User`s guide

On the positive side, just such a state of flux is most likely to produce
fierce competition, lower prices, increased opportunities for developers, and
significant leaps in performance. One way or another, you WILL get your upgrade.
If all this sounds interesting-- even, like it might be fun-- then hang on. You
have the 'right stuff' for the II Revolution!
Note: Bill Mensch's semi-informal "IIgs Working Group" plans one or more
meetings this summer. To offer comments, ideas, etc., or to otherwise 'get
involved', contact Andrew Hall at the address listed in "Vendors".
ISSUE 68/ Keep-It-Simple Upgrade
If the best Apple can do for its II line turns out to be a "new IIgs" with
1MB of motherboard RAM and 128K of sound RAM plus NO upgrade offer to current
IIgs owners... Well, the next "Apple Fest" could turn into the first "Apple
Frost". As to movement on the 'II manufacturers upgrade front', I have yet to
here a peep from Applied Engineering, Comlog, Western Design Center, or anyone
else in the business. (Like, where are the Japanese when you really need them?!)
So, to get things rolling, here's a specific proposal: Since the big
problem with any worthwhile upgrade is maintaining current compatibilities while
extracting graphics control and output from the motherboard kluge, why not put
everything on a single, slot-pluggable board which also plugs into the
motherboard 65816 socket?
"Everything" includes an 8-10 MHz 65816, cache RAM, 640 x 400 (at least) x
256 colors graphics controller, an input (via a short jumper chord) from 'old
graphics' output, video output & switching circuitry, ROM's, 1MB of RAM,
duplicate sound system with 256K RAM, sound input for 'old sound' output (via
another jumper chord), and a mini-connector to drive a 'to be developed'
improved disk interface. The board amounts to a vastly improved IIgs which can,
when asked, take over the motherboard and work lik
e the old machine-- NOT, to be sure, so dramatic an approach as some might wish;
but then, the idea is to 'keep it simple'.
ISSUE 72/ No Foolin'
Last year's Apple II predictions were, mostly, on-target. According to a
Reuters News Service release, II series shipments fell nearly 52%. Many new
games have not been released in a II format, some users have defected, and a few
established publications (notably dear old CALL Apple) disappeared. On the other
hand, the Great Apple Dump predicted by some, turned out to be a 'Dump-ling';
net user base probably held or increased. Most product releases continue to
include, eventually, a II version; and, s
everal very attractive products are available ONLY for IIe or IIgs. In Star Trek
terminology, the II series took a 'direct hit' in '89; and has come back
stronger and tougher.
Which brings us to the other half of the infamous Issue #67 commentary.
True, we do not see curls of smoke rising from Cupertino, circling vultures, and
fat barbarians bidding for the crown. We do see lower profits, dropping stock
value, and declining market share. Big Green, as in the days just prior to its
last II series 'rediscovery', needs a major, attention-getting, marketing