Re: Apple II GS Question

[pubpc1@library.ucla.edu]

ddmacang@cats.ucsc.edu (Flying Scot) wrote:
>
>Hi all.
>
>I have a question about the Apple II GS.
>
>I am a MAC user these days, at least at work, but I used to be really into
>Apple ][ stuff.  In fact, I still have my old Apple //c, which my kids use
>all the time, and I have a ton of software.

A GS runs not unlike a Mac.  It has an ADB keyboard and mouse.
The serial ports use the same cables as the Mac.  In fact, it
uses the same serial chip and can do AppleTalk.

ADB was developed for the GS and later migrated to the Mac.

GS stands for graphics and sound.  The computer can run older
8-bit software, but it can use its own 16-bit software too.
It has a 4096 color range and a sound chip with 32 oscillators
and wavetable synthesis (from Ensoniq, the DOC 5503, the same
one used in the Mirage and ESQ-1 synthesizers).

Like the Mac, it uses the Finder, windows, and a toolbox.

The GS has a IIe on a chip, called the Mega II, inside it that
gives it emulation of the 8-bit Apples.

Its processor can address 16MB of RAM (24-bit address), 8MB as
system RAM and 8MB for solid state storage (ROM...and/or
RAMdisk).

>
>I have been hearing about the GS for a while and am wondering if this
>system will also run the old software, or if it is a totally new system.

It is a new system, but can emulate the old ones to run old
software.

>
>Are these machines hard to find?  Are they expensive?  Are they worth the time?

I saw one that had 4MB and 105MB drive go for $390.  On usenet,
they seem to be given away. :)

Definitely worth it.

>
>These are things I would like to find out about.
>
>Thanks!

-Scott G.