Bender MX wrote: > One question about the Platinum IIe however, the 64K/80 Col
card doesn't sit in slot 3 anymore - it sits in a slot over by the power supply and closer to the keyboard. What gives with that? Also, the switch under the keyboard on the right hand side of the comp, what is that for???
The odd slot by the power supply is called the Auxiliary slot.If you aren't using the Auxiliary slot you can use slot 3 the same as with a II+. The 80 column hardware is built into the IIe and the Aux card basically just provides the RAM for it. Also most Auxiliary slot cards provide another 64k or more of bank switched memory. Some cards also have RGB output.
The switch under the keyboard is for an alternate keyboard layout. In North America usually Dvorak and occasionally French. That used to be one of the most common "emergency" calls I had about the IIe. Someone would accidentally flip that switch and think their IIe was malfunctioning:-)
The IIe is probably my favorite Apple II. It offers about everything a II+ does along with a few improvements, not to mention increased reliability. My favorite aftermarket addition is a hard drive, lets you boot in a second or so. One of the best books on the IIe hardware is Understanding the IIe by Jim Sather.
Wayne