Apple celebrates the 30th anniversary of its first computer

Apple celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Apple II computer, the first computer mass-produced by Apple Computer. This is the direct heir to the computer for enthusiasts "Apple I", never produced in large quantities, but already contains many ideas that ensured the success of "Apple II".

The computer was first introduced in 1977 at the exhibition West Coast Computer Faire and became one of the first and most successful personal computers of the time. Several Apple II models were produced, and the most popular of them, with relatively minor changes, were sold until the 1990s. A total of about 2 million copies of Apple II were produced.

Unlike other machines of the time, the Apple II looked more like an office tool than an element of electronic equipment. It was a computer that was suitable for home furnishings, a desk manager, or a school class.
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Also unique for that time was the use of color and high-resolution graphics modes, its sound capabilities, as well as the built-in programming language BASIC. Compared to earlier machines, these features were well documented and easy to learn. Thus, “Apple II” marked the beginning of a revolution in the field of personal computers: this was a machine for the masses, and not just for amateurs, scientists or engineers.

The first Apple II computers, launched on June 5, 1977, were equipped with a MOS Technology 6502 processor at 1 MHz, 4 KB of RAM (expandable up to 48 KB), an interface for connecting a cassette recorder and an Integer BASIC interpreter in ROM. The video controller showed 24 lines of 40 characters (only in upper case), had a composite video output in NTSC format for connecting a monitor or a TV (via a modulator). The initial retail price of a computer was $ 1,298 with 4 KB of RAM, or $ 2,638 for a model with 48 KB.

In order to reflect the unique feature at that time - color graphics, the logo on the computer case contained the colors of the rainbow. The company retained this logo until early 2000.

Via CyberSecurity.ru