Apple IIe Enhanced
 | |
| Apple IIe Enhanced – the upgraded version of the Apple IIe | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Home computer |
| Released | 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 / Firmware | Apple DOS 3.3, ProDOS, CP/M (with Z-80 card) |
| Predecessor | Apple IIe |
| Successor | Apple IIGS |
| Codename | Diana (same as IIe) |
| Model no. | 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
| 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
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Apple IIe Enhanced (front view) -
Enhanced IIe with darker keycaps and “Enhanced” sticker -
Inside showing replaced 65C02 and ROM sockets -
MouseText character demonstration on Enhanced IIe
