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Apple IIe Case Color

mikem

Member
I have two Apple IIe's and notice that the case color is considerably different. The first one is dated 1982 on the motherboard and it seems to be a lighter shade of beige than the other one, which is dated 1986 & is a IIe Enhanced. The newer one looks more yellow, or darker beige, but it matches the shade of beige shown on the picture on the box. Did the IIe originally have a painted case? The inside of the older system's case is dark brown, while the inside of the newer one is unform with the outside.

 

volvo242gt

Well-known member
Yep. Also, you'll notice that the baseplate and backpanel are metal, instead of plastic with shielding added, like the later 1984-86 case, and the platinum IIe case... Plus, the lid is the old ][ and ][ Plus style with the plastic "velcro" latches.

-J

 

mikem

Member
Is one of them more desirable, or more reliable or more anything than the other? I would imagine that the older one shouldn't show old-age yellowing since it was painted? Is there any functional reason why the newer one would be better aside from being "Enhanced"?

 

volvo242gt

Well-known member
Externally, the only benefit of the older machine, other than the paint, is the keyboard. Better feel than the newer versions. Louder, yes, but, feels so much better. Electronically, the computers are pretty much identical. Enhanced ROMs can be moved to the earlier board (provided it's a Revision B board, Revision A boards can't do Hi-Res graphics correctly for some reason), giving the machine full Enhanced //e status. Mine is that way. Swapped the chips over from an '85 Enhanced unit, and peeled off the "Enhanced" sticker around the power light, then slapped it on the 1983 machine.

-J

 

mikem

Member
Great, thank you! I had been debating whether I should sell one of them.. but each of them is in such amazing condition that I feel compelled to keep them both! At least until I track down a mint ROM3 IIgs, then I'll need something to make room!

 

volvo242gt

Well-known member
Better yet, hunt down an Apple IIgs upgrade kit board and base. Will take a while, but, you then could upgrade the enhanced //e to a IIgs ROM 01, and enhance the 1983-vintage //e at the same time. That's what happened to my original //e. Required sourcing a 1984-86 style case, but, when it was done, I had a IIgs with the old style //e keyboard.

-J

 

olePigeon

Well-known member
Alternatively, you could buy a ROM01 IIGS board and solder on the keypad connector. Might be cheaper.

 
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