Apple II Resources
There are actually so many things you can do with the Apple II that it was difficult to put it all into writing. I’ll be uploading plenty more content soon, so stay tuned!
New!! Mods by AppleII Models
Following the Mac content, I’ve now uploaded resources for the Apple II as well. There are still some incomplete areas, but I’ll be making improvements moving forward...so stay tuned!
Apple II Models
This was the second product released by Apple Computer and its first true personal computer model—the seminal machine that marked the beginning of a legend. As many are purchased by collectors, acquiring one has become increasingly difficult. For those unfamiliar with that era who simply want to use it, it is also a model where it might not be immediately clear what to do first.
This is the second model in the Apple II series. However, the "second model" designation is tricky because there are actually numerous hardware revisions. While early versions differ little from the standard Apple II, the final "Rev. 7" model features significantly enhanced graphics capabilities, making it much more user-friendly. Like the standard model, it is prone to DRAM chip failure; if you acquire one that isn't working, that is the first place you should check. Once repaired, it makes for a reliable and rewarding machine.
Apple successfully established a mass-production system with this, its first computer. It is a well-designed model that was manufactured in significant numbers and featured improved reliability compared to earlier efforts. While there are early and late versions, it can easily be upgraded to the later specification by swapping out the ROM chips and CPU. It also supports up to 128 KB of memory, allowing most software to run without issues. It is one of the most highly recommended vintage computers for beginners.
This was the first compact computer produced by Apple. It was designed with a focus on drastic cost reduction and featured numerous I/O ports rather than relying on card-based expansion. Like the IIgs, it utilizes an IWM chip for floppy disk control, though this component is prone to frequent failure. Additionally, the casing becomes brittle over time due to hydrolysis, so special care regarding shipping is required if purchasing one.