Apple IIGS
The Apple IIGS (styled as IIGS), the fifth and most powerful of the Apple II family, is a 16-bit personal computer produced by Apple Computer, Inc. While featuring the Macintosh look and feel, and resolution and color similar to the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST, it remains compatible with earlier Apple II models. The “GS” in the name stands for “Graphics and Sound,” referring to its enhanced multimedia hardware, especially its state-of-the-art audio.
History of Apple IIGS is provided by wikipedia
The microcomputer is a radical departure from any previous Apple II, with its 16-bit 65C816 microprocessor, direct access to megabytes of random-access memory (RAM), and mouse. It was the first computer produced by Apple to use a color graphical user interface (color was introduced on the Macintosh II six months later) and Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) interface for keyboards, mice, and other input devices. It is the first personal computer to have a wavetable synthesis chip, utilizing technology from Ensoniq.
The IIGS set forth a promising future and evolutionary advancement of the Apple II line, but Apple increasingly focused on the Macintosh platform. The IIGS clock speed was intentionally limited below the maximum for the 65C816 so the system would not outperform the Macintosh. The IIGS outsold all other Apple products, including the Macintosh, during its first year in production. Apple ceased IIGS production in December 1992.
Apple IIGS – General Information
Overview
| Introduced | September 1986 |
| Discontinued | December 1992 |
| Order Number | A0012LL/A |
| Price | $999 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 8.72 Ibs. 3.955 KG |
| Dimensions | 4.6” H x 11.2” W x 13.7” D 11.69 cm H x 28.45 cm W x 34.80 cm D |
Hardware
| Processor | WDC 65C816 |
| Processor Speed | 2.8 MHz |
| Architecture | 16-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 1 MHz |
| Cache | None |
| Coprocessor | None |
| Storage | None |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 KB (Revision 1-2) 1.125 MB (Revision 3) |
| Maximum Memory | 8.125 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 44-pin Memory Expansion Card |
| Minimum Speed | Unknown |
| ROM | 128 KB (Revision 1-2) 256 KB (Revision 3) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | Custom Video Graphics Controller (VGC) |
| Graphics Memory | Unknown |
| Display Connection | 1 – RCA for composite video output, 1 – DB-15 |
| External Resolution | 320 × 200 (16 colors per line, 256 colors per screen) 640 × 200 (4 or more colors per line, 128 colors per screen) 560 × 192 (16 colors) 80 × 48 (6 colors) 280 x 192 (6 colors) 40 × 48 (16 colors) |
Software
| Original OS | Apple ProDOS 16 or GS/OS |
| Firmware | Applesoft BASIC |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 – RS-422 1 – DE-9 |
| Floppy Port | 1 – DB-19 |
| Game | 1 – internal 16-pin GAME I/O 1 – external DE-9 |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – RCA for composite video output 1 – DB-15 |
| Expansion Slots | 7 – 50-pin Apple II peripheral |
| Media | Optional Apple 3.5, Apple 5.25, or UniDisk floppy disk drive |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 60 W |
| Line Voltage | 107 – 132V AC |
Related products
- Macintosh 128K
- Macintosh 512K & Macintosh 512Ke
- Macintosh XL
- Macintosh Plus
- Macintosh Plus Keyboard
- AppleColor RGB Monitor
- Apple Monochrome Monitor
- Apple Monochrome Monitor IIe
- LaserWriter Plus
- Apple Hard Disk 20SC / 40SC / 80 SC
- Apple Desktop Bus Mouse
- Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard
Source: Wikipedia, Wikimedia, Apple
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