Re: Is it possible to build a modern Apple][?

[Mitchell Spector <mitch2gs@hotmail.com>]

johnson@tmfc.net wrote:

>More than 20 years after the birth of Apple ][, we now have many high
>density RAM chips, some LSI chips can replace the 74LSxxx, can we build
>a much simpler Apple][?
>
>Recently I saw a project, but I'm not sure it's the same as I thought
>or not.

    A major step in that direction was completed 22 years ago, when Apple
designed the Mega II chip. It is essentially an entire Apple IIe on a chip,
missing only RAM (128K), ROM (16K) and CPU (65C02). It's an ASIC that
measures only about 1 inch by 1 inch.

    I'm sure today a 65C02, memory and firmware could be easily integrated
in the chip design, yet even bring the size of the Mega II down further. You
could probably build a hand-held 8-bit Apple II at least, just using existing
parts out there. 

Mitchell Spector