Computers & Business Machines

Apple II Personal Computer

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.

The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers

IBM PS/1 Microcomputer

This is an example of IBM’s Personal System/1, a microcomputer designed primarily for home use. It sold from 1990 until it was succeeded by the IBM Aptiva in 1994.
Description
This is an example of IBM’s Personal System/1, a microcomputer designed primarily for home use. It sold from 1990 until it was succeeded by the IBM Aptiva in 1994. This cream-colored PS/1 includes not only the central processing unit (powered by an Intel 8026 microprocessor) but a monitor, two disk drives (one for 5 ¼” disks, one for 3 1/2” disks), a keyboard, and a mouse. A tag on the back of the cpu reads: Type 2011-C34 (/) S/N 23-5006568.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1990 - 1994
maker
IBM
ID Number
2006.0132.13
catalog number
2006.0132.13
accession number
2006.0132

Apple Lisa II Microcomputer

The Apple Lisa introduced the graphic user interface (GUI) into the Apple Computer Corporation's line of personal computers. Instead of using only text-based commands, users could employ pictorial icons displayed on the screen to initiate operations.
Description
The Apple Lisa introduced the graphic user interface (GUI) into the Apple Computer Corporation's line of personal computers. Instead of using only text-based commands, users could employ pictorial icons displayed on the screen to initiate operations. Officially, "Lisa" stood for "Local Integrated Software Architecture," but it was also the name of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' daughter. This computer was also Jobs "baby," as he championed its creation and believed it would revolutionize personal computing. Apple spent four years and $50 million to develop it, but it turned out to be a commercial flop, in large part because of the $10,000 per unit cost. Only 80,000 were eventually sold. The Lisa is most important historically as the computer that pioneered concepts later used in the far more successful Macintosh.
This Lisa has model number A65B100 and serial number B08B832370482. It was owned and used by Roslyn Lang and her family. Her husband used it for academic work, while she and her children used it for computer games. She said: "As I recall, these were mainly games that you played against the software by looking at pictures of a castle and trying to free the princess without being eaten by an ogre!”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1983
maker
Apple Computer
ID Number
2005.0056.01
catalog number
2005.0056.01
accession number
2005.0056

Sharp EL-500 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and thirty-five rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and thirty-five rectangular plastic keys. The four lower rows of keys are similar to those found on many calculators, with ten digit keys, a change sign key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, and a total key. The next row up on the scientific calculator contains keys for various forms of exponents and logarithms, as well as a pi key. The next row up (just below the top row of keys) contains a key for converting from degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal degrees, as well as keys for trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions. The top row of keys includes keys for powers, reciprocals, square roots, clear entry, and clear. A mark above the keyboard reads: SHARP.
Behind the keyboard is a green fluorescent display that shows the result, up to a six-digit mantissa and a two-digit exponent (as a power of ten). Text above the display reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL-500. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. The on/off switch is on the left side.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for two slim batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 72406257.Text below this reads in part: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-500. It also reads in part: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM.
References:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 27, 1977, p. X1. On sale for $14.95
[Advertisement], Washington Post, January 20, 1978, p. A23. Calculator selling for $14.77.
A copy for the manual for this calculator, without the cover, is online at wass.net/manuals, accessed October 27, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977-1978
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.138
catalog number
1986.0988.138
accession number
1986.0988

Circuit Board for Use with Microcomputer, EXT by IMS Associates Inc.

Donor and former user Barry Berg explained the use of this extension circuit board as follows:" If you had a problem or needed to look at signals on particular card or something and hook your scopeup, when you go inside the case, you'll notice the cards are really densely packed
Description
Donor and former user Barry Berg explained the use of this extension circuit board as follows:" If you had a problem or needed to look at signals on particular card or something and hook your scope
up, when you go inside the case, you'll notice the cards are really densely packed together. You could never get a probe or you could never even see some of the cards,so you pull the card out and you'd put
this into this space on the 5100 bus and then you'd stick the card into it and then so the card would be sitting up above the case and you could easily get to all the components and adjust them and read the
signal pulses out to debug them." In other words, thecircuit board simply extended the wires on the S-100 bus so that a circuit board could be inserted in it above the other circuit boards in a microcomputer for examination and testing.The wires are marked 1 (at the left) and 50 (at the right) on one side, and 51 (on the left) and 100 (on the right) on the other. On the front side, the board is marked in the right hand lower corner: EXT (/) 1977 IMS ASSOC INC.
Reference: Acquisition file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
ID Number
2012.3060.06
catalog number
2012.3060.06
nonaccession number
2012.3060

Deck of Playing Cards Commemorating the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Univac Twin Citiesby

One deck of playing cards with the backs of the cards decorated with a computer-generated image by Univac photographer Malcom T. Malm. There are 52 playing cards, 2 jokers, and 2 explanatory cards, in a paper box.
Description
One deck of playing cards with the backs of the cards decorated with a computer-generated image by Univac photographer Malcom T. Malm. There are 52 playing cards, 2 jokers, and 2 explanatory cards, in a paper box. The cards were distributed in honor of the twenty-fifth anniversary of Univac Twin Cities in 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1971
maker
United States Playing Card Company
ID Number
2012.3060.02
catalog number
2012.3060.02
nonaccession number
2012.3060

Cromemco Model JS-1 Joysticks

Each of these two metal boxes has four plastic buttons numbered from one to four and a lever that moves in several directions. Each joystick has a cable containing several wires that fits into a common receptacle which has several wires proceeding from it.
Description
Each of these two metal boxes has four plastic buttons numbered from one to four and a lever that moves in several directions. Each joystick has a cable containing several wires that fits into a common receptacle which has several wires proceeding from it. The diimensions do not include cords.
For the IMSAI 8080 with which the joysticks were used, see 2010.0239.01. For documentation on the joysticks, see 2012.3060.31.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
Cromemco Inc.
ID Number
2012.3060.01
catalog number
2012.3060.01
nonaccession number
2012.3060

Documentation on Crosstalk Mk. 4 Software

This black box with an orange design contains two manuals for the communications and terminal emulation program Crosstalk Mk. 4 (there is no software). They were publications of Crosstalk Communications, a division of Digital Communications Associates.Currently not on view
Description
This black box with an orange design contains two manuals for the communications and terminal emulation program Crosstalk Mk. 4 (there is no software). They were publications of Crosstalk Communications, a division of Digital Communications Associates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1988
ID Number
2012.3060.10
catalog number
2012.3060.10
nonaccession number
2012.3060

Software Set, Retail Invoicing 4.1

This blue box contains fifteen 5 1/4" floppy discs, namely:1. four associated with Easy Business Systems Retail Invoicing by Easy Business Systems2. one with software from the Easy Business Systems Plus Series for the IBM Personal Computer and IBM Personal Computer XT3.
Description
This blue box contains fifteen 5 1/4" floppy discs, namely:
1. four associated with Easy Business Systems Retail Invoicing by Easy Business Systems
2. one with software from the Easy Business Systems Plus Series for the IBM Personal Computer and IBM Personal Computer XT
3. ten backup discs. Six are associated in some way with payroll. Four are backups for the G/L Program (i.e. the General Ledger associated with the Retail Invoicing system).
The box also contains a metal springback notebook of documentation on the related Easy Business Systems Retail Invoicing system. This is copyrighted 1986. Finally there is a laminated sheet entitled "Retail Invoicing Quick Guide."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986
maker
Computer Associates
ID Number
2012.3060.09
catalog number
2012.3060.09
nonaccession number
2012.3060

Software on Floppy Disc, ADVENTURE

This eight-inch floppy disc is labelled in hand "ADVENTURE". The donor, a programmer by profession, said of this program: "Adventure was one of the first computer games that really took the world by storm.
Description
This eight-inch floppy disc is labelled in hand "ADVENTURE". The donor, a programmer by profession, said of this program: "Adventure was one of the first computer games that really took the world by storm. I can't tell you how many hours I spent pounding away on there trying to make my way through the Colossal Caves. It was all text based. It starts you out at a warehouse, it describes the stream flowing down,and go through the cave. And the idea was to pick up as much stuff as you can. And you had to be a little devious. . . I can't tell you how many programmers whiled away their hours playing Adventure instead of doing productive work."
For the IMSAI 8080 microcomputer Berg used, see 2010.0239.01. For his disk drive, see 2010.0239.02.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2012.3060.13
catalog number
2012.3060.13
nonaccession number
2012.3060

Microcomputer Peripheral, Amiga 500 Power Supply

In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer.
Description
In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer. The goal was to provide a machine that would compete successfully against other 16 bit machines, just as the Commodore 64 had outsold many competitive 8 bit computers. The A500 did sell well against the Atari 520ST and was the low end successor of the Amiga 1000. This is the power supply sold with the computer. For more information, see 2001.0186.03.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2001.0186.06
catalog number
2001.0186.06
accession number
2001.0186

Commodore Amiga 500 Microcomputer

In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer.
Description
In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer. The goal was to provide a machine that would compete successfully against other 16 bit machines, just as the Commodore 64 had outsold many competitive 8 bit computers. The A500 did sell well against the Atari 520ST and was the low end successor of the Amiga 1000.
The A500 used a Motorola 68000 microprocessor that ran at 7.14 MHz and had 256 KB of ROM and 512 KB of RAM, which was expandable to 9MB. The Amiga 500 used a special system for its RAM configuration. It had 512 KB of Chip RAM, which could be accessed by the sound and video custom chip, and FAST RAM, which could only be accessed only by the CPU.
The Amiga 500 was followed by the Amiga 500+. It doubled the amount of the A500s Chip RAM to 1 MB. Both versions could be connected to a TV set or to a video monitor. The A500 computers were the best selling in the Amiga series. Besides doing well in the United States, they also were popular in Europe. Many users favored the Amiga because, in addition to being inexpensive, it had excellent graphics and sound capability for a computer of its era.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1987
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2001.0186.03
catalog number
2001.0186.03
accession number
2001.0186

Visual Commuter Computer Laptop Computer

This portable microcomputer, named Commuter, has an off-white case with a fixed black handle. To raise the lid, latches on each side of the case are released simultaneously.
Description
This portable microcomputer, named Commuter, has an off-white case with a fixed black handle. To raise the lid, latches on each side of the case are released simultaneously. Inside the lid, the 80 x 16 liquid crystal display (LCD) plugs in via a RJ11 cable to a connector just above the keyboard. The keyboard has 83 keys with a numeric pad to the right and a 10 function key pad to the left. Behind the keyboard, built into the case are two 360K 5¼” floppy disk drives. Above the keyboard on the left is the Commuter logo. A handwritten sticker on the outside rear of the computer notes that the memory was upgraded to 512K, the maximum amount allowed. The LCD display could be removed entirely and replaced by a larger external monitor for office or home use.
The IBM compatible unit uses the MS-DOS 2.1 operating system and an Intel 8088 processor. Although it has no internal expansion slots, it has 6 ports on the rear for cables that would connect to other devises. These ports include: 63 pin expansion, 24 pin asynchronous, 25 pin asynchronous/synchronous, parallel printer, RGB monochrome video (for an external monitor), and a composite video (for a color monitor).
Visual Computer Incorporated introduced the “Commuter” model in November 1983. Advertised as “Portable, IBM Compatible, Powerful, Affordable,” it weighed 16 pounds and sold for $1995. Visual ran ads in PC Magazine, Computerworld, and the American Bar Association Journal appealing to business executives who needed a computer when they traveled--the Commuter was a briefcase-sized portable computer with a handle.
The objects in accession 2017.0321, non-accessions 2017.3153 and 2018.3076 are related.
References:
PC Magazine, April 17, 1984. Advertisement pages 110-111.
Computerworld, June 11, 1984. Advertisement pages 68-69.
American Bar Association Journal, September 1984, Volume 70. Advertisement pages 22-23.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
ID Number
2017.0321.01
accession number
2017.0321
catalog number
2017.0321.01

Timex Sinclair 2068 Microcomputer

Introduced in 1983 at a cost of $199.95, the Timex-Sinclair 2068 (TS 2068) was the fourth and last Sinclair personal computer sold in the US market. It followed the ZX-81 (marketed by Sinclair Research through an American branch), TS 1000, and TS 1500.
Description
Introduced in 1983 at a cost of $199.95, the Timex-Sinclair 2068 (TS 2068) was the fourth and last Sinclair personal computer sold in the US market. It followed the ZX-81 (marketed by Sinclair Research through an American branch), TS 1000, and TS 1500. It’s design also drew on Sinclair’s ZX Spectrum (the Spectrum was not marketed in the U.S.).
The TS 2068 used a Z80 processor that ran at 3.58 MHz. Its memory included 48 KB of RAM and 24 KB of ROM. A cassette recorder was used for external storage. Like the TS 1000, the 2068 included a BASIC interpreter to run programs. Additional functions had been added to handle more complex graphic and sound commands. The TS 2068 included a sound chip and speaker at the bottom of the computer and had a range of 10 octaves and 130 semitones directly programmable from BASIC. Users could buy a TS 2040 printer that was attached to an expansion port.
The TS 2068 was well equipped for playing games and, with the use of an appropriate cartridge, could be used with most software designed for the ZX Spectrum. The computer was generally used for entertainment, educational, and programming tutorials.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1980s
maker
Timex Computer Corporation
ID Number
2000.0205.01
catalog number
2000.0205.01
accession number
2000.0205

"Welcome To IBM" Packet

This packet of materials was provided to the donor when he took a course on the use of tabulating equipment at IBM in Endicott, New York, in the 1950s. Included are a name tag, a punch card, three postcards, two leaflets, and an envelope.
Description
This packet of materials was provided to the donor when he took a course on the use of tabulating equipment at IBM in Endicott, New York, in the 1950s. Included are a name tag, a punch card, three postcards, two leaflets, and an envelope.
date made
1950s
maker
IBM
ID Number
1995.3080.05
nonaccession number
1995.3080
catalog number
1995.3080.05

Computer Software, The Simpsons Virtual Springfield computer game for Windows 95 and Macintosh

A first person adventure game for the Windows 95 and Macintosh. The game allows players to explore a 3D simulation of Springfield, the town the television show "The Simpsons" takes place in.
Description
A first person adventure game for the Windows 95 and Macintosh. The game allows players to explore a 3D simulation of Springfield, the town the television show "The Simpsons" takes place in. Players must collect an entire set of character cards by unlocking hidden areas with secret items. Mini games can be played as well. The game was developed by Digital Evolution and published by Fox Interactive. Reception of the game was mixed.
The box is encased in a clear plastic that allows the viewer to see a panoramic view of Springfield. The panoramic is printed on a cardboard cover that covers the content. The content includes a rebate form, product catalog from Fox Interactive, instruction manual, a compact disc case with a compact disc.
System requirements are as follow: Windows, Pentium processor (75 mhz or better recommended), WIndows 95, 8 MB RAM (16 MB or greater recommended), 6 mb free hard drive space, 4x CD-ROM drive or better, DirectX compatible sound card, DirectX compatible video card, MIcrosoft compatiable mouse.
Macintosh - Power Macintosh (66 mhz or better recommended), System 7.0 or greater recommended, 16 MB RAM or greater recommended, 4x CD-Rom drive or better.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1997
ID Number
2014.3098.03
catalog number
2014.3098.03
nonaccession number
2014.3098

Software, Nota Bene

A software suite for Windows 95/98 designed as a software for academic writing and research. The software was designed by Nota Bene Associates, Inc and it is version 5.0. The suite has three software: Nota Bene, NB Ibidem, and NB Orbis.
Description
A software suite for Windows 95/98 designed as a software for academic writing and research. The software was designed by Nota Bene Associates, Inc and it is version 5.0. The suite has three software: Nota Bene, NB Ibidem, and NB Orbis. Nota Bene is "a word processor designed for scholarly writing, featuring predefined academic styles, up to three independent sets of footnotes, bi-directional cross referencing and more." NB Ibidem is "a database system to manage your bibliographic notes and automatically format citations and bibliographies according to hundreds of academic/professional styles." NB Orbis is "a text-retrieval system for instantly and simultaneously searching papers, research notes, lectures, field notes, lists, and any other NB documents on your computer."
The object has a compact disc with a plastic jewel case and instructions are stored on the inside of the case.
System requirements are: a pentium level PC or compatible computer is recommended, but a 486DX2/50 or higher is adequate, a CD-ROM drive, 20 megabytes of available hard disk space, 16 megabytes of RAM, but 32 would significantly improve performance, and Windows 95/98
Version 5.0 was the first Windows version of Nota Bene.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1998-1999
ID Number
2014.3098.01
catalog number
2014.3098.01
nonaccession number
2014.3098

Advertising Button, WordPerfect

This circular button has green text on a purple background that reads: FOREVER MAC. Running along the border of the circle is the phrase: WORDPERFECT. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC Expo NY 6/92 Gift.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has green text on a purple background that reads: FOREVER MAC. Running along the border of the circle is the phrase: WORDPERFECT. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC Expo NY 6/92 Gift.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.043
catalog number
2009.3071.043
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Shugart 8-inch Disk Drive, SA900

In the course of the 1960s and 1970s, computer manufacturers developed diverse ways of storing data and programs on magnetic media. Expertise developed at large manufacturers like IBM found its way into more specialized firms.
Description
In the course of the 1960s and 1970s, computer manufacturers developed diverse ways of storing data and programs on magnetic media. Expertise developed at large manufacturers like IBM found its way into more specialized firms. One such company was Shugart Associates, established by Alan F. Shugart and colleagues. Shugart had worked at IBM and then Memorex; his associates had similar backgrounds. The first product of Shugart Associates, sold from about 1973, was the SA900 disk drive for 8” floppy disks. It was intended particularly for use with mainframes and minicomputers. This example is the sixth one manufactured by Shugart Associates.
A tag on the front reads: SA901. A tag on the bottom reads: Shugart Associates (/) Model No. SA900 (/) Volt 115/60 Freq. 60 Hz (/) SerialNo. P0006.
Also included is an SA150 diskette in envelope.
The SA900 soon was surpassed by the SA800, another drive for 8” floppy disks made by Shugart.
For related materials, see 1980.0612.01.1 (documentation on the SA800), 1980.0612.01.2 (documentation on the SA900), and 1980.0612.01.3 (a press release on Shugart Associates)). The collections include several later Shugart disk drives.
Reference:
Accession file.
"Background: Shugart Associates," September 1979, 1980.0612.01.3.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1972
date made
1973
ca 1973
maker
Shugart Associates
ID Number
1980.0612.01
catalog number
1980.0612.01
accession number
1980.0612

Xerox Alto Central Processing Unit

The Alto was developed the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. It was designed to be a networked operating system with a cutting-edge graphics display. The Alto consisted of the processor and storage unit, the display, keyboard, and mouse.
Description
The Alto was developed the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. It was designed to be a networked operating system with a cutting-edge graphics display. The Alto consisted of the processor and storage unit, the display, keyboard, and mouse. Although the Alto and its successor, the Star, were not major commercial successes, their technologies were crucial to the development of personal computers and widely adapted for use by the industry.
Object 1989.0432.01.1 is the large processor and disk storage unit; 1989.0432.01.2 the monitor and keyboard, and 1986.0432.01.3 a disk of games played on the ALTO.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1973
maker
Xerox Corporation
ID Number
1989.0432.01.1
catalog number
1989.0432.01.1
accession number
1989.0432

Button, Take No Prisoners January 1989

This circular button has white text on a black background that reads: Take No Prisoners January 1989. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: T.S.- Eppley Comdex Fall '88.
Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a black background that reads: Take No Prisoners January 1989. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: T.S.- Eppley Comdex Fall '88.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1988
ID Number
2009.3071.425
catalog number
2009.3071.425
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Apple, Norton Utilities for Macintosh

This square button has white text in a red design on a black background that reads: SUM II. Symantec AntiVirus for Macintosh. The Norton Utilities for the Macintosh. Symantec.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has white text in a red design on a black background that reads: SUM II. Symantec AntiVirus for Macintosh. The Norton Utilities for the Macintosh. Symantec.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.172
catalog number
2009.3071.172
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Compex ST-10 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This unusually thin handheld electronic calculator has an aluminum case.
Description
This unusually thin handheld electronic calculator has an aluminum case. The array of twenty-two gray and white rounded plastic rectangular buttons includes ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four keys for arithmetic functions, a percentage key, a square root key, three memory keys, and a clear key. The on/off switch is between the keyboard and the eight-digit green fluorescent display. A mark below the display reads: CE COMPEX (/) ST-10. A mark below the keys reads: SUPER THIN (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. The text printed on the back is largely worn away. The outlet for a recharger is at the bottom right.
Unscrewing a screw in the back makes it possible to change two large squat batteries. (This example has no batteries and no recharger.) A component taped to the back of one circuit board is marked in part: DELTA (/) DC. A mark on the display reads: itron FG94B1 (/) JAPAN JC.
A May 26, 1977 advertisement in the Los Angeles Times indicates that the Compex ST-10 sold for $14.97. This included both a wallet carrying case and the battery recharger.
According to the Datamath Calculator Museum website, Compex calculators were a product of Kinpo Electronics, Incorporated, a firm established in Taiwan by 1973.
References:
Datamath Calculator Museum, http://www.datamath.org/.
Los Angeles Times, May 26, 1977, p. A14.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
Compex
ID Number
1986.0988.147
catalog number
1986.0988.147
accession number
1986.0988

Deep Blue Mouse

Deep Blue, a specialized IBM RS/6000 computer, was the first machine to defeat a world chess champion in regulation play. Operators used this mouse to manage its operation. For more on the computer, see 2002.0251.01.Currently not on view
Description
Deep Blue, a specialized IBM RS/6000 computer, was the first machine to defeat a world chess champion in regulation play. Operators used this mouse to manage its operation. For more on the computer, see 2002.0251.01.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1996
Associated Name
Lasewicz, Paul C.
maker
Logitech
ID Number
2002.0251.05
catalog number
2002.0251.05
accession number
2002.0251

Apple IIGS Microcomputer

The computers in the Apple II family were among the most popular personal computers in the late 1970s and 1980s. The last model and most impressive of the Apple II family was the Apple II GS (GS=graphics + sound).
Description
The computers in the Apple II family were among the most popular personal computers in the late 1970s and 1980s. The last model and most impressive of the Apple II family was the Apple II GS (GS=graphics + sound). When it was released in September of 1986—Apple's 10th anniversary—at the price of $999 (without a monitor—or $1498 with an RGB monitor), the Apple II GS competed against other computers such as the Commodore Amiga and the Atari ST.
The Apple II GS used the Western Design Center 65816 16 bit microprocessor, which ran at 2.8 Mhz. It had 256 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 8 MB. There were seven slots to accommodate an expansion of memory. It was the first computer to utilize the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) which linked standard input device such as keyboards, mice, and graphics tablets. This made it possible for Apple to sell a single set of peripherals that both the Apple Computer and later the Macintosh could use. The IIGS display had a 600 X 200 pixel mode with 2-bit palletized cooler and a 320 X 200 pixel mode with a 4-bit palletized color. The Apple II GS could display 256 colors on the screen. Its ProDOS 16 as system software allowed users to handle any number of open files at the same time.
The IIGS seemed well positioned to capture a large market. However, by the time it was released, Apple was putting its energy into developing the Macintosh and the IIGS suffered from limited marketing. Apple discontinued the line in December 1992.
This example of the Apple IIGS is model number A26000, Serial number A2S2-E80113DA2S6000. For related documentation, see 1998.3062.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1986
maker
Apple Computer
ID Number
1998.0199.01
catalog number
1998.0199.01
accession number
1998.0199

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