Apple IIc

Apple IIc

[vin128]

The Apple IIc, introduced in April 1984, was a landmark in personal computing as Apple’s first compact and portable version of the Apple II series, designed for ease of use and minimal technical expertise. It featured a built-in 5.25-inch floppy drive, 128 KB RAM, and the low-power 65C02 processor, with integrated serial ports for modem and printer, and a unique “Fog” off-white case that debuted Apple’s Snow White design language. Unlike earlier Apple II models, the IIc lacked internal expansion slots, instead offering rear peripheral ports, and its handle doubled as a keyboard tilt stand for ergonomic typing. The IIc’s design reflected Apple’s commitment to the Apple II line even after the Macintosh launch, and its portability and plug-and-play simplicity made it a favourite for education and home use.

• Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc.
• Released: 1984
• Type: Personal Computer
• Cost at release: USD $1,295 (CAD ~$4,500 adjusted for inflation)
• MIPS: 0.043 (43 KIPS)

Hardware Specifications

• CPU: MOS 65C02, 8-bit, running at 1.4 MHz.
• RAM: 128 KB (expandable to 1 MB with third-party upgrades).
• ROM: 32 KB.
• Storage: Built-in 140 KB 5.25-inch floppy disk drive; support for external drives.
• Display: Composite video output; compatible with standard 9-inch green monochrome monitor, optional LCD panel.
• Graphics: Double hi-res graphics, 80-column text, multiple color and resolution modes.
• Ports: Two serial ports (DIN-5), one joystick/mouse port (DE-9), one disk port (DB-19), composite video out, mono audio out.
• Keyboard: Full-size, integrated, with tilt stand.
• Power: 18 Watts.
• Dimensions: 2.5″ (H) x 12″ (W) x 11.5″ (D).
• Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg).

Operating System & Programming Languages 

• O/S: ProDOS operating system, which was designed for disk-based file management and improved compatibility with newer Apple II software. It could also run Apple DOS 3.3 for older software
• Programming Languages: Applesoft BASIC (built-in), Integer BASIC, assembly language (via built-in mini-assembler), Pascal, FORTRAN, and C (with appropriate compilers/interpreters), as well as Logo and Forth.

Notables

• The Apple IIc was launched at the “Apple II Forever” event in April 1984, with banners and ads promising continued support for the Apple II line despite the Macintosh’s debut.
• Its “c” stands for “compact,” and it was Apple’s first truly portable computer, though it lacked a built-in display or battery.
• The IIc introduced Apple’s Snow White design language and a unique “Fog” off-white color, setting the style for future Apple products.
• Development codenames included Lollie, ET, Yoda, Teddy, VLC, IIb, and IIp.
• The IIc featured a keyboard with both QWERTY and Dvorak layouts, and a handle that doubled as a tilt stand.
• It won the Industrial Design Excellence Award six months after release, marking Apple’s first major recognition for product design.
• Apple’s advertisements called the IIe “the granddaddy of the whole personal computer industry,” while the IIc was promoted as “our newest brainchild is certainly not an orphan”.
• Over 52,000 units were ordered by dealers on launch day, and 400,000 were sold in the first year.
• The IIc is remembered as a technological breakthrough in miniaturization and user-friendly design, but was less expandable than the IIe, which limited its long-term popularity

Donated by: Dr. Arlen Michaels