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From: alfter@uns-helios.nevada.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2
Subject: Re: New Apple ][e Owner
Keywords: Apple ][e, comp.sys.apple, newbie
Message-ID: <2308@unsvax.NEVADA.EDU>
Date: 16 Nov 90 03:51:27 GMT
References: <1990Nov15.164246.12745@uncecs.edu>
Sender: news@unsvax.NEVADA.EDU
Organization: Univ of Nevada System Computing Services - Las Vegas
Lines: 58

In article <1990Nov15.164246.12745@uncecs.edu> seals@uncecs.edu (Larry W. Seals) writes:
> 1. The unit has an 80 column card with an additional 64K. Does this 
>    qualify it as a true 128K machine (most of the software I've 
>    looked at requires at least 128K)?

Yes, you have 128K.  This will let you run stuff such as AppleWorks
and anything that uses double Hi-Res graphics.

> 2. It has two disk drives side by side in one housing.  I haven't
>    discovered a model # on the housing, but it appears to be a true
>    Apple unit. Can anyone give me some insight what I might have?

Sounds like a DuoDisk, which is what I have.  It's two 5.25" drives
with an Apple logo in the lower right corner of the front of the box,
right?

> 3. Is adding memory strictly an expansion card process or is there
>    a place (sockets) for more memory up to a point?  What chips and
>    ballpark pricing? Recommendation for memory expansion cards?

Adding memory will involve getting another card to fit in one of the 8
slots inside the computer.  For a IIe, I'd recommend the Applied
Engineering RamWorks III.  It'll hold up to a megabyte in 256Kx1 chips
(or 256K in 64Kx1 chips, but who uses those anymore?) and includes two
piggyback connectors.  One lets you tack on a card that adds another
two megs in 1Mx1 chips; the other is an RGB option to hook up to
either Apple analog or CGA/EGA-type digital monitors.  I got one just
a few weeks ago and like it a lot.  Quality Computers sells 'em with
256K for $139.  I'd recommend that you get extra chips to fill the
card elsewhere.  BTW, Apple equipment doesn't use that silly
parity-RAM system your average MeSsy-DOS box uses; it's 8 chips in a
set, not 9.

> 4. I also received some software with the unit. Can anyone enlighten
>    me about:
>    MicroSoft Multiplan
>    Hacker from Activision
>    Music Construction Set from Electronic Arts
>    pfs:Write
>    pfs:File
>    pfs:Plan

I had occasion to use some PFS stuff a while back; it sucks, IMHO.
Get AppleWorks--no Apple II is complete without AppleWorks.  Hacker is
an adventure game; the object is to hack into someone else's computer
system (not for real, of course :-) ).  I really don't know a whole
lot about either Music Construction Set or Multiplan since I've never
used either of them.

BTW, I said AppleWorks is a must-have Apple II program.  TimeOut
UltraMacros is also highly recommended.  If you have a modem (or plan
to get one), get ProTERM.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scott Alfter                             _/_
                                        / v \ Apple II:
Internet: alfter@uns-helios.nevada.edu (    ( the power to be your best!
   GEnie: S.ALFTER                      \_^_/