schematics are available via Apple Service Source and online archives.

📷 Gallery

Apple IIe (original, 1983)

Apple IIe (original, 1983)
Apple IIe Platinum (1987)

Apple IIe Platinum (1987)
Apple IIe Main Logic Board

Apple IIe Main Logic Board
Apple IIe Keyboard Assembly

Apple IIe Keyboard Assembly
Apple IIe with Disk II drives and monitor

Apple IIe with Disk II drives and monitor
Apple IIe Logic Board Schematic

Apple IIe Logic Board Schematic

🧪 Related Pages