Re: Apple II case preferences....

["Mark Cummings" <NOTfigjams@primus.com.au>]

<anonymous@anonymous.anet> wrote in message
anonymous-0204030024130001@wnpgmb01bby-ac03-p18-98.mts.net">news:anonymous-0204030024130001@wnpgmb01bby-ac03-p18-98.mts.net...
> Here's a thread I figured might be interesting.
>
> What case do Apple II aficandos prefer?
>
> Personally, my favourite is the Apple ][ and ][ Plus cases because they
> are sturdy and made of thick plastic with a heavy solid base plate on the
> bottom.

the early version of the IIe beige Euro model actually has a thick plastic
case & lid like the older Apple II & Plus. this case is far more solid and
has a lower tendancy to warp under the weight of the monitor after many
years. I still prefer the thin //e case as the lid is much easier to remove
and replace.

my preference for case is based on the feel of the keyboard alone, that
being the beige IIe euro model. unlike the US model it has black lettering
on darker brown keys, instead of white lettering on brown. the beige model
has nice clicky keys that sound right and need a firm press to activate. the
Platinum on the other hand has a lighter feel and not quite as clicky.

The only thing I didn't like about the IIe, and still don't, is that the
keyboard is fixed to the case and raised relatively high off the desk
compared to detatchable keyboards like the GS.

I really dont like the shape of the GS and IIc keys, even though I do like
the detachability of the GS keyboard. the key shape looks far less
professional than the IIe Beige and Platinum models.

compared to modern silent PC keyboards all the Apple II, IIe, //e, //c &
IIGS models easily win my vote because at least they have independant key
switches and not those damn rubbery pieces of conductive crap in them, which
if you're lucky will only last 2-3 years before problems occur. I've managed
to find an old IBM Model M keyboard for my PC, which I love because it is so
much like my IIe in that the keys are firm to push and have collapsable
springs making them very reliable and user friendly. this keyboard is 10
years old and I expect will last another 5-10 just like my Apples have.

> The Apple //e (and IIe platinum) has a thinner case, although it does have
> the nicer designed backplate for expansion card connecters which the ][
> and ][ Plus lack....they just have the V shaped openings in back.

I like the metal back on the IIe case for expansion, those V slots on the
Apple II were cheap and nasty. I guess there wasn't a lot of thought put
into the early cases. the strain pulling on the boards could potentially
damage cards and connectors.

> Of course, the //c and IIc Plus are cool because of their small size and
> portability.
>
> And, as nice looking as the IIgs case is, I still prefer the keyboard and
> cpu/power supply all built into one case like the II, II Plus and IIe.
>
> Anybody else have opinions?