Apple Spec Database
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.
Apple Spec Database Screenshot
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.
AppleSpec Database
Requires FileMaker Pro 5.5 and is 9.8meg as a compressed StuffIt Archive. This is smallest way to obtain the AppleSpec Database.
AppleSpec Run-Time for Mac OS
Stand-alone Classic Mac OS application which is 11.6meg as a StuffIt Archive. This is the best way of getting the Database if you can’t be sure of having access to FileMaker Pro.
AppleSpec Run-Time for Windows
Stand-alone Windows application which is a 12.2Meg Zip archive. People might wonder why you’d want a Windows version of a database that reports information on Apple Computers, but you’d be amazed at the number of Mac users forced to use Windows machines at work and having this information readily available is a good thing and I congratulate Jeff on the decision to produce the Windows version.
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.
Other mirrors of the AppleSpec database include Steve Wozinak’s website (Steve is a co-founder of Apple Computer) and on my own.
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.
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.
Other Apple Specification Resources
There are a few other Specification resources available you maybe interested in checking out as well.
Apple Computer’s own AppleSpec
Apple Computer’s own AppleSpec is an online resource and it can be found at;
http://www.info.apple.com/support/applespec.html
GURU
GURU was described as “the industry standard tool for determining all possible memory upgrades for Macintosh, Macintosh compatibles and Apple PowerBooks” and was published by Newer Technology, who are now out of business. The last version of GURU released was v2.9 and can still be downloaded from a mirror of the old Newer website.
MacTracker
MacTracker has replaced GURU as the best small, compact user interface style Spec database. It is available as both a Classic and a Carbonized version.
Credits
A copy of this article, with colour images, is available from my website, https://www.nicholaspyers.com.
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