AppleSpec Database Updated

The Apple Spec Database contains detailed technical specifications on virtually every one of Apple computers, displays, and printers introduced since 1978. These specifications include information about memory configurations, power requirements, video capabilities, built-in ports, software, sound capabilities, and logic board components.

The database was originally developed by Apple Computer but only covered Macintosh systems as it was designed for those who had a regular need for this kind of information, such as sales and support professionals. It also became an easy way for others to learn more about some of the products Apple has introduced over the years.

When Apple migrated the database away from a FileMaker Pro database across to a web based solution, the old FileMaker Pro version stopped been developed.

Now Jeff Gordon (jeff@applespec.com) has completely revamped the FileMaker version and included even more information. Not only does it include all Macintosh models, including the new iBook's and PowerBooks released in October, Jeff has included details on the original Apple I, the entire Apple // range, the Apple ///, the Newton/eMate and while they aren't exactly Apple computers, he has even included all of the NeXT machines.

There are now photos of each machine included in each record. The machine's original development Code Names are listed, along with the original Product Order Number and where relevant any Apple Knowledge Base references.

A screen shot showing the full and comprehensive information provided can be found by clicking on the image below.

The Updated AppleSpec Database can be found at;

http://www.applespec.com

Now in Three Separate Versions

When Jeff first released the Updated AppleSpec Database he only had FileMaker Pro 5.5, so he could only release the Database as a native FileMaker Pro 5 database, which caused problems for those with FileMaker Pro 4.x, although he provided a link from the AppleSpec website to a utility that could convert the FMP5 format back to FMP4 format. Even worse, if you didn't have FileMaker Pro you couldn't access the database at all.

Fortunately, FileMaker Inc, have kindly donated Jeff a copy of FileMaker Developer, which means he can now create special versions of the database that run without FileMaker Pro installed. So on October 17, Jeff released stand-alone versions for both Mac OS and Windows.

AUSOM hosts Australian Mirror

In September, AUSOM became the first international mirror of the updated AppleSpec Database.

Unlike the other mirror sites, the link to the AUSOM mirror from the main AppleSpec web points to a webpage, rather than directly to archives. The advantage of this is you can then select which ever of the three formats you require.

Now all three releases of the database can be downloaded from the AUSOM web server.

http://totally.ausom.net.au/applespec

Other mirrors of the AppleSpec database include Steve Wozinak's website (Steve is a co-founder of Apple Computer) and on my own.

http://www.woz.org/applespec/AppleSpec901.sit

At the time of writing, the Woz site still pointed to the September release of the AppleSpec database, but by the time you read this article, it will probably point to the October release.

http://www.zonian.net.au/applespec

Although I have a .net.au address, the actual webserver is located in the United States, so I don't count as an "international mirror", but like the AUSOM mirror, I also have the link from AppleSpec web site point to a web page first rather than then directly to the archives.

In September, AUSOM became the first international mirror of the updated AppleSpec Database.

http://totally.ausom.net.au/applespec

Other Apple Specification Resources

There are a few other Specification resources available you maybe interested in checking out as well.

Credits

A copy of this article, with colour images, is available from my website, http://www.nicholaspyers.com.

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© October 2001, Nicholas Pyers