Apple IIGS (1986)

Aww, the Apple IIGS, my first personal computer. My parents brought it home one day in about 1989 or 1990. It was my first time to ever actually use a computer. I actively used it until about 1995 when we finally upgraded to a Packard Bell with Windows 95.

This machine was quite unique in that it was a 16-bit Apple II machine that offered updated GRAPHICS and SOUND (get it? GS!), but could still be slowed down to run 8-bit Apple II software. Some of my best gaming experiences were on this computer, including the King’s Quest series, Zany Golf and the all mighty Thexder! The machine even had its own operating system called GS/OS. The sound capabilities of the computer were unprecedented. It featured an Ensoniq sound chip capable of playing 8 independent stereo channels simultaneously.

After I left for college in 2002, my parents eventually sold our house and apparently my dad gave the computer and all the software and accessories to Goodwill. I can only hope some lucky computer enthusiast was able to snag it. In about 2011 I eventually purchased another one and that served as a catalyst for being the collector I am today.

I have made many videos centered around this computer including:

Apple IIGS Computer Review

Customizing GS/OS

Peripheral Cards

Networking the IIGS to a Macintosh