On January 1st, 1987, Apple introduced a new addition to its Apple II series: the Apple IIe Platinum. This personal computer was designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple for a period of six years, until its discontinuation on November 1st, 1993.
The Apple IIe Platinum was a significant upgrade from its predecessors in the Apple II series. It featured a 1 MHz MOS Technology 65C02 processor, 64 KB of RAM, and 16 KB of ROM. Additionally, the computer came equipped with a built-in 81-key uppercase and lowercase keyboard, making typing and input a breeze.
One of the most notable features of the Apple IIe Platinum was its expandability. Users had the option to add an optional Cassette Interface, Disk II, or DuoDisk floppy drive, allowing them to store and access more data on their computer. This was a major advantage over previous models in the Apple II series, which had limited storage capabilities.
At the time of its release, the Apple IIe Platinum had a retail price of $1,199. While it may seem expensive by today’s standards, it was considered a relatively affordable option for a personal computer in the late 80s and early 90s.
Despite its discontinuation, the Apple IIe Platinum remains a beloved piece of technology among vintage computer enthusiasts. Today, it’s a 37-year-old computer that still holds a special place in the hearts of those who remember its impact on the personal computer industry.
Apple IIe Platinum Details
| Introduced | January 1, 1987 |
| Discontinued | November 1, 1993 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | $1,199 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 11.5 Ibs. 5.216 KG |
| Dimensions | 4.25” H x 15.25” W x 18” D 10.79 cm H x 38.73 cm W x 45.72 cm D |
Apple IIe Platinum Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | MOS Technology 65C02 |
| Processor Speed | 1 MHz |
| Architecture | 8-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 1 MHz |
| Cache | None |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | None |
| Media | Optional Cassette Interface, Disk II, or DuoDisk floppy drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 KB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 MB |
| Memory Slots | Memory Expansion Card can be installed in an Auxiliary slot |
| Minimum Speed | Unknown |
| ROM | 16 KB |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | None |
| Display Connection | 1 – RCA for composite video output |
| External Resolution | 40 × 48 (15 colors) 280 × 192 (6 colors) 80 × 48 (15 colors) 560 × 192 (15 colors) |
| Text Display | 40-column text in 24 rows or 80-column text in 24 rows |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | None |
| Serial | None |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Cassette | 1 – in 1 – out at 1500 bps |
| Game | 1 – internal 16-pin GAME I/O 1 – external DE-9 |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – RCA for composite video output |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 7 – 50-pin Apple II peripheral 1 – 60-pin Auxiliary |
Keyboard
| Keyboard | Built-in 81-key uppercase and lowercase keyboard |
Software
| Original OS | Apple DOS 3.3 and ProDOS 8 |
| Firmware | Applesoft BASIC |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 80 W |
| Line Voltage | 95 – 127V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Apple IIe – Wikipedia
- Apple IIe Platinum – Retro Viator
- Apple IIe Platinum – The Centre for Computing History
- Apple IIe: Finally Fixing Some Old Problems – Low End Mac
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.
Last updated: April 14, 2023
