Manufactured from 1986 until 1992, the Apple IIGS was the first truly multimedia Apple computer. Steve Wozniak was involved in the design and layout of the computer. Based on a 16-bit CPU, the IIGS offers significantly improved graphics and sound compared to earlier Apple II models, while being fully compatible with them (via the Mega II chip). The computer was sold for $999 or about $2,640 in today’s money.
Released in April 1987, the Amiga 500 is a legendary multimedia home computer manufactured by Commodore until 1992. The A500 offered the same CPU and chipset as the original Amiga 1000, however, it had a considerably lower price tag.
Released in late 1989, Atari STE is a multimedia-enhanced ST. The 68000 CPU remains the same, however, the STE features several improvements such as a new operating system, hardware graphics, 4,096 colors, and significantly better stereo sound.
Released in March 1987, the Commodore Amiga 2000 is a multi-featured business machine based on the MC68000 CPU. The A2000 features OCS hardware graphics, PCM stereo sound, multitasking, and a GUI. The model was discontinued in 1991, shortly after Commodore released the Amiga 3000. The A2000 is a very expandable computer and the first Amiga with a Zorro II bus. It was designed with an open architecture, something that led several government organizations, such as NASA, to use it for various tasks.
Released in June 1987, Acorn Archimedes is a family of educational computers manufactured by Acorn until the mid-1990s. Archimedes computers feature 32-bit ARM processors based on the revolutionary Acorn’s own ARM architecture and the RISC OS (multitasking and a GUI).
Released in mid-1990, the Commodore Amiga 3000 is a 32-bit high-end business machine featuring the MC68030, ECS graphics, a revision of the AmigaOS, and a standard VGA output. A3000 is fully compatible with old Amigas and can be seen as the ‘dream machine’ of every Amiga user, the only con is that it can’t run AGA software.
