What was the Apple 2 computer?
The Apple II, designed, hand-built, and introduced by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, the co-founders of Apple Inc., in 1977, was one of the most influential and popular personal computers of the 1970s and 1980s. This revolutionary machine played a significant role in launching the personal computer revolution, and its impact can still be felt today.
The Apple II was designed to be user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to use, with a sleek, compact design featuring a beige plastic casing and a distinctive wedge-shaped keyboard. Its 1 MHz 8-bit MOS technology 6502 microprocessor was relatively fast for its time, making it an impressive feat of engineering.
The Apple II had a maximum of 48 KB of RAM, which was expandable to 64 KB with an additional memory expansion card. This was a significant amount of memory for a personal computer at the time, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously. The Apple II used cassette tapes for data storage, a common practice at the time, although later models also supported floppy disk drives.
The Apple II's graphics capabilities were impressive for its time, with a high-resolution mode featuring 280x192 pixels. It also had a built-in speaker and could produce simple sounds, making it a versatile machine for both work and play. The Apple II had several expansion slots, allowing users to add peripherals such as printers, modems, and additional storage devices, making it a highly customizable machine.
The Apple II was compatible with a wide range of software, including popular games, educational programs, and business applications. Many iconic software titles, such as VisiCalc (the first electronic spreadsheet) and Oregon Trail, were developed specifically for the Apple II. This software ecosystem helped establish the Apple II as a popular choice for both personal and professional use.
The Apple II's impact on the personal computer industry cannot be overstated. It helped establish Apple as a major player in the burgeoning industry and played a significant role in popularizing the concept of personal computing. The Apple II inspired a new generation of computer enthusiasts and helped pave the way for future innovations in the field.
The Apple II was widely used in homes, schools, and businesses throughout the 1980s, and it remained popular even after newer Apple computers were released. Although it is no longer in production, the Apple II remains an important part of computer history and a testament to the innovative spirit of Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. Its legacy continues to inspire and influence computer design and development to this day.
How many Apple 2 computers were sold? What years were they available?
The Apple II was first introduced in June 1977 and was available until 1993. According to Apple's official sales figures, the Apple II was sold in the following quantities:
Total sales: approximately 5.2 million units
The Apple II was available in various models and revisions throughout its production run, including:
The Apple II was discontinued in 1993, when Apple introduced the Power Macintosh line of computers.
What was the price for the Apple 2 when they were sold?
The prices for the Apple II varied over the years and depending on the model and configuration. Here are some approximate price ranges for new Apple II computers when they were first released:
It's worth noting that these prices are approximate and may have varied depending on the region, retailer, and any bundles or promotions that were available.
Adjusted for inflation, the prices of the Apple II would be equivalent to:
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and the actual prices may have varied depending on the specific model, configuration, and other factors.