Apple Graphics Tablet Explained

Apple Graphics Tablet
Source: computinghistory.org.uk – Apple Graphics Tablet

In 1979, Apple introduced a revolutionary new product to the world: the Apple Graphics Tablet. This innovative device was designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple, and it was aimed at artists and designers looking for a new way to create digital art.

The Apple Graphics Tablet was first released on June 1, 1979, and it was priced at $645. The tablet offered a new way to use the popular Apple II computer as an artist tool, allowing users to create a wide range of digital art, including canvas, illustrations, diagram blocks, architectural renderings, logic diagrams, schematics, mechanical shapes, and fine art.

The Apple Graphics Tablet featured a large flat surface with a printed grid, a wired stylus, and graphics tablet software on a floppy disk. It was capable of creating graphics with a resolution of up to 280 x 192 pixels, making it a powerful tool for artists and designers.

However, the first generation of the Graphics Tablet was soon discontinued by the FCC due to radio frequency interference problems. In response, Apple quickly released a second version of the tablet, which featured a lack of frequency interference problems and a new DB-9 connection port.

Despite being 44 years old, the Apple Graphics Tablet remains a significant piece of technology in the history of digital art and design. It paved the way for the development of modern graphics tablets and opened up new possibilities for artists and designers to create digital art.

Apple Graphics Tablet
Source: Noah Morris at Apple Museum Poland – Apple Graphics Tablet

Apple Graphics Tablet Details

IntroducedJune 1, 1979 (1st version) – 44 years ago
January 16, 1983 (2nd version) – 41 years ago
DiscontinuedUnknown
Order NumberA2M0029
Internal Price$649
WeightUnknown
Dimensions15.5” H x 15.5” W x 1” D
39.5 cm H x 39.5 cm W x 2.5 cm D

System Requirements

  • Apple II computer

Graphics Tablet Specs

Input methodStylus
Data rangeUp to 120 coordinate pairs per second
Digitizing area11″ x 11″
28 cm x 28 cm
ResolutionUp to 280 x 192 pixels
Tablet ModesRESET
CLEAR
WINDOW
BKGND COLOR
DELTA
SOFT RESET
VIEWPORT
CALIBRATE
REDUCER
Stylus ModesPEN COLOR
DRAW
LINES
DOTS
FRAME
BOX

Connections

ConnectionUnknown (1st version)
DB-9 (2nd version)

Apple Graphics Tablet on Video

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Further Reading and References

Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.