Description: Apple IIGS: Description (Discontinued)
Header: Apple IIGS: Description (Discontinued)


 Article Created: 8 May 1992
 Article Last Reviewed:
 Article Last Updated:

 TOPIC -----------------------------------------------------------

 This article describes the Apple IIGS computer.

 DISCUSSION ------------------------------------------------------

 The Apple IIGS personal computer is the most powerful member of the Apple
 II family.

 Features
 --------
 - 256K of built-in RAM and 256K of additional RAM via the Apple IIGS
  Memory Expansion Card, which is included.  The RAM is expandable to 8MB.

 - A 16-bit 65C816 processor lets the Apple IIGS run more sophisticated
  applications, including those with Macintosh-style interface, as well as
  most existing Apple IIe and IIc software.  With a clock speed of 2.8
  instead of 1 megahertz, these programs will run up to 2.8 times faster
  on the IIGS.

 - 128K of ROM memory expandable via the memory expansion slot up to one
  megabyte.

 - Control Panel, which enables users to set screen colors and speaker
  volume.

 - Detachable keyboard with 14-key numeric pad.  It contains two Apple
  Desktop Bus ports on opposite ends; one is for connecting the keyboard
  to the computer, and the second is for the mouse or other ADB-compatible
  input devices.

 - Eight international character sets can be displayed.

 - Two built-in serial ports allow for easy connection of AppleTalk, a
  modem, printer, or other serial devices.

 - Seven general purpose expansion slots are available for peripherals, in
  addition to a dedicated RAM/ROM slot.

 - Up to 15 separate audio voices can be generated simultaneously for
  music, speech, and sound effects.

 - Analog RGB port allows for quick connection to the AppleColor RGB
  Monitor; no adaptors or additional interface are required.

 Benefits
 --------
 - Compatibility with most Apple peripherals.

 - The eight expansion slots give the Apple IIGS a virtually unlimited
  growth path.  One slot is dedicated to RAM/ROM cards, while the other
  seven are general-purpose peripheral-interface slots.

 - The disk-drive port lets users take advantage of the 800K Apple 3.5
  Drive and 143K 5.25 Drive.  They can be used individually, in any
  combination, or with UniDisk 3.5 drives.  Up to four drives can be
  daisy-chained from the drive port.  With the addition of the Apple II
  SCSI Card and cable, the Apple IIGS can work with the 20MB Apple
  Hard Disk 20SC.

 - With the AppleColor RGB Monitor, the Apple IIGS produces crisp 80-column
  color text; a palette of 4096 colors, with as many as 256 on screen at
  once, is available.

 - The Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) standard allows for easy connection of
  multiple input devices such as a graphics table and mouse.  Users can
  connect another ADB peripheral to the keyboard, then daisy-chain more
  accessories from it.  Up to sixteen devices can be connected at one
  time.

 - Access to the AppleTalk Personal Network is possible, without an
  interface card, via the Apple IIGS's built-in serial ports.

 - New applications that use windows, pull-down menus, and other Macintosh
  features can be used.

 - A choice of QWERTY (Sholes), Dvorak, and international keyboard layouts.

 Order Number
 ------------
 A0012LL/A
 Copyright 1992-1994 Apple Computer, Inc.
 Keywords:  specsht