• Apple IIs

    From Atari8Guy@21:3/171 to All on Tue Jul 18 01:57:48 2023
    Okay, so I'm an Apple newbie, have only even seen a couple in real life,
    but I'm really looking into getting one...whats the better retro
    experience a IIe or a IIc? All thoughts and opinions welcome...

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Commodore Clifford@21:3/171 to Atari8Guy on Tue Jul 18 02:33:26 2023
    On 18 Jul 23 01:57:48 Atari8Guy wrote...

    Okay, so I'm an Apple newbie, have only even seen a couple in real
    life, but I'm really looking into getting one...whats the better
    retro experience a IIe or a IIc? All thoughts and opinions welcome...

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01] * Origin: STar Fleet HQ -
    Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    Some of it might depend on space considerations.... I have a //c because
    it fits nicely on the desk... I also have a ][e (not on my main desk) for
    the expansion ports.

    Are you just going to run games/utilities, or do you really want to max
    out the experience?

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Spectre@21:3/101 to Atari8Guy on Tue Jul 18 21:26:00 2023
    Okay, so I'm an Apple newbie, have only even seen a couple in real life, but I'm really looking into getting one...whats the better retro experience a IIe or a IIc? All thoughts and opinions welcome...

    Ponder... it depends on what you're looking for....

    If you want the best of all worlds, I'd say get a IIgs. It'll do everything
    the IIe or c will do, and give you access to the 16bit software kicking
    around specifically for that platform. Most equipment for a IIe will function in a IIgs, there are some odd exceptions where the timing on the card isn't tight enough for the GS... on the down side, you need an RGB monitot capable
    of synching at 15Khz or some kind of converter for a different standard. Probably the most likely candidates will be LCD or CRT in the ~12-14" range with a SCART connector. The SCART standard will allow direct interface with
    a custom cable.

    Between at IIc and e... I'd probably run with a IIe.. you'll have more flexibility in just how you can set it up. The cards maketh the machine..you need to be a little careful with your IIc selection, early versions had
    serial port issues, and an inability to do much more than 2400. On the plus side here all you need is a composite monitor, but Apple NTSC is weird... so some colour monitors won't cope with it well and may just drop colour. Personally I'd run with a mono green and call it done.

    Spec


    *** THE READER V4.50 [freeware]
    --- SuperBBS v1.17-3 (Eval)
    * Origin: A camel is a horse designed by a committee. (21:3/101)
  • From SirRonmit@21:2/120 to Atari8Guy on Tue Jul 18 08:20:46 2023
    Okay, so I'm an Apple newbie, have only even seen a couple in real life, but I'm really looking into getting one...whats the better retro experience a IIe or a IIc? All thoughts and opinions welcome...

    I had a IIc (looks like a laptop kinda).
    I wanted a IIe (it allows expansion boards to be installed).
    I still have 2 books for Scale Model Trains that (being in the Circuit Board Industry) allows building boards to fit the IIe and used software (that one would have to enter the code manually to use it), to control scale model items such as: switches, lights, etc.

    I have a couple "more" modern Apple iMacs that I rebuilt and installed larger hard drives in. I also picked up one of those Mac Minis (no monitor, but more tech updated) that I plug into my TV and can remote desktop to either of the iMacs for playing around.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 (Windows/32)
    * Origin: Files 4 Fun BBS (21:2/120)
  • From SirRonmit@21:2/120 to Spectre on Tue Jul 18 08:22:21 2023
    and may just drop colour. Personally I'd run with a mono green and call
    it done.

    I upgraded my monoGREEN for a monoAMBER/ORANGE -- that was awesome!! LOL

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 (Windows/32)
    * Origin: Files 4 Fun BBS (21:2/120)
  • From paulie420@21:2/150 to Atari8Guy on Tue Jul 18 16:09:36 2023
    Okay, so I'm an Apple newbie, have only even seen a couple in real life, but I'm really looking into getting one...whats the better retro experience a IIe or a IIc? All thoughts and opinions welcome...

    I have a IIe - they are very basic, and the hardware wasn't fully baked at this point... like I dislike how the Disk ][ drives' wires just kinda pop out of the back of the computer... and they are 'hard' connected - meaning they don't unplug w/o removing the top cover. There are solutions you can add that remedy this, but its something to be aware of.

    From what I'm told, if yer just wanting to get into the retro Apple scene with ONE computer, the IIgs is the way to go - as you can play most of the software from the II/IIe/IIc/IIgs lines. (I may be wrong about ALL those, but know the IIgs is a popular entry point as it is more capable than the earlier II lines..)



    |07p|15AULIE|1142|07o
    |08.........

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 (Linux/64)
    * Origin: 2o fOr beeRS bbS>>20ForBeers.com:1337 (21:2/150)
  • From Spectre@21:3/101 to SirRonmit on Wed Jul 19 11:43:00 2023
    I upgraded my monoGREEN for a monoAMBER/ORANGE -- that was awesome!! LOL

    Phhrpt! Personally I always found the amber monitors more harsh on the eyeballs than greens... But each to his own :) Enjoy it, it's one less I'll have to look at :P

    Spec


    *** THE READER V4.50 [freeware]
    --- SuperBBS v1.17-3 (Eval)
    * Origin: A camel is a horse designed by a committee. (21:3/101)
  • From Spectre@21:3/101 to paulie420 on Wed Jul 19 11:51:00 2023
    I have a IIe - they are very basic, and the hardware wasn't fully baked at this point... like I dislike how the Disk ][ drives' wires just kinda pop out of the back of the computer... and they are 'hard' connected - meaning they don't unplug w/o removing the top cover. There are solutions you can add that remedy this, but its something to be aware of.

    That'd depend largely on the age of the IIe. If you want to avoid the DiskII interface with the hard wired connections hanging out the back, you'd want to find a more recent IIe.. relatively speaking at this point.

    Late beige IIes or Platinum versions with the build in keypad, will have
    5.25" unidisk cards. They have the DB25 maybe its 15.. been a while since I thought about it, which have an external port and the drive plugs into that.
    Or any IIe with a DuoDisk would also be in that category.

    Personally I prefer the beige IIe to the Platinum version. The Platinum save having the keypad and colour doesn't have any other distinct advantages and
    for my money the same realestate with the keypad jammed in was always kind of cramped. Oh and a few cards don't like the modified space available in the case. RamWorksIII is an instance, although modern alternatives would've have this problem.

    Spec


    *** THE READER V4.50 [freeware]
    --- SuperBBS v1.17-3 (Eval)
    * Origin: A camel is a horse designed by a committee. (21:3/101)
  • From Commodore Clifford@21:3/171 to Spectre on Tue Jul 18 22:57:52 2023
    On 18 Jul 23 21:26:00 Spectre wrote...

    If you want the best of all worlds, I'd say get a IIgs. It'll do
    everything the IIe or c will do, and give you access to the 16bit
    software kicking around specifically for that platform. Most
    equipment for a IIe will function in a IIgs, there are some odd
    exceptions where the timing on the card isn't tight enough for the
    GS... on the down side, you need an RGB monitot capable of synching
    at 15Khz or some kind of converter for a different standard. Probably
    the most likely candidates will be LCD or CRT in the ~12-14" range
    with a SCART connector. The SCART standard will allow direct
    interface with a custom cable.

    Between at IIc and e... I'd probably run with a IIe.. you'll have
    more flexibility in just how you can set it up. The cards maketh the machine..you need to be a little careful with your IIc selection,
    early versions had serial port issues, and an inability to do much
    more than 2400. On the plus side here all you need is a composite
    monitor, but Apple NTSC is weird... so some colour monitors won't
    cope with it well and may just drop colour. Personally I'd run with a
    mono green and call it done.

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    Well, the 15khz thing is something we Atarians know well, so he should be
    good there (I've been looking into a GS myself since I already have the
    //c and ][e).... But as tot he Apple NTSC and the color dropping, that's probably the artifacting that got used to squeeze some more colors out...
    The Atari used that a lot too.

    I remember the old days with the apple that my friend had though... When
    he finally traded the old green screen for the color monitor (well, when
    his parents did, we were in gradeschool) man, it made all the difference
    gaming wise.

    Though I have to say, somtimes I prefer the mono white that came with my
    //c even though I have the green screen I got with the ][e as well and a
    couple Amdeks (though those usually get attached to the Ataris).

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Commodore Clifford@21:3/171 to SirRonmit on Tue Jul 18 22:59:08 2023
    On 18 Jul 23 08:22:21 SirRonmit wrote...

    and may just drop colour. Personally I'd run with a mono green
    and call it done.

    I upgraded my monoGREEN for a monoAMBER/ORANGE -- that was awesome!!
    LOL

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 (Windows/32) * Origin: Files 4 Fun BBS
    (21:2/120)

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    I always loved the amber ones... Was that an Apple branded one, or just
    one of the others?

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From SirRonmit@21:2/120 to Commodore Clifford on Wed Jul 19 09:35:55 2023
    I always loved the amber ones... Was that an Apple branded one, or just one of the others?

    Believe it to be non-Apple .. I still have it, so I'd have to go look-see.

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 (Windows/32)
    * Origin: Files 4 Fun BBS (21:2/120)
  • From Spectre@21:3/101 to Commodore Clifford on Thu Jul 20 06:01:00 2023
    Well, the 15khz thing is something we Atarians know well, so he should be

    Hehe, when I think Atari, I tend to think 4 and 800s....

    good there (I've been looking into a GS myself since I already have the //c and ][e).... But as tot he Apple NTSC and the color dropping, that's

    Way back when I had a ROM3, I'd probably give my left testicle for another
    one these days. Its just that bit more refined than the ROM1.

    Worst case scenario for Monitots on the Clone-E I have has been text being
    ok, and nothing but a blank screen for graphics. Workaround initially was to feed it through a VCR, and later a NTSC/PAL converter didn't much matter
    which way it ran it was enough to clean up the signal. Ye olde CRT doesn't have much problem, more modern LCD based pictures tend to have strife.

    I remember the old days with the apple that my friend had though... When he finally traded the old green screen for the color monitor (well, when his parents did, we were in gradeschool) man, it made all the difference

    For the longest time I was on Mono... school had green Monitot IIs I only had the old CCTV black and white display. By the time I hitched colour up to it,
    I was a bit disappointed feeling whoever had written most software had optimised for the different textures in B&W and it looked rubbish in colour.


    Spec


    *** THE READER V4.50 [freeware]
    --- SuperBBS v1.17-3 (Eval)
    * Origin: A camel is a horse designed by a committee. (21:3/101)
  • From Bf2K+@21:3/171 to Atari8Guy on Wed Jul 19 23:56:46 2023
    Personally I think hte IIe is a better retro experience than the IIc,
    IMHO.

    But I had a kick-ass IIgs a few years ago that had a hard disk, a 5.25
    floppy and a 3.5 floppy. I would like to have that one back...

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From StormTrooper@21:2/108 to Bf2K+ on Thu Jul 20 05:38:59 2023
    But I had a kick-ass IIgs a few years ago that had a hard disk, a 5.25 floppy and a 3.5 floppy. I would like to have that one back...

    At one time I had a Rom3 with Zip Card, HS SCSI, and sound card so you could have stereo. I too would like it back... if wishes were pooters we'd all have a IIgs?

    ST

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/12/24 (Linux/64)
    * Origin: Storm BBS (21:2/108)
  • From Atari8Guy@21:3/171 to Commodore Clifford on Sat Jul 22 10:25:54 2023
    On 18 Jul 23 02:33:26 Commodore Clifford wrote...

    On 18 Jul 23 01:57:48 Atari8Guy wrote...

    Okay, so I'm an Apple newbie, have only even seen a couple in
    real life, but I'm really looking into getting one...whats the
    better retro experience a IIe or a IIc? All thoughts and
    opinions welcome...

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01] * Origin: STar Fleet
    HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    Some of it might depend on space considerations.... I have a //c
    because it fits nicely on the desk... I also have a ][e (not on my
    main desk) for the expansion ports.

    Are you just going to run games/utilities, or do you really want to
    max out the experience?

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01] * Origin: STar Fleet HQ -
    Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)

    To which Atari8Guy replies...

    Well if my Atari habit is any indcation, I'll probably start with the
    former and end up at the latter. Mostly games, I'd explore the
    educational stuff and check out the apps, but I don't think I'd actually
    use the apps for productivity. I would like to BBS with it.

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Atari8Guy@21:3/171 to Spectre on Sat Jul 22 10:29:12 2023
    On 18 Jul 23 21:26:00 Spectre wrote...

    Okay, so I'm an Apple newbie, have only even seen a couple in
    real life, but I'm really looking into getting one...whats the
    better retro experience a IIe or a IIc? All thoughts and
    opinions welcome...

    Ponder... it depends on what you're looking for....

    If you want the best of all worlds, I'd say get a IIgs. It'll do
    everything the IIe or c will do, and give you access to the 16bit
    software kicking around specifically for that platform. Most
    equipment for a IIe will function in a IIgs, there are some odd
    exceptions where the timing on the card isn't tight enough for the
    GS... on the down side, you need an RGB monitot capable of synching
    at 15Khz or some kind of converter for a different standard. Probably
    the most likely candidates will be LCD or CRT in the ~12-14" range
    with a SCART connector. The SCART standard will allow direct
    interface with a custom cable.

    Between at IIc and e... I'd probably run with a IIe.. you'll have
    more flexibility in just how you can set it up. The cards maketh the machine..you need to be a little careful with your IIc selection,
    early versions had serial port issues, and an inability to do much
    more than 2400. On the plus side here all you need is a composite
    monitor, but Apple NTSC is weird... so some colour monitors won't
    cope with it well and may just drop colour. Personally I'd run with a
    mono green and call it done.

    Spec

    *** THE READER V4.50 [freeware] --- SuperBBS v1.17-3 (Eval) *
    Origin: A camel is a horse designed by a committee. (21:3/101)

    To which Atari8Guy replies...

    Thanks for that, there is currently a IIc available locally I've been considering - about 250 canadian. I have an Apple II mono monitor and a
    JVC broadcast monitor that will sync with anything it seems. Seems like
    its deskspace vs customization options. I consider the IIgs but its more pricey and isn't really the experience I'm looking to capture, though on
    its merits, it seems like a great machine.

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Commodore Clifford@21:3/171 to Bf2K+ on Tue Aug 22 18:50:16 2023
    On 19 Jul 23 23:56:46 Bf2K+ wrote...

    Personally I think hte IIe is a better retro experience than the IIc,
    IMHO.

    But I had a kick-ass IIgs a few years ago that had a hard disk, a
    5.25 floppy and a 3.5 floppy. I would like to have that one back...

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01] * Origin: STar Fleet HQ -
    Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    Woah... an Apple guy as well? Whoda thunkit? I've got a IIgs on the
    list of things to obtain after VCF Midwest. Already have the IIe and //c

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Commodore Clifford@21:3/171 to Atari8Guy on Tue Aug 22 18:56:06 2023
    On 22 Jul 23 10:25:54 Atari8Guy wrote...

    Well if my Atari habit is any indcation, I'll probably start with the former and end up at the latter. Mostly games, I'd explore the
    educational stuff and check out the apps, but I don't think I'd
    actually use the apps for productivity. I would like to BBS with it.

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    I know it's an old reply... but unless space is at a horrible premium,
    I'd probably go IIe then (or IIgs). The //c is nice, but there are far
    more options on the IIe side.

    Like one example... I've found hard disk emulators for the IIe, and even
    just plain SCSI cards... but haven't found one for the //c (though have
    found disk emulators).

    Were there any HD's or HD emulators or even just SCSI controllers for the
    //c?

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Spectre@21:3/101 to Commodore Clifford on Wed Aug 23 12:50:00 2023
    Like one example... I've found hard disk emulators for the IIe, and even just plain SCSI cards... but haven't found one for the //c (though have found disk emulators).

    Were there any HD's or HD emulators or even just SCSI controllers for the //c?

    Ponder, there were smartport HD's from Apple. Not sure if they were
    applicable to the //c off hand, size would've been right though, only in the order of 20Mb that I recall.

    There were other HD possibilities, they all were replacements for the
    internal floppy drive, with a daughterboard to plug into the mobo. Don't
    ever remember seeing SCSI for a //c though.

    You can play with the cabling in the //c and swap the internal drive to be drive 2, and use a floppulator on the external port as drive 1.

    Spec


    *** THE READER V4.50 [freeware]
    --- SuperBBS v1.17-3 (Eval)
    * Origin: A camel is a horse designed by a committee. (21:3/101)
  • From Bf2K+@21:3/171 to Commodore Clifford on Tue Aug 22 23:48:56 2023
    I had a couple of Apple IIs and a few of the older Macs but all that
    stuff went away when I moved in with my wife who was my gf back then... I
    could only keep my Atari 8-bit stuff and I had a lot of that!

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Commodore Clifford@21:3/171 to Bf2K+ on Wed Aug 23 19:56:22 2023
    On 22 Aug 23 23:48:56 Bf2K+ wrote...

    I had a couple of Apple IIs and a few of the older Macs but all that
    stuff went away when I moved in with my wife who was my gf back
    then... I could only keep my Atari 8-bit stuff and I had a lot of
    that!

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    Man... that kinda stinks. Did you do much BBSing with them, or was it
    all about the games?

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Bf2K+@21:3/171 to Commodore Clifford on Thu Aug 24 13:49:28 2023
    On 23 Aug 23 19:56:22 Commodore Clifford wrote...

    On 22 Aug 23 23:48:56 Bf2K+ wrote...

    I had a couple of Apple IIs and a few of the older Macs but all
    that stuff went away when I moved in with my wife who was my gf
    back then... I could only keep my Atari 8-bit stuff and I had a
    lot of that!

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    Man... that kinda stinks. Did you do much BBSing with them, or was
    it all about the games?

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01] * Origin: STar Fleet HQ -
    Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)

    To which Bf2K+ replies...

    Everything but the Ataris were in boxes... so no BBSing or anything with
    the Apples or <Commodores> - I had those too.

    Games? C'mon man... I thought you knew me better. :)

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Commodore Clifford@21:3/171 to Bf2K+ on Thu Aug 24 14:09:10 2023
    On 24 Aug 23 13:49:28 Bf2K+ wrote...

    Everything but the Ataris were in boxes... so no BBSing or anything
    with the Apples or <Commodores> - I had those too.

    Games? C'mon man... I thought you knew me better. :)

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    Well, yeah but... Now I'm finding out you dabbled in the black arts with
    Apple and Commodore, so it's like I don't even know you anymore!

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Bf2K+@21:3/171 to Commodore Clifford on Thu Aug 24 14:17:32 2023
    On 24 Aug 23 14:09:10 Commodore Clifford wrote...

    On 24 Aug 23 13:49:28 Bf2K+ wrote...

    Everything but the Ataris were in boxes... so no BBSing or
    anything with the Apples or <Commodores> - I had those too.

    Games? C'mon man... I thought you knew me better. :)

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    Well, yeah but... Now I'm finding out you dabbled in the black arts
    with Apple and Commodore, so it's like I don't even know you anymore!

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01] * Origin: STar Fleet HQ -
    Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)

    To which Bf2K+ replies...

    In my case, dabbling is a strong word. I owned them... that's about it.

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)
  • From Commodore Clifford@21:3/171 to Bf2K+ on Thu Aug 24 14:40:22 2023
    On 24 Aug 23 14:17:32 Bf2K+ wrote...

    In my case, dabbling is a strong word. I owned them... that's about
    it.

    To which Commodore Clifford replies...

    Fair 'nuff. :)

    --- RATSoft/FIDO v09.14.95 [JetMail 1.01]
    * Origin: STar Fleet HQ - Real Atari! bbs.sfhqbbs.org:5983 (21:3/171.0)