Apple II (original)

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The Apple II, stylized as apple ][, is a classic personal computer released by Apple in June 1977. It was one of the first widely produced microcomputers meant for homes and enthusiasts, and it helped start the age of home computing. The machine was designed around the 8-bit MOS Technology 6502 processor running at about 1.02 MHz and came with a built-in BASIC language and a simple monitor.

Key features and specs
- Release: June 10, 1977
- Price: about $1,298 with 4 KB of RAM; up to roughly $2,638 with 48 KB (and later configurations could reach more RAM in practice)
- CPU: 8-bit MOS 6502 at 1.023 MHz
- Memory: 4 KB baseline, expandable to 48 KB in the original design (with later boards and models allowing more through expansion)
- Storage: cassette storage initially; Disk II floppy drive introduced in 1978 (5.25" disks, about 140 KB per disk)
- Operating systems and languages: Integer BASIC in ROM plus a built-in monitor; later Apple DOS for disks and Applesoft BASIC (floating-point BASIC) licensed from Microsoft
- Display: NTSC video output with text and graphics modes; text mode shows 24 lines by 40 columns; graphics modes include low-resolution color and higher-resolution color graphics
- Graphics: color capable, which helped the Apple II stand out and influenced software design
- Input: built-in keyboard; game paddles included in early kits
- Expansion: multiple expansion slots for third-party cards (memory, serial/parallel I/O, disk controllers, etc.); third-party cards could add CP/M via a Z80 card, hard disks, networks, and more
- Sound: simple one-bit speaker; sound was typically generated by software timing
- Case and design: created with a distinctive smooth, molded plastic case by Jerry Manock; Steve Jobs did not work on the computer’s design
- Logo: the rainbow-colored Apple logo, reflecting the color graphics capability

Impact and legacy
- The Apple II was marketed as a consumer-ready computer meant for households, schools, and tiny businesses, helping to popularize home computing and software marketplaces.
- It spawned a successful family of machines, including the Apple II+, IIe, IIc, IIc Plus, and the 16-bit IIGS, all maintaining compatibility with earlier software.
- The Apple II’s open architecture and expansion slots encouraged a thriving ecosystem of third-party peripherals and software. Notable early software included VisiCalc (the first widely used spreadsheet program on microcomputers), which helped drive business use of the machine.
- Production ramped up quickly, and Apple’s early sales grew rapidly as the platform expanded beyond hobbyists into commercial use. The Apple II family remained in production and widely used for many years, with the final major model, the Apple IIe, lasting in production until 1993.

development and production notes
- Early units used hand-made cases; vent holes were added after a few months to manage heat.
- All major ICs were socketed to allow easier servicing and upgrades.
- The Apple II’s combination of color graphics, expandability, and a ready-to-use software environment made it a landmark in computing history.

In short, the Apple II helped popularize personal computing by combining an open, expandable design with color graphics and a growing catalog of software, setting the template for home and education computers for years to come.