In 1988, Apple launched the final version of its Apple II series, the Apple IIc Plus. This model offered a number of improvements over its predecessors. Gone was the 5¼ inch floppy disk drive, as it was replaced by the higher capacity 3½ inch floppy drive. Not only did this drive offer 800 KB of storage, but it operated at significantly faster speeds than the 5¼ drive. Additionally, Apple eliminated the external power source, which on previous models had resembled a brick attached to the power cord (similar to smaller versions seen on notebook computers today). It was moved into the compact computer case, which also housed the keyboard. This keyboard was also changed from previous models; it matched the layout of Apple’s Macintosh line.
Out of the box, the Apple IIc Plus ran at 4 MHz and ran 8-bit Apple II software. The speed was user adjustable to 1MHz, primarily for the purpose of running older software such as games. The onboard memory was a dedicated 8 KB static RAM buffer. An expansion slot permitted a 1 MB memory upgrade.
This computer was only produced for a two year run before being discontinued. After ending the Apple II line, the company focused on it Macintosh line, which was originally introduced in 1984.