Path: utzoo!utgpu!watmath!att!dptg!rutgers!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!APPLE.COM!rewing From: rewing@APPLE.COM (Richard Ewing) Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple Subject: New IIgs PRESS RELEASE!!! Message-ID: <8908151330.AA04910@apple.com> Date: 15 Aug 89 13:30:28 GMT Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU Organization: The Internet Lines: 125 MOVED OVER BUSINESS WIRE AT 8:34 A.M. (E.D.T.) TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 1989 Contact: Janet Male Regis McKenna Inc. (415) 354-4427 APPLE INCREASES STANDARD MEMORY OF APPLE IIGS CUPERTINO, California--August 15, 1989--Apple Computer, Inc. announced today that it has increased the memory that comes standard with its Apple IIGS( computer, offering greater value to new Apple IIGS customers for no additional charge. "This change continues to demonstrate AppleUs commitment to provide enhancements that improve the Apple II computing experience," said Jean-Louis Gassee, president of Apple Products. "Together with the new Apple IIGS System Software 5.0, first available last month, the new Apple IIGS provides a much more robust platform for current and future software applications. Customers will find the Apple IIGS faster, more responsive and more capable than ever before." The Apple IIGS now comes with 1 megabyte (technically, 1.125 megabytes) of random-access memory (RAM) and 256K of read-only memory (ROM) -- rather than the 512K RAM and 128K ROM in the Apple IIGS it replaces. With 1 megabyte of RAM standard, the computer will operate on the AppleTalk network system and handle larger documents and more sophisticated applications without the need for added memory. Additionally, some features of the new System Software 5.0 have been included in the computerUs ROM, providing developers more efficient access to system tools. The new Apple IIGS is compatible with hardware and software designed for previous Apple IIGS computers. Apple IIGS Developers Welcome the New Apple IIGS Prominent Apple IIGS developers are pleased with the new 1-megabyte Apple IIGS and the type of applications it supports. "The value of the Apple IIGS has been enhanced tremendously," said Stan Roach, vice president, Activision Presentation Tools. "Apple is responding to the needs of users and developers by introducing this new machine." Roger Wagner, president of Roger Wagner Publishing, Inc., commented, "The new Apple IIGS with System Software 5.0 is real evidence of AppleUs continuing support for the Apple II. The new standard memory and system software significantly improve the speed and performance of an already powerful machine. Combined with the new Apple II Video Overlay Card, the system provides a perfect environment for sophisticated applications like our HyperStudio hypermedia system." "The Apple IIGS and System Software 5.0 provide the memory and speed customers and developers want," said Jordan Sachs, vice president and general manager of Britannica Software, publishers of the popular Designasaurus and Jigsaw applications. "Designasaurus, as well as our new programs Revolution T76 and Laser Force require the greater memory that is now standard. With it, we can maximize the potential of our applications, providing more information and making them more challenging." Additional Features of the New Apple IIGS Several other changes have been made to the Apple IIGS. Specific slots must no longer be dedicated to specific uses, so there are effectively more slots available for custom configurations. Additionally, a new logic board design produces minor improvements to the computerUs sound. Other enhancements for people with disabilities allow them to manipulate the mouse and use the keyboard more easily. A new "sticky keys" feature enables users to activate several keys simultaneously with single keystrokes. Additionally, users who have difficulty moving the mouse may increase the computerUs responsiveness to mouse movements and may control more functions from the keyboard rather than the mouse. Upgrade Path The recommended upgrade path from the current Apple IIGS 512K is to add memory (available in 256K increments) and install System Software 5.0. Many Apple IIGS customers have already added memory to their machines and will obtain about 90 percent of the new machineUs functionality by installing the new system software. Apple is not offering an upgrade kit because the required logic board replacement is not cost effective for customers. Price and Availability The suggested retail price of the Apple IIGS with keyboard, mouse, manuals, system software and guided tour remains $1149. The machine is currently available in limited quantities from authorized Apple dealers. Full-capacity production will begin in early fall. -30- Apple, the Apple logo, Apple IIGS and AppleTalk are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. HyperStudio is a registered trademark of Roger Wagner Publishing, Inc. Designasaurus, Jigsaw, Revolution T76 and LaserForce are trademarks of Britannica Software, Inc. END Apple Press Releases PR Express --Rick Ewing Apple Atlanta