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1978 Apple II Reference Manual -   PRE Red Book,  Early Computerland Store Copy
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1978 Apple II Reference Manual - PRE Red Book, Early Computerland Store Copy
Price: US $134.50
1978 Apple II Reference Manual
PRE Red Book
Early Computerland Store CopyThis manual has been in storage at my shop since 1978 when I started the tech shop at one of the first Computerland stores. I understand that there is a Red Book Manual that was available early on in the sales of the Apple II but this manual was produced before this. The front features a brochure that introduces the Apple II. This brochure is in good condition. The manual is divided into several sections separated by yellow title pages. There is a mini manual that describes the pixieverter; a main manual with sections for software, hardware, and cassette operation.In the back of the book are two loose documents - a 1978 price list and an original warrenty card with serial number which is S/N 030-0001-00. I don\'t know if this is from an actual early unit or for store demo. Both the price list and warranty card are in excellent condition.Due to its age this item is sold in as is condition.

On Apr-23-15 at 10:50:26 PDT, seller added the following information:

The following is from apple2history dot org and explains that this is the earliest documentation sent out with the first apple II computers:Documentation for the Apple II was initially very limited. Steve Wozniak had some handwritten notes from the summer and fall of 1977 that were assembled into a document that later became known as the “Woz Wonderbook”. It was used internally as a reference by Apple employees. To provide some sort of documentation for customers, Apple’s president, Mike Scott, had gone through desk drawers at night to find anything that looked like technical information about the computer, whether typed or handwritten. These notes, about thirty pages in all (some of which were included in the Woz Wonderbook) were photocopied, three-hole punched, and assembled in clear binders.This mini-manual was dropped in the box with each of the earliest Apple II computers that were sold.The cover was a reproduction of one of Apple’s earliest advertisements for the Apple II. It stated, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication: introducing Apple ][, the personal computer.”In early 1978 these original photocopied manuals were replaced with the new Apple II Reference Manual (also known as the “Red Book”), and copies were mailed to previous customers. However, the material was essentially the same as the mini-manual, just with a red cover. Steve Jobs realized that people often viewed the quality of a product by the quality of its documentation, and so he wanted Apple to have manuals that were easy to read and had a professional appearance.Chien, Philip. “The First Ten Years: A Look Back”, The Apple II Review, Fall/Winter 1986: 12.

On Apr-24-15 at 14:57:02 PDT, seller added the following information:

Counting the pages (no Page Numbers) I get 70 including the advertisement but not including the retail price list and warranty card. You can probably see all of these pages by looking at the type/font that for example shows on page 119 of the redbook pdf file you can download online.



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