History of the World in Apple Objects (3) : A2M4090 Monitor IIc

The Apple IIc was Apple's first attempt at a portable computer, though was not a laptop as we might imagine today. Merely it was a smaller version of the 8-bit Apple II that was easy to carry around. However the computer needed an external power supply and monitor... the Monitor IIc.

If ever a monitor can be described as cute then the Monitor IIc is. It was small, just a 9" display and green on black. The Apple IIc was the first computer to use Apple's then new "Snow White" design language. Uniquely the IIc family are in a special off-white colour known to Apple as "fog". No other computers were released by Apple in this colour.

Stourbridge

Stourbridge isn't far away but isn't somewhere i go to very often. Yesterday i visited however to check out two very different forms of transport: one fairly cutting edge and the other dating back hundreds of years.

The Class 139 trains that operate the Stourbridge Junction-Town branch line are very interesting. Curious little things, unique on the system in that they are diesel and flywheel powered. I liked being on one but it was quite unlike any train i had been on before. Except maybe at a funfair! You can see my railway photos here.

I also wanted to visit the Stourbridge Canal, which has an arm which goes into the town. I didn't take many photos there this time but will have to return when its a bit sunnier! My canal photos are here.

ATW at Derby

Arriva Trains Wales is not a Train Operating Company that serves Derby so the sight of one of their trains there last Saturday was unexpected. Actually it was en route back to the ATW depot at Crewe after maintenance. Here it heads through Derby.

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away...

Last night i finally got around to watching Rogue One and thus continuing my tradition of seeing every Star Wars film on original release. Yes thats back to the late 70s and the original film. It had a profound effect on me (aged about 6), my interest in technology and space was sparked and maybe thats resulted in me being where i am now.

Anyway Rogue One is a good film, it took awhile to get started but finished so well. Thats quite unique with films these days which seem to peak in the middle and by the time you get to the third act you are desperate for it to end. To be honest i was ready to watch the original Star Wars film (which runs directly after Rogue One continuity wise) right after. And ready to take the whole Empire on by myself.

While i liked The Force Awakens i think Rogue One properly reboots the Star Wars franchise and takes it to somewhere new. Onwards to the new film at the end of the year, which i will see of course...

History of the World in Apple Objects (2) : M0110 Apple Macintosh Keyboard

A Macintosh is nothing without a mouse but also is a bit pointless without a keyboard too. M0110 was the original Macintosh keyboard from 1984. It was connected to the Mac via a telephone style connector. It isn't a bad keyboard to be honest with a reasonable feel and has a nice chunky solid feel about it.

Apple wanted people to only use the mouse to select items so the keyboard has no arrow keys. It also didn't have a numeric keypad. This came with the M0110A keyboard in 1986 for the Macintosh Plus. Both keyboards are displayed below, the M0110A is a fair bit bigger and also has arrow keys though has a similar feel.