Re: Identifying original Apple II computers???

[Wayne Stewart <waynes@intergate.bc.ca>]

Apple Collector wrote:

> Hi, I'm interested in learning about how to identify an original Apple II,
> and differentiate it from an Apple II+ (besides the obvious green "plus"
> written on the lid under the Apple II nameplate).  Any insights either
> posted or emailed would be greatly appreciated.

Differentiating the II from the II+ is a bit awkward since they weren't really
separate machines. It's just that at a certain point in production they started

puttingin Applesoft firmware. For a bit both were available then after a short
while they stopped installing integer basic firmware except for special orders
and warranty replacements. However you could point to some features that
were changed before Applesoft ever came about. A couple would be having
either of the 1 piece keyboards.(with no keyboard encoder) or socketed
memory jumper blocks.

> I've seen two different pictures of what are said to be original Apple II
> computers, but one has a dark brown keyboard with a power light that is
> flush/flat with the case, and another Apple II I saw pictured had a lighter
> brown keyboard and a power light that appears to be a full sized brown
> keycap, like others on the keyboard, but with a white top on it.

That's one of the problems, The Apple II apparently used 3 different keyboards.

If the powerlight protrudes that'd likely guarantee it being an Apple II but a
flush powerlight doesn't really tell you a lot other than it's not an early
Apple II.

> I know Apple made two revisions of the original Apple II, but did they
> change any external features of the Apple II?  Or is somebody trying to pull
> the wool over my eyes and present an Apple II+ as an Apple II?  (Both
> pictured machines had an Apple II name plate on the lid, without the green
> "plus" written on it.)

I guess it depends on how you count the revisions. My Apple IIs main logic
board is marked Rev 4 but I believe it's pretty close to the same as the rev 1.

> Did either of the two original Apple II revisions have the auto-start ROM,
> or did both launch directly into the monitor?
>
> Thanks very much for any info!!!

If you can locate a copy a couple of good books on the Apple II are
The Apple II Circuit Description by Winston D Gayler
Understanding the Apple II by Jim Sather