Apple IIe Enhanced
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.
 | |
| 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) |
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
