Apple IIe Platinum

The Apple IIe gets its final makeover with the platinum variant. This model, with a redesigned keyboard, reduced chip set and cool grey keys saw the Apple II line still going strong into the mid-late 1980s despite the onslaught of the PC-clones.

Do I really need another Apple II-type computer in my collection and does it qualify as a "classic"? Not really on both counts but this was a donated machine which I've managed to repair and restore so it's earned a place.

The computer was part of a donated batch which had suffered a fair amount of abuse and neglect. Like all the machines in that lot, it took some fixing but now works as it should. The case and keyboard were both very discoloured initially, but a little chemistry over the 2008-2009 summer break now has it looking almost as good as new.

The keyboard on this variant is good to use with a solid feel and good tactile feedback. I also like the slick, swept-back styling of the case.