Apple III and Lisa

[beachycove]

A working Apple III has appeared on the market locally, making me wonder about acquiring another archaic computer for the "lab."

Before I make any such leap into the abyss, I have a question about the machine, which relates to it and the Lisa. Both were marketed to the business user at the time that IBM introduced the PC (and Microsoft made its appearance); both were conceived as turnkey business machines with a focus on office applications (and on programming); both were overpriced (esp. the Lisa).

Was there more than a marketing relationship between the two machines, i.e., was there a technical/engineering connection?

Forgive my ignorance. I have about 50 Macs in my collection but know nothing of the early Apples. And yes, I know it was a dud — mind you, this one still works, evidently, after nigh-on 30 years, so they can't all have been so bad.

[david__schmidt]

Was there more than a marketing relationship between the two machines, i.e., was there a technical/engineering connection?

None. There wasn't a marketing relationship, either - they were not seen as competing for the same business market.

And yes, I know it was a dud — mind you, this one still works, evidently, after nigh-on 30 years, so they can't all have been so bad.

They're both engineering marvels. A little bit off the mark in different ways, but they aren't "bad."

[Concorde1993]

A working Apple III has appeared on the market locally, making me wonder about acquiring another archaic computer for the "lab."

Are you referring to the complete set being sold in Woodstock, or the POS one from Oakville? I e-mailed the guy in Woodstock, and offered $100 for it. He says I was "outbid" although it's still available until Dec 10th.

[applefreak]

Apple III Hardware: Motherboard Identification & Hints
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA31049?viewlocale=en_US

My Apple IIIs
in working condition
2 Apple III revision
2 Apple IIIplus
not working
1 Apple III
- power supply failure as far as i tested it
- have a logic board as spair



Revisions
Once the logic board design flaws were discovered, a newer logic board design was produced - which included wider traces and better designed chip sockets.[9] The revised model also included 256 KB RAM as a standard configuration.[9] The 14,000 units of the original Apple III sold were returned and replaced with the entirely new revised model.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Apple3.jpg

[beachycove]

It was indeed the Woodstock machine, but hearing the figure of $100+ means that it is a bit de trop for me. It is a rarity, mind you, so no doubt someone will pay that much for it.

What I really wanted in the lot initially was the Imagewriter LQ. I made an offer and was refused (selling as a lot only), and then I got to thinking about getting an Apple machine from before the Mac. But I think I will let the urge pass, as I have a family to feed and as Christmas is coming!

[Concorde1993]

It was indeed the Woodstock machine, but hearing the figure of $100+ means that it is a bit de trop for me. It is a rarity, mind you, so no doubt someone will pay that much for it.

Get this: he said if I offered him $200 he will give it to me. I said my maximum was $120 (and I would meet him halfway), but if he demands that type of premium, hopefully he will come to Brampton, and deliver it (the gas alone back & forth will cost slightly over $30, as its 115+ kilometres one way from Brampton). My aunt's parents live in Woodstock, but they never come to Brampton, and I wouldn't want a rare computer in their possession anyway.

[Concorde1993]

The 14,000 units of the original Apple III sold were returned and replaced with the entirely new revised model.

Hmmm, I still think there are a couple of original IIIs still kicking around, as that guy in Oakville has a stock original III.