The Apple ][ was introduced in April 1977 at a trade show in California.  It was the first computer to come in a plastic case and have color graphics.  It was designed with 4K RAM, but could be expanded to 48K.  Neither of its competitors, Commodore and Tandy, had that flexibility.  No programming knowledge was required.  Software was readily available- mostly games.  Early programming came on standard audio cassette tapes.  Slots were included to add cards for options, such as a disk drive.  The Apple Disk II storage drive was added in 1978 and boosted sales.  The one big drawback was the price- $1300.  This was much higher than either of its competitors.

    Additional models were introduced to add more features and to appeal to specific groups, such as business and education.  Eventually the Apple ][ was replaced by the Macintosh.

Find out more about Apple computers.

• Apple History
• A History of Apple Computers
• Apple II History
• The History of Apple
• Apple - About
• Key Events in Apple Computer History
• Key Events in Apple's History
• Welcome to..  The Apple History Challenge
• History of Computer Design: Apple IIc
• History of Computers and the World Wide Web

January

• Commodore shows prototype PET at Winter Consumer Trade Show

• Gates and Allen form Microsoft

• Star Wars released

• Trans-Alaska Pipeline opened

• Tandy introduces TRS-80
• Elvis Presley dies

• Saturday Night Fever released

    Virtual reality field trips were introduced to schools this month.  Classes are now able to take field trips through time without ever leaving the classroom.  They will have the opportunity to experience history first-hand.  Virtual field trips will allow students to visit places in the past.  Science classes will be able to visit distant planets, or even go inside the human body.  They will also be able to interact with the teacher and each other while on these field trips.

• Automated highway system is introduced.  Drivers no longer have to control their vehicles.
• Lunar cruises are the "in" vacation this year, especially for honeymoons and anniversaries.
• Vacuum tunnels will whisk you from place to place at the push of a button.
• Color sensing shoes have been introduced.  They will change color to match the outfit being worn.