68kMLA Classic Interface

This is a version of the 68kMLA forums for viewing on your favorite old mac. Visitors on modern platforms may prefer the main site.

Click here to select a new forum.

Urgent help request: how to quickly / visually ID a real Apple II (not II+ or IIe)?

Posted by: Huxley on 2022-04-24 08:28:03 Hi all! I have an opportunity in a couple hours to buy a (supposed) Apple II - not an Apple II+ or IIe, but an original Apple II. Other than the badge on the case lid, what are some of the visual clues I should look for to help verify that it's a real non-upgraded original II? The circumstances here mean that I likely won't be able to plug it in to a display and power it up, so any identification I can do will need to be unpowered and visual. From a quick skim of Google I gather that there were a lot of original II's that were upgraded with II+ motherboards, which I'd like to avoid (or just be aware of) here if possible. I do have one moderate-resolution pic of the motherboard from the seller - any clues here? Thanks for any assistance you can offer! Huxley

Posted by: volvo242gt on 2022-04-24 13:00:07 Board is a late version, and has ][+ ROM chips in it. So, it's been updated. Basically is an A2S1048 ][+. Also, an original ][ will usually have the power light that looks like a key, not a flat lens that says "POWER" on it.

Posted by: Huxley on 2022-04-24 17:24:03 Soooo… here’s an update: the machine is mine now, it’s very interesting (more than meets the eye!) and we stopped by the original Apple HQ on Bandley Drive + the new Apple Park Visitor Center on our way home. All-in-all a successful RetroComputing adventure!

Posted by: volvo242gt on 2022-04-24 17:28:57 Cool. It's a bit earlier than the last one I had, which I believe was in the 776xx serial range. I'm guessing it has normal keyswitches, instead of the rare version that feels like you're typing on sponges?

Posted by: Skate323k137 on 2022-04-24 21:05:15 That is a beauty, congrats

1