Apple II Slices

In 1977, three machines ignited the personal computer revolution: the Apple II, Commodore PET, and TRS-80. Known as the “1977 Trinity,” they each fought for dominance with unique philosophies. On this episode of Apple II Time Slice, I discuss five things that distinguished them from each other. For further info, check out here and here.

What if a personal computer could do more than just display text? This week, Apple II Time Slice explores how Steve Wozniak answered that question with the Apple II. His checklist included startup code and BASIC in ROM, an expanded motherboard, improved video display, sound, graphics, and greater expansion capabilities. The result helped redefine what a personal computer could be and set a new standard for early personal computing. For further reading, to here and here.

Early microcomputers (the Altair and its competitors) had some significant limitations, as was discussed last time on Apple II Time Slice. This week, I will describe how Wozniak’s Apple-1 addressed those problems, and made his computer more accessible to customers who did not want to assemble it themselves. It addressed the shortcomings of the Altair 8800, and was the foundation for Apple’s later big hit product, the Apple II. Further reading: The Apple-1

Last time on Apple II Time Slice I talked about the origin of the Apple Computer Company on April 1, 1976. This time, the discussion is about what the earliest home computers were like, in the year before the Apple-1 was created. For further reading, check out Pre-Apple History.

On April 1, 1976, the Apple Computer Company was formed by three men – engineer Steve Wozniak, visionary Steve Jobs, and business advisor Ron Wayne. On this first episode of Apple II Time Slice, I will review the story of Apple’s beginning and the role of each of the founders. For further reading, check out Pre-Apple History and Apple-1.

It was first serialized in GEnieLamp A2 in 1992. It appeared in user group newsletters in the next few years. It became a web site in 1995. It was released as a print book in 2012. And now, in byte-sized pieces, the Apple II History is a podcast! Listen every 1-2 weeks for a new five-minute review of an aspect of the Apple II and its impact on the world personal computers. The first actual episode is planned for April 1st, the date of the 50th anniversary of the Apple Computer Company. Check back then, and get your podcast catcher tuned into this channel!