Apple IIe

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.

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)

🧠 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

• Apple IIe General Maintenance
• Apple IIe Troubleshooting Guide
• Apple IIe Keyboard Repair Guide
• Apple IIe Capacitor Replacement Guide
• Apple II Series Overview
• Apple IIe Upgrade and Expansion Guide