Subject: Re: what is the //gs?
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psalzman@landau.ucdavis.edu writes ...
> 
> sorry about my ignorance, but after the ][e, i simply lost track of apple.
> 
> what is the ][gs?

     The "GS" in "IIgs" stands for "graphics & sound"-- which emphasizes the
upgrade to super-res graphics and Ensonique sound. You can get an overview in
the Apple II FAQs at ...

http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/A2FAQs5MAINHALL.html#013 .


     Supertimer has done a comprehensive description of the IIgs which is
available in the FAQs at ...

http://home.swbell.net/rubywand/R024GSSPECS.htm .


> is that ][+ compatible?

     The IIgs uses the 65C816 microprocessor which can work in 8-bit mode and
behave much like a 6502. This plus other firmware and hardware features-- speed
can be set to 1MHz, you can boot from 5.25" drives, most monitor ROM entry
points are supported, ...-- permits the IIgs to act very much like a II+ when
running old software.

     The IIgs will not pass the ROM checks used as part of copy protection in
some old commercial II+ games (neither will most other Apple II's).  It is
about as II+ compatible as an enhanced //e. This puts it way ahead of the //c
and IIc+ and means that it can run nearly all II+ software.



Rubywand