]> http://www.applefritter.com/taxonomy/term/76/0 en http://www.applefritter.com/node/4522 [center][image:4518][/center] How do you mark with prestige and elegance the 20th birthday of the most influential and important company in the history of the microcomputer? For 20 years, Apple had the will and motivation to create a new design rather than a new computer. The designers, with Jonathan Ive at their head describe the principal design features as beautiful, refined, with few cables and efficiency, and most important, wicked fast. [center][image:4517] [image:4516][/center] Spartacus, the computer of the 20 year old Apple, overflows with new ideas that are all different from previous models. The mouse is a trackpad, as to limit clutter and space, the trackpad could be removed from the keyboard, if a user felt so inspired, thanks to a cable that lays nested inside the keyboard. The base of the computer is big enough to allow for the entire keyboard to be slipped under for storage, not unlike the iMac G5. Additionally, the base can be used as a handle for the computer. The printer, modem and keyboard cables are all hidden behind the machines in grooves in which they are nested, to avoid the cluttering and tangling of cables. A button on the front will automatically change the computer from television mode to computer mode. The transformer and the subwoofer are in a single case, that use one cable to provide power and sound to the machine. [center][image:4521] [image:4519][/center] The result is reminiscent of a Bang and Olufsen product, with all the qualities of a computer and hi-fi system. Its price, 50,000 francs at introduction (eventually dropping to 25,000 francs at its discontinuation). The machine can easily command thousands of francs, even today. Thu, 02 Dec 2004 16:45:01 -0800 http://www.applefritter.com/node/4502 [center][image:4500][/center] The eMate 300 was released in the midst of Apple's tumultuous economic period, with Gil Amelio at the helm, and little more than red ink flowing from the 'doomed' company. In an attempt to reach Apple's traditional base, a Newton for education was developed. [center][image:4424][/center] The rugged eMate 300, designed for student use, was designed to take abuse that would make any PowerBook or MessagePad user scream in horror. It has a translucent shell to protect it from drops from desks, backpacks, etc. It also hides all the circuitry within the confines of the shell to prevent any dirt, food, drinks, or water from shorting out the machine. The keyboard has function keys on the top, which replace the button bar of the MessagePads. But probably the most appealing feature for its young demographic is the fact that it looks really cool. The eMate 300's translucent green shell allows light to shine through and appears to be almost organic. Curves are everywhere, even in the hinge of the screen. With its color and curves, the machine is impossible not to touch and feel. On the sides are the PC Card slot and serial and interconnect port. Unlike the MessagePad 2000, the eMate 300 has only one PC Card slot, and it is not CardBus compatible. Just ahead of the ports and slots are two holes that are used to hold the stylus upright when not in use. [center][image:4501][/center] Waking up immediately when the lid is opened, the eMate automatically brings its word processing/drawing suite as the backdrop. Both apps are refined and easy to use, similar in functions to MacWrite and MacDraw. The apps are capable of printing and converting documents into Office and ClarisWorks formats for desktop editing. Waking up immediately after the lid is opened, the eMate already brings its word processing/drawing suite as the backdrop. Both apps are refined and easy to use, similar in functions to MacWrite and MacDraw. The apps are capable of printing and converting documents into Office and ClarisWorks formats for desktop editing. [center][image:4422][/center] With a keyboard fitted for children's hands, the eMate was primarily marketed to primary education. Despite the smaller than average (think a little smaller than a Duo 230) keyboard, the machine is a good companion to any adult who needs to quickly take notes or type reports. The Newton OS was not designed with a keyboard in mind, but it is still useful, especially with its 'Close' and backlighting key that were not present on the earlier Newton Keyboard. [center][image:4421][/center] Just as on all other Newtons, the eMate also includes the excellent handwriting recognition that made its debut with Newton OS 2.0. The display can be rotated 250 degrees to use the machine in slate mode for easier handwriting recognition, or for the odd application that requires Portrait mode enabled. When I am taking notes in lectures or reading books, I will rotate the display. to the side, and use the machine as a normal 'slate' with HWR disabled. The eMate includes all of the standard Newton software: Notes, Dates, Names, Calculator and various system utilities. Notes has an integrated outline mode that allows for rudimentary manipulation, and is compatible with Ink Text, allowing you to bypass handwriting recognition, and save a lot of time in the process. An ordinary mode devoid of topics is also available, also allowing for Ink text. With few distinguishing features, Dates and Names are fairly mundane PDA fare. A nifty feature in Dates is the Agenda view, similar to the Today screen of the Pocket PC, except the Agenda view allows users to change their schedule and to do list without launching the Dates application. At the push of a button, the eMate opens the Assist slip, a slip is a modal dialog box on the Newton. The Assist slip is a major time saver, allowing users to create new records through plain english. By opening the slip and typing "Meeting 3:30 w/ Rick", a new meeting will be created at the appropriate time with a link to Rick's name card, if he has one. Users can also use the graphing calculator, adding machine-style calculator, conversions utility, and fax send/receive that are all built in the eMate. [center][image:4420][/center] Robust communications capabilities make the eMate an especially useful tool in a classroom setting. Students can share data and files they create on the eMate 300, with both Mac OS and Windows software based computers. By doing preliminary work on the eMate and then enhancing it on a desktop computer, students can use the eMate 300 as a perfect companion to the computers that already exist in the classroom or at home. The serial port, Newton InterConnect Port, and PC Card slot makes it easy to print, share, and backup any work done on the eMate 300. TCP/IP capabilities the protocol of the internet offers students access to materials on the internet, and let them send and receive e-mail so they can conduct research and keep on top of lessons. And with built-in infrared technology, the eMate lets educators and students "beam" their work to one another for quick, easy file sharing. The eMate offers many compelling features not found on other platforms. I recommend it, but only to those who know its limitations. Users will be hard pressed to find packages for some categories, and very few commercial vendors are still developing for the Newton. To sync with a machine without a serial port, the machine either requires a serial adapter, or ethernet card for the eMate. The eMate is very slow compared to modern PDA's. Do not expect to play MP3's while you surf the net. Despite the machines limitations, it is an ideal set up for students unwilling to subject expensive notebooks to the abuses of backpacks and friends, while allowing users to type pages of text, or jot down quick notes The eMate will last for years with reasonable care, and will offer portability unmatched in consumer notebooks, with its 20+ hour battery life. The eMate is an exquisite machine that I love dearly. Thu, 02 Dec 2004 16:46:10 -0800 http://www.applefritter.com/node/4149 [center][image:4148][/center] The total coast for this system, motherboard and extra 4k of Ram memory and the cassette interface board, if you paid the full price for this Apple1 system it would have cost $861.66 and it had no graphics. The Apple 1 computer outputted 40 characters per line to the screen. This also did not include a Keyboard, the two A.C. power transformers needed, the tape cassette recorder and a case to put your Apple computer system into. If you have any questions you can email me, I will try to get back to you, it might take awhile. Any questions on the motherboard will have to be resolved from the pictures for now as the computer system etc are off premise in safe storage. Joe [center][image:4146][/center] Sat, 14 Aug 2004 14:02:00 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/4147 [center][image:4146] All items are on this web site.[/center] (1) Apple 1 computer in case. (2) Five (5) original manuals, a complete set, as of this time I know of no one else that has a complete set of manuals. (3) Three (3) original Apple 1 cassette tapes from Apple Computer. (4) The SWTPC PR-40 printer. This printer itself is an antique and hard to find. It is unique to the Apple1 computer because of an article in InterFace Age magazine, Oct 1976. (5) The InterFace Age magazine dated Oct 1976. (6) The Nuts & Volts magazine July 2002 issue. Has an article and pictures on the Apple 1 computer. (7) A+, an Apple magazine, dated Jan 1987. The 10-year anniversary of the Apple II but has pictures of the Apple 1. Done with Steve Wozniak. (8 ) The Brief Case, pictures on web site. (9) Last but not least, the postcard that was signed by Steve Wozniak, a prized possession. The cost of the Apple 1 system is Thirty thousand ($30,000) US dollars. You must be able to pick up the system or arrange to have it picked up. Other conditions apply but will discuss with the buyer before agreeing on a deal for the Apple1 system. I reserve the right to refuse any offer. If more than one party is interested, highest offer will get the Apple 1 system provided all conditions are meet. Remember that best estimates are that only 50 Apple 1 computers are known to exist. One sold for fifty thousand ($50,000) US dollars. Mine has the complete set of manuals, the PR-40 printer and the post card signed by the WOZ. Has much more going for it. [b]Check out this website:[/b] [url=http://www.wired.com/news/print/0,1294,20271,00.html]Icon for Sale: The First Apple I[/url] Please no phone calls. All items are on this web site. Sat, 14 Aug 2004 13:54:45 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/4141 [center][image:4132] A view of the back, you can see all the switches, plugs and jacks that I added, for video, printer, cassette interface output and input for the cassette recorder and some spares. Also you can see the wires coming out for the tape cassette, left side. [image:4133] The switches on the right side control input/output to the tape cassette and for the SWTPC PR-40 printer. [image:4134] A couple of manuals and a cassette tape, all originals. [image:4135] With the top cover off, you can see the fan, speaker, Eprom and Cassette boards. [image:4136] You can see the speaker, fan and the two A.C. transformers used to power the motherboard. [image:4137] Inside shot, you can see the bus slots and the cassette and Eprom Boards. Also right above the Capacitors (blue) and to the right of them you see some of the new 16k ram chips. [image:4138] The power supply area. I put heat sinks on the three regulators to the bottom right of the 5 volt regulator with the larger heat sink fins. [image:4139] Here is the expansion bus with the three slots that I put into the Apple 1 computer. Cassette Interface board at the top of picture. [image:4140] Here is a picture between rows C and D at board level on the motherboard.[/center] Sat, 14 Aug 2004 13:40:26 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/4131 [center][image:4127] The Apple 1 computer used the MOS Technology Inc. 6502 cpu chip. When converting to a 6800 cpu, you pulled the 6502 and just plugged in the 6800 cpu into the socket and added the other needed parts and you then had a 6800 cpu Apple1 computer. Notice the date on the MOS 6502 cpu in my computer. [image:4128] This is the original MOS Technology booklet. [image:4130] The dotted in portion on the circuit board is where the components go for the 6800 cpu if you use it instead of the 6500 cpu. There was also some jumpers or pads that you had to deal with.[/center] Sat, 14 Aug 2004 13:18:00 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/4121 [center][image:4116] Wires at the top left of the breadboard area are for the memory chips and the wires at the right are for the SWTPC PR-40 Printer. [image:4117] These are the two chips in the breadboard area added to control the 16k memory chips. [image:4118] This shows some of the new 16k memory chips, you needed eight of them for 16k ram [image:4119] You can see the eight new 16k memory chips at the bottom of the board. [image:4120] A look at the memory-addressing jumper field.[/center] Sat, 14 Aug 2004 12:49:44 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/4111 [center][image:4106] Yes I still have the desk and it's still a mess. [image:4107] This is how the Apple 1 computer was first hooked up. [image:4108] That is a Zenith B/W TV modified for video that I used as a monitor. The Cassette tape player was a J C Penney model 681-6531, which I still have. [image:4109] I was going to put the keyboard into its own case at first. [image:4110] I build a power supply on the keyboard case, top, left and center. Now the keyboard was getting its power from here and not the Apple 1 computer. [/center] Sat, 14 Aug 2004 12:23:35 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/3165 So a friend sent me this Powerbook 5300 today. The LCD bezel is sort of off-white with silver lettering on the "PowerPC", but the rest is totally clear. [center][thumb:3154][/center] It is a 603 running at 100MHz, has a 500MB HDD, 1MB VRAM, and has 24MB of RAM (8MB on-board). It has a 10.4" dual-scan LCD with VGA-out. The lcd only does 256 colors, but an external monitor will do thousands (below 800x600). Anyway, it has an extra battery, a CRT adapter, and a power adapter (the connector is a little loose but it works fine)... and this thing is HEAVY. Here are some more photos: [center][thumb:3164] [thumb:3163] [thumb:3162] [thumb:3161] [thumb:3160] [thumb:3159] [thumb:3158] [thumb:3157] [thumb:3156] [thumb:3155][/center] Fri, 11 Jun 2004 11:58:00 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/2763 This is a clear G3 Powerbook "101". These powerbooks are often referred to as "Lombard", but the "Lombard" was in fact a newer name that included both the "101" and the "Pismo" projects. [center][thumb:2651][/center] This Powerbook was without a trackpad or the attached shielding when it first came into my possession (it was a gift). I took that out of a production model so that I could use the powerbook as a web browser and wireless iTunes receiver for my bedroom. The trackbutton does not have the rubber pad to make it connect closely, so it needs to be clicked a little harder than usual. The reason for the clear case and clear button was for engineers and apple product testers to be able to see the insides while it was running. The clear trackbutton lets you see how the plastic molded piece actually hits the small button on the circuit board when you press on it. [center] [thumb:2657] [thumb:2654] [/center] When this model was without it's trackpad, you could see how the hinge for the latch release functioned. I don't want to open the Powerbook up again to reinstall the trackpad as it is getting older and the clear plastics aren't made to be flexible or age very well. It is more fragile than a normal powerbook G3, but it holds up very well for normal use. I installed OSX 10.3 "Panther" onto it and iTunes 4.5 as well as a cardbus wifi adapter. It works beautifully. There are no dead pixels in the LCD. It has 192MB of ram, 333MHz, and a 4GB HDD... but that was great for it's time. [center] [thumb:2659] [thumb:2658] [thumb:2656] [thumb:2655] [thumb:2653] [thumb:2652] [/center] It will go up for auction on eBay on Sunday, May 30th at 1:15pm PST. The auction will be here: [url]http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4134160277[/url] As soon as a bid is placed, the "but it now" price will disappear... I have replaced it with a normal powerbook G3 for my iTunes, and I am sacrificing this rare beauty to try and help me pay some bills. I am including a CD-ROM module, Battery, and Power Adapter so that whomever buys it can enjoy it for it's full functionality as much as I did. Tue, 08 Jun 2004 20:53:12 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/3366 [center][image:3362][/center] Outbound Systems is the only pre-PPC clone manufacturer to actually receive Apple's blessing. Not coincidentally, the Notebook is the most plentiful clone, and Outbound Systems the most successful clone manufacturer. [center][image:3363][/center] The Outbound Notebook's processor, RAM, and ROM are all stored on a removable daughtercard. This is very fortunate, as the rest of the system is nearly impossible to get apart. Access is easily provided to all componets that the user may want to swap out. [center][image:3364] Mac SE ROMs, top; Mac Classic ROMs, bottom.[/center] ROMs from both the Mac SE and Mac Classic (and others?) can be used in the Outbound Notebook. In order to make the Notebook functional, Apple ROMs had to be installed. If the user already owned a Macintosh, pulling the ROMs from that unit was the most cost-effective way to go. [center][image:3365][/center] The Outbound Notebook uses generic video-camera batteries, an incredible advantage over other laptops. Batteries for the Notebook are cheap ($30 at Radio Shack) and plentiful. Compare this to Powerbook 100 batteries, which must be specially ordered through an Apple Authorized Dealer for $80 (now, no longer available at all), and are often depleted beyond recovery on arrival. The hard drives are IDE. I'm note sure what the reasoning was beyond this move (probably cost), but the drive works well enough. If it dies I could be in trouble, though. Thu, 17 Jun 2004 18:02:46 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/3359 [center][i]Macintosh set your mind free. Now, set your Macintosh free. Lightweight. Powerful. Affordable. Don't settle for deskbound when you can be... Outbound.[/i] [/center] [center][image:3352][/center] The Outbound Laptop is a great computer. Other portable clone manufacturers settled for repackaging Mac Pluses. Outbound made their own. And they made it better. The Outbound Laptop weighs in at 9.3 lbs, heavy for a laptop today, but light as a feather compared to the Mac Portable. The computer's design is very innovative. The keyboard detaches and communicates with the computer via an infra-red port. The pointing device, built into the keyboard, is an Isopoint Trackbar, which is a cross between the eraser stubs on IBM Thinkpads and a trackball. [center][image:3357][/center] The motherboard and floppy drive (mine doesn't have an HD, though some did) are stored behind the LCD. The battery is in the computer's stand. The computer can be propped up at the edge of the desk, taking up only about 6 inches, and the keyboard, with its infra-red port, can be placed anywhere - under papers, on top of books. When the keyboard isn't needed, it can simply snap onto the front of the unit. The Outbound Laptop possesses a near perfect desktop design. And it also makes a pretty decent portable. There's a little bar that pops out of the back of the keyboard that iphysically attaches the keyboard to the computer, giving the user a perfectly functional, if a bit top-heavy, laptop. When it's time to actually move the computer, the base folds up, the keyboard snaps into place, and the handle pops out, making transportation effortless. [center][image:3358][/center] I am very interested in acquiring a power adapter for the Outbound Laptop. I burnt mine up by inadvertantly connecting it to an Outbound [i]Notebook[/i]. Thu, 17 Jun 2004 17:48:44 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/3340 Like the recased Mac Plus by Techmatics, this Mac 512k has been re-engineered by Systematics General Corporation to meet TEMPEST standards. Unlike the Techmatics unit, Systematics chose to leave the Mac in its original case. While Techmatics changed the case, but left the actual Macintosh untouched, Systematics did the opposite, removing connectors and changing switches. [center][image:3335][/center] Front of the machine. Nothing unusual except for the square slot cutout where the keyboard RJ14 connector used to be. [center][image:3336][/center] Back of the machine. The brightness nob, power switch, and power cable have all been replaced with componets meeting TEMPEST standards. Also note that many of the ports have been removed, particularly that for the floppy drive. [center][image:3337][/center] The backside label. The manufacturer (or rather re-manufacturer) is Systematics General Corporation of Sterling,Virginia (a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Research Corporation). [center][image:3338][/center] Guess what? That slot is another Sony 3.5" floppy that has been installed internally. The slot has been manually cut out. [center][image:3339][/center] A close-up of the keyboard connector. It attaches to the unit via the modular plug. Then the panel screws on to the front of the machine. The duct tape looking piece of material is a metallic mesh that prevents leakage of emissions. Note the brass gasket attaching the shielded cable to the keyboard housing. The metal box on the back covers the old keyboard connector. More information is available at [url=http://www.eskimo.com/~joelm/tempest.html]The Complete, Unofficial TEMPEST Information Page.[/url] This Systematics T5170-2 belongs Sellam Ismail, who kindly provided the pictures and information used on this page. Sellam runs the [url=http://www.vintage.org/]Vintage Computer Festival[/url] in California. Thu, 17 Jun 2004 08:06:44 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/3331 [center][image:3327][/center] It's understandable why most of the "clones" on this site are obscure. They're really just Macs in a different case with a different logo. The RealTech Travler takes this a steps further. It is a Macintosh [i]clone[/i] with a different label. The RealTech Travler is identical to the 200 series Outbounds, right down to the sticker inside the ports flap that reads "Outbound Systems Inc., Boulder CO; Model 200 Series." Jay Menna tells the company's history: "A company from Humble Texas had an agreement with Outbound. They changed names a few times. First they were called macRentals and they were in the "rental software business". Then they began to sell software under the name Software That Fits. Finally they began to sell all sorts of Mac Hardware and changed their name to Hardware That Fits. "They went public as a penny stock. They had some VC money involved. I'm not sure of the details. I do recall the going public celebration. They roasted a pig named Scuzzy as SCSI had just come to the mac. The company then moved to Conroe. "About the time the Mac portable came out Real Provencher, president of HTF, struck a deal with the Outbound people to simply act as an OEM for Hardware that Fits and their house brand "RealTech" (They also sold a ton of printers and hard drives. Perhaps even a scanner or two. They did not manufacture anything themselves.) "At any rate, the Mac Portable was a joke and the Outbound was really cool stuff. Especially the SCSI disk mode. "Along came Apple with the PowerBook 100, 140, and 180. The Outbound was a better machine but the cost of production was too high and I believe Outbound collapsed. "A few years later RealTech got caught up in some nasty litigation over some printer stuff and eventually proved to the judge and the world that they were ok guys. The problem was the fight dang nearly killed them. I believe you can still buy consumables for their printers from them." RealTech was owned by Real Provencher. [center][image:3329][/center] The RealTech logo. [center][image:3330][/center] The computer's bottom side, showing the RealTech Travler insignia. Note that RealTech really did spell "Travler" with just one 'e'! Thu, 17 Jun 2004 07:19:30 -0700 http://www.applefritter.com/node/3326 [center][image:3321][/center] The Cutting Edge Quatro 850 is actually a Centris 650 repackaged in a larger, more expandable case. According to EveryMac.com, Apple somehow attempted to put a stop to the production of these units as Cutting Edge did not have a MacOS license. [center][image:3323][/center] The Quatro 850 shipped standard with 8 MB RAM and a 270 MB hard drive. This unit has been upgraded to 44 MB RAM and two 500 MB hard drives. [center][image:3324][/center] The panel around the ports is a bit crude in comparison's to Apple's casing. Note the NUBUS slot covers. [center][image:3325][/center] Thu, 17 Jun 2004 07:02:06 -0700