Re: Curiosity about Apple II designations

[dalloff@freenet.columbus.oh.us (Dave Althoff)]

Michael Kelsey (mkelsey@eecs.wsu.edu) wrote:
: I have often wondered why Apple called the //c the //c and the //e the //e.
: I am guessing the //c represented 'compact,' and the //e 'expandable.'  What
: does the 'gs' in IIgs stand for, maybe 'graphics and sound?'

Bingo, more or less!

First there was the ][.
Then a few enhancements (Applesoft BASIC, Autostart ROM) begat the ][+
More enhancements brought about the ][e; I think the "e" is for
"enhanced", not to be confused with the later "enhanced ][e".  I think the
"e" designation was used because calling it the Apple ][++ would look
stupid, and Apple /// was already taken.  And Apple IV would ignore the
fact that it is Apple ][ compatible, unlike the ///.

The first "luggable" Apple ][ was the //c, I believe the "c" means
"compact".  Though not nearly so compact as, say, a PowerBook.  Or, for
that matter, the ][e board for the Mac LC...

The IIgs is still an Apple ][, but with enhanced graphic and sound
capabilities.  Hence the name, IIgs.

--Dave Althoff, ][.
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