Apple Macintosh II – the "open Mac", a vintage gem [RARE] - Macintosh - Cu cutie de schimb

[ REFURBISHED ]
[ ATTENTION – a 100% working "Macintosh II" workstation is NOT often sold ]

Being an Apple enthusiast, I have collected RARE and VALUABLE hardware and software for my co-sentimental Apple companions. The lucky Macintosh Apple enthusiast can supplement his/her collection with this HARD-2-FIND collectable: the “Macintosh Iix” packed with "tons of pre-installed software and games of yesteryear", ready to use – and to give you a glimp of Apple's history.

Furthermore. As a free gift you get the RARE (and hard-to-find) "world-famous" pixel-art picture of "Steven Jobs" (it's waiting for you on the hard disk).

– – SOME HISTORY & FACTS – –

// A VINTAGE GEM
The first color-capable Macintosh did not enjoy commercial success and was discontinued on October 15, 1990 (merely two years after its introduction). However, today, it stands as a testament to the evolution of personal computing. Now, 35 years old, the "Macintosh II" is considered a vintage gem by collectors and technology enthusiast.

// A RELIC
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, there are milestones and relics that remind us of the journey that has brought us to the sleek, powerful machines we use today. On September 19, 1988, Apple unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its lineup – the "Macintosh II". Although it didn’t achieve commercial success, it left a lasting mark on the history of technology.

// MULTITASKING
At the heart of the "Macintosh II" was its Motorola 68020 processor. Back then, the "Macintosh II" was ahead of its time, capable of handling both complex tasks and multitasking with ease.

// AN INNOVATOR
As we look back at this vintage powerhouse, we’re reminded that the march of progress in the tech world is often led by innovators willing to take risks and push boundaries. Apple’s "Macintosh II" was certainly one of those innovators.

// THE OPEN MAC
The "Macintosh II" was nicknamed the "Open Mac" because of its 6 NuBus slots which made expansion and customization easy. The Macintosh II also was the first color-capable Macintosh and set a new standard for color (Color QuickDraw) in the computer industry by supporting true color (16.7 million colors).

// PRICE TAG
The "Macintosh II" was designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple Computer from March 1987 to Januari 1990 (= 35 years ago!). The initial price of the "Macintosh II" was US$ 5.500.

// MAC II @ THE MOVIES
– "Independence Day (1996)"
The Macintosh II appear in the SETI laboratory, David's office and the military base in Area 51.

– "Outbreak (1995)"
The team investigating the virus use a Macintosh II machine to compare two strains of the virus.

// IMPORTANT – WHY BUY FROM ME?
(instead of other sellers)

I am a Mac user from way back in the Legacy Era. I offer Vintage Apple computers as I would buy them myself. My admiration for Steve Jobs' legacy is so great that I want the Macs I sell, to stand "the test of time". Furthermore I only sell items I have "passion" for.

Hardware-wise, all my sold computers are completely disassembled, cleaned – and, if necessary, repaired – in order to extend their lifespan. See pictures.

// ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST, REVISION & RECAPPING

– DUST: the inside of a 30-year-old computer looks the same as "the collection-container of a vacuum cleaner" (read: a dust bunny). And as you know "dust" can ruin your electronics;

– BOARD REVISION: both boards (analog + logic) were revised;

– RECAPPED "HIGH RESOLUTION DISPLAY VIDEO CARD" (1988/89);

– REFURBISHED Power Supply Unit.

Notes:
– The floppy drive is refurbished. This includes "floppy drive lubrication". Therefore the "internal floppy drive" works like a charm (formatting, reading and writing disks and of-course ejecting*). Usually the "EJECT* mechanism" fails. So the famous paperclip method is NOT needed for this Mac!

– HARD DISK CLEAN INSTALL: the hard drive is checked and a "clean install" is performed. System 7.1.1 is installed.

> Extra note:
Be aware that a 35-year-old-hard drive feels "slow" (compared to modern equipment).
Especially "booting up" and "shutting down" can feel extremely slow in 2024.
Furthermore. (mechanical) late-eighties hard drives are a bit noisy.

All configuration is done. So the mac boots up immediately.

Long-Story Short. Computers from other vendors may look the same on the outside. I can guarantee you that the inside is very different! So if you want to enjoy your investment for as long as possible, choosing "wisely" is advisable.

// ONLY THE MAC IS AUCTIONED
Read this paragraph carefully!

Only the (ready-to-use) Mac II is auctioned. The monitor, keyboard & mouse on the pictures are there for display purpose only. They are NOT included in this offer.

– An attached monitor/display must connect using a "DB15 connector" (VGA d-subs). Mac Color Display [model M1212].

– Keyboard & mouse use a ADB connection (Apple Desktop Bus)

Note: optionally I can provide the necessary accessories.

This 100 % working, professionally checked “Vintage” bundle includes “working software*”. See detailled pictures.

>> Disclaimer:
The computer only includes software & games that is classified as "abandonware" (= from the Public Domain, distributed over the internet and available freely, easily and readily). The software is supplied "free of charge" as a free service (for the retro-computing fan).

// TO SUM UP
The MAC II marks a crucial phase in Apple's computer line. And that makes this Apple Computer extremely RARE and EXCEPTIONAL … and therefore a good investment. In addition, the MAC II's that are typically sold have several cracks. This specimen has no single crack in the plastic (= rare!).

– Model Number: M5000 (assembled in Ireland);
– HD 4O Mb;
– Serial Number: CK8501R2M5400;
– Total Memory: 4 MB;
– System Software 7.1.1 (English version)

// IMPORTANT – A NOTE ON YELLOWED PLASTICS!
Some words on the yellowing.

Old computer cases are made of ABS plastics which contain at that time "bromine". The element bromine reacts over the time of years with UV light and causes some (not-always-even) "yellowing"*. Some sellers "Retr0bright" their computers with chemicals. I am totally agains "Retr0brighting", because it causes structural changes in the plastic, it's not permanent – and it devalues historical items! So pay attention when buying retro-computers (alarm bells should ring when the case is to "gray").

Bytheway: the yellowed plastic is not easy to capture on the photos (but it's there … believe me!). Because of the structure of the used plastic and UV-reaction-over-time … "all items and parts" (computer, keyboard, mouse and power cable) are "yellowed" differently (again: not evenly). Please, if you find a little “yellowing" a problem, it is recommended that you do NOT bid on this item.

FYI. Experienced Apple/Macintosh collectors love the "aging-bromine-yellowing". You can compare it with "patina" on vintage furnitures. For connoisseurs it transforms the-surface-of-a-piece from the ordinary to the exceptional – and it tells a story … and brings on the appeal of objects that show their age openly. But again … it is important to know that vintage Macs have PATINA.

Please check all close-up pictures!

// RETRO-COMPUTING EXPECTATIONS

– there are "normal signs of use" (which are to be expected with a device of this age). But as an experienced connoisseur I can guarantee that these items are in very good condition! There are NO cracks in the plastics. View the numerous images to make your own judgment! PS/ some tiny scratches, stains, … (and other ware-out) are difficult to capture on picture (but they are there … thus: please have realistic expectations!).

Note: 35-year old plastic is fragile (and a bit bendy).

– be aware that the mechanical parts of (almost) 35 years ago make (a lot) more noice (compared to modern computers)! Don't bid on this mac if you think that the aformentioned things will bother you. Please also have realistic expectations about "speed, etc"!

– regarding performance … This is a vintage computer (collectable) – not a modern computer.

// ULTRA-SAFE PACKAGING
The MAC II is packaged securely and carefully for safe shipment.
Moreover, the bundle is shipped INSURED because of its precious value.
Because of the precious content extra attention is paid to the CUSTOM packaging.
This extra cost is included in the shipping price.

"One More Thing"
– Steve Jobs quote

Don't miss this unique opportunity.
Great opportunities don't come everyday!

Let the bidding begin … for this legendary MAC II.

"One More Thing"
When in doubt, check my positive customer reviews ;)
(… because there are some "copycats" out there who copy my style/text and pretend to be me). There is only one "VISENTO"! That's me ;)