Wanting to get into Apple II stuff

[wood_e]

I posted an AD on craigslist for an Apple II system. So far I have 2 responses.

1) A nice looking Apple II+ with 2 5.25 disk drives, and a monitor. The person said "make me an offer" - I'm inquiring if they have any software...

2) An apple IIc with one of those tiny monitors and an external disk drive. He also said he has some software and new(!) 5.25 disks too. He wants $60

I had an Apple IIc+ back in my childhood and I wish I never gave it up. My goal is to play some games and screw around with the platform a bit. I'm thinking if i want to get expansion cards the II+ is the way to go, but I have a soft spot for the IIc series.

Thoughts?

 

[joshc]

My thoughts are: Wow, craigslist actually worked for you? Every time I look, it is full of spam. And when I posted Wanted ads on there, the only response I got was some spam into my inbox!

As for those Apple IIs...go for the IIc. $60 sounds pretty good.

 

[Dog Cow]

Keep in mind that you'll want something modern to complement the II+. A GS does nicely, since you can network it right up to the latest G3 (or any other Mac with a serial port), and have the G3's hard drive on the GS's desktop. Very handy.

 

[wood_e]

Yeah I was surprised it worked here - the Ames & Des Moines craigslists are really quiet compared to larger cities.

Humm I'm thinking of the IIc since reading this thread:

http://68kmla.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6314&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

II+ units are a bit rare though so I might consider picking it up as well...

 

[david__schmidt]

II+ units are a bit rare though so I might consider picking it up as well...

You'll see. Once you get the bug, you'll never quit collecting. Start cleaning out closet space now...

 

[Charlieman]

A IIc will run almost everything that runs on a II+, but no cards.

A IIe will run almost everything that runs on a II+, and almost all cards.

All three will fit in a small space in a closet, but the monitor is always going to be bulky.

Buy the best deal that suits you now and pick up the other two when you can get a good deal. The IIgs can act as any of the above, but it works far better if you treat it as a separate platform.

 

[david__schmidt]

A IIe will run almost everything that runs on a II+, and almost all cards.

The thing I like about the IIe, especially the platinum one, is that it's got the most contemporary/up-to-date componentry possible (in the traditional II form factor). There's not a lot that can/does go wrong with them. The II and II+ machines generally need some TLC to keep running - reseating chips, etc. It's not Woz's fault - oxidation takes its toll. A II/II+ is great for tinkering and that true retro feel, but for long-term viability, I like the platinum IIe.

Also, the later the model, the better the video out looks on something like an LCD TV. The video circuitry got more and more solid (steadier picture, blacker blacks, etc.) as time went on. I have an original II that puts out an absolutely wavy and fuzzy picture on my LCD monitor - even the IIc looks a little woozy. But the IIc+, Platinum IIe and IIgs are solid as rocks. (I succumbed to the collecting bug, as you can see...)

 

[Kyvinaria]

If you have the money, get both. The ][+ is a nice machine. I'd get it just because it's a complete system, and even if it doesn't come with software, you can easily get it from the internet, since there are lots of tutorials on how to transfer disk images from a PC to an Apple ][. The IIc is a good deal, especially since it comes with the original 9" monitor (those can be hard to find). If it has software, it might run on the ][+ (though it might not, it depends on how the ][+ is configured). If you get both, you'll be off to a good start with Apple ][ stuff, since you'll have a newer ][ and an older as one well.

 

[wood_e]

Well I got both machines. The II+ was pretty rough... I got it for $25. I've cleaned out the case, motherboard and PSU. The power switch was broken so I'm sourcing a good one. As of right now the machine is spick and span - even the keyboard!

The IIc is in better shape but the internal 5.25" drive needs some help I think. I can't boot Oregon Trail

Anyone have any resources for refurbishing these 5.25" Drives?

 

[david__schmidt]

Anyone have any resources for refurbishing these 5.25" Drives?

You'll find some general information here:

http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/Csa2FDRIVE.html

 

[wood_e]

David - That's excellent!