Apple IIe computer

Apple developed the Apple III computer, but this was not a success so the Apple IIe was introduced in 1983 to build on the Apple II line, and became their most successful seller. The Apple IIe continued with the 6502 1MHz processor from the Apple II, but used several new integrated circuits and higher density memory chips to greatly reduce the chip count. The basic machine came with 64KB of RAM and 16KB of ROM, and could run pretty nearly all the same software as the Apple II. In Europe a PAL motherboard was used. The IIe has a slot for an 80 column card, with either 1KB or 64KB of additional RAM. The keyboard was extended to include four arrow keys, and two special keys (closed and open apple).

Apple then released the Enhanced Apple IIe around 1987, this replaced the 6502 with a 65C02 and new ROM versions, and improved compatibility with the earlier Apple IIe and with the newer IIc. I have a European model with PAL colour graphics. Specifications are:

65C02 8-bit processor running at 1MHz (approximately).
64KB RAM, 16KB ROM for Microsoft floating point Basic, machine language monitor and routine for booting from disk.
Runs either DOS 3.3 or ProDOS from floppy.
Cassette port, video port (colour text and graphics).
One auxiliary slot fitted with 80 column card with 64KB of RAM.
Seven expansion slots for Apple II cards (one blocked by 80 column card).

The IIe could be expanded with additional RAM with third party cards beyond 128KB. This helped speed up certain applications such as Appleworks and DazzleDraw which used the high-resolution graphics (560x192 pixels) mode.

Pictures

This page was last revised on:4/10/25