Task: Purchase an Apple IIe Computer
Needed: Web Browser for Online Purchase
Time: 30-60 minutes
Introduction
The 8-bit Apple II computer arrived in 1977 along with the Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 and the Commodore Pet as the first home computers you could purchase in a store and take home. It featured a 6502 CPU and sold for $1,298 with 4K of RAM expandable to 48K. I first used an Apple II in my 8th grade math class. I also had a close friend who had one.
Given the historic significance of the Apple II, this is a great computer to add to any collection. I recommend purchasing an Apple IIe if you don’t feel the need to experience the original 1977 version. The Apple IIe is often the best entry point into the Apple II family because it combines the authenticity of the original 1977 design with the usability refinements that arrived by the mid-1980s. It runs nearly the entire Apple II software library while offering a base 64K of RAM (expandable to 1MB), a full-featured keyboard with lowercase support, built-in 80-column capability, and more reliable hardware than earlier Apple II or II+ models. The IIe is also highly expandable and works well with modern storage and display solutions, making it practical for everyday use, demonstrations, or collecting.
I have two Apple IIes. The first I purchased on eBay in 2020. It came with a matching monochrome monitor. I paid $300 for both. The second is an Apple II Platinum edition that came with a nice color monitor and two matching floppy drives all in original packaging and in pristine condition. I paid $600 for the set.
Instructions
Navigate to eBay to look for Apple IIe computers for sale. The computer alone sells for about $200 to $300 depending on the condition. Expect to pay $500 or more, as I did, for one in good condition with a monitor and perhaps a disk drive. You might be able to find these cheaper at locally on Facebook Marketplace or at a Vintage Computer Festival (VCF). VCFs are a great place to find good deals.
Comments
I will do more posts on using the Apple II. I am still learning!
One of the interesting features of the Apple II is that the motherboard has slots for circuit boards that expand the capabilities of the computer. For example, a disk controller card is needed to connect a floppy drive. There are also cards for RAM expansion, RGB video, a Z-80 processor, serial communication, etc.