Why Go for an iPhone?

First of all, should you even choose an iPhone specifically? There are lots of companies creating smartphones, many of which are just as good as what Apple releases. The market is swamped with options, and it seems like there’s not much separating one type of smartphone from the next.

Buy just about any phone and there’s seemingly no limit to what you can do: browsing the web, taking photos, making videos and organising your day are just a few things you can easily do with your phone. You can even play at an online casino, being able to run a selection of high-quality games from your phone while on the go. Nowadays, with technological advancements, smartphone’s have the power to do many things a tablet or a laptop can. 

So why an iPhone when there are other top brands like Samsung and Huawei? Some of the benefits of iPhones include the iOS operating system that’s designed to be user-friendly, the high level of security, the convenient iCloud data storage system and the durability of the materials used. 

iPhone 16 Models and Key Features

A total of four versions of the iPhone 16 were announced at Apple’s recent event. These are as follows:

• iPhone 16 – £799
• iPhone 16 Plus – £899
• iPhone 16 Pro – £999
• iPhone 16 Pro Max – £1,199

Some of the enhancements common to all these models include camera upgrades, a redesigned lock screen and compatibility with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s artificial intelligence program. There’s also the A18 chip that improves the phone’s efficiency and performance. This chip makes the phone capable of running top-tier games and should give its battery power a significant boost.

Should You Buy an iPhone 16?

It’s safe to say that iPhones are incredibly popular. As of early 2024, they’ve sold an estimated 2.3 billion units around the world. They’re known for being one of the most expensive makes of smartphone, but that hasn’t stopped them being a success.

So should you make the purchase? Buying such an expensive smartphone is only worthwhile if you’re going to use it a lot. Also, it helps if you’re already an iOS user and have other Apple products such as a MacBook or iPad, so that everything can be easily integrated and transferred across your devices, including your iPhone 16.

If you want an iPhone 16, you’ll have to spend at least £799, and that’s just for the cheapest model. Should you pay for it in instalments, the long-term cost could be even higher. The price probably won’t change until the iPhone 17 is announced, so have a serious think about whether buying an iPhone 16 is the right thing for you.

The post Key Details About the iPhone 16 – Should You Buy It? appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Apple Arcade is notable for its dedication to building a collection of excellent games. Apple Arcade picks and showcases games that adhere to a high-quality standard, unlike other app shops that overstock the market with titles. By emphasizing quality, subscribers can be sure to get entertaining and well-made gaming experiences.

Uniqueness and Exclusivity

Apple Arcade has a major competitive advantage because it has been able to obtain exclusive rights to several titles. These exclusive games, which well-known developers frequently create, attract a devoted fan following.

Accessibility Across Platforms

It’s a great strategy for Apple to make the games freely accessible to all platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. The games you play on your phone can be played and continued on your Mac or iPad, which is impossible to other gaming platforms except for cloud gaming, which is not even close to what Apple is providing the players. Cross-platform progress syncing is another way Apple Arcade is dedicated to providing fluid gameplay experiences.

Expanding Collection of Original Games

Since its debut, Apple Arcade has kept adding fresh and captivating games to its collection. To keep users interested, the platform actively works with developers to release new material regularly. This dedication to expansion guarantees that Apple Arcade will always be a vibrant and changing gaming offering.

Competitive Approach to Pricing

For a relatively low monthly subscription charge, Apple Arcade offers great value for high-quality games that are entertaining and age-appropriate.

Collaborations With Developers

Apple Arcade has actively pursued partnerships and collaborations with well-known developers, imaginative brains, and franchises. Working with prominent figures in the business, Apple Arcade guarantees a consistent stream of well-known titles that draw in many players. These partnerships enhance the platform’s allure and support the development of a varied gaming community.

Regular Improvements and Updates to the Software

Apple Arcade releases software upgrades and enhancements regularly to keep a competitive edge. Along with performance improvements and bug fixes, these updates also include new features and optimizations—this dedication to ongoing development guarantees members enjoy the greatest possible gaming experience and promote steadfast loyalty.

Playable Games Both Online and Offline

Given the variety of offline exclusive games available on other platforms, Apple Arcade provides the ability to play games online. Because most games offered by PlayStation and Xbox are downloadable and offline, Apple Arcade gamers can play their games online and can switch from iPhone to iPad. Additionally, a selection of free slots games across other websites, ensuring a diverse range of gaming experiences for subscribers, are also slowly being adopted by Apple Arcade with different gimmicks.

Users can explore thousands of free slots with a wide range of themes to cater to different tastes, all accessible directly through the Safari browser without the need for downloads. The App Store further enriches the gaming landscape, providing abundant options for users with varied preferences, whether they seek pop culture references, magical realms, traditional fruit machines, or adventurous journeys.

Global Reach and Localization

Apple Arcade’s extensive appeal can be attributed to its dedication to localization and worldwide reach. The site adjusts content to fit regional tastes and provides games in various languages. This global strategy ensures that Apple Arcade appeals to a wide range of people globally, overcoming linguistic and cultural obstacles to become a global gaming platform.

Assistance for Developers and Rewards

Apple Arcade supports and rewards game developers to create a vibrant development community. This covers monetary rewards, assistance with marketing, and availability of resources for development.

Social Cohesion and Community Development

Among its users, Apple Arcade aggressively encourages community involvement. Some games accomplish this with features like social sharing choices, leaderboards, and multiplayer support. Apple Arcade makes gaming more enjoyable and allows people to interact and exchange stories by promoting community.

Creative Gaming Experiences

Developers are encouraged by the platform to experiment with novel and distinctive gaming concepts. Games that frequently push the limits of traditional gaming experiences are the consequence of this dedication to originality. Subscribers expect new and creative gameplay mechanisms to change pace and maintain a varied and captivating game selection.

Security and Privacy Protocols

Data security and user privacy are top priorities for Apple Arcade. As a component of the Apple ecosystem, it gains from the strong security controls for all Apple products. Members can feel even more confident knowing their gaming activities are secure because of this dedication to protecting user information.

Immersion & Interactive Storytelling

The emphasis of many of the games on Apple Arcade is on immersive and participatory storytelling. This feature distinguishes the platform by providing consumers with a more immersive and meaningful narrative experience.

Final Words

Apple Arcade shows a dedication to improving the game experience based on user preferences by actively seeking out and incorporating different systems. The platform offers games that are surely enjoyable and appropriate for everyone. This commitment to client satisfaction enhances user retention and the Apple’s favorable reputation.

The post Apple Arcade’s Domination in Gaming World appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Apple Watch Series 7

Watch Series 7 now has a rounded corner design, and we can say that it looks much more aesthetic. Battery life remains unchanged (approximately 18 hours), but the device can now charge 33% faster. This model is also the first Apple Watch with IP6X (dust resistance) certification. In other words, you can use it more comfortably in outdoor activities, and the screen is 50% thicker and durable than the previous model.

There are two models in this series with 41mm and 45mm cases, and both run WatchOS 8. This operating system has new dial designs, new features to automatically track cycling workouts and more advanced sensors. It can also track breathing during sleep and offers a swipeable keyboard.

If you think these are not very innovative features and are disappointed, be patient: It is known that Apple will add many more features to this model in 2022. These include even a thermometer that can determine the optimal time for fertility. Likewise, additional features are expected to be added to sleep tracking.

Apple Wallet

This is a simple innovation that can make daily life easier: Apple Wallet users can now add their ID and driver’s license information to their wallets. You no longer have to carry them with you, and every device that has your Apple Wallet installed will also have a copy of your ID or driver’s license.

In order for this system to work, official institutions must also support this feature. Currently, Arizona and Georgia have announced their support, and the states of Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah are expected to do the same. In other words, this feature will be available in the US first but may become available in other countries in 2022.

AirPods 3

AirPods 3 were never mentioned at the organization where the iPhone 13 series was introduced, but that doesn’t mean Apple forgot about them. According to many different reports, AirPods 3 is currently in production and will be available for $159 before the end of 2021. (The release date and prices are, of course, subject to change.) AirPods 3 are expected to feature fitness tracking, motion sensors, and noise canceling. The device will support spatial audio and offer better battery life.

iOS 15

At the time of this article, iOS 15 was ready to go: you can install it on any iOS-powered device right now. iOS 15 has many interesting and useful innovations. To briefly list the most important ones:

• Spatial audio technology can now be used in FaceTime calls. In other words, the voices are heard as if they are coming from where the speaker is on the screen. You can also block out background noise and prioritize your own voice with the Sound Separation feature – this feature can be further enhanced using artificial intelligence technology. One of the most remarkable innovations for FaceTime is that people using Android or Windows devices can now join the call via their browsers.
• Notifications now use a Focus system. This means that notifications are automatically filtered based on what the user wants to focus on at that moment (work, entertainment, sleep, etc.). For example, if you select Work Focus mode, you will only see notifications from your colleagues. Notifications have also been redesigned and now include larger icons.
• Safari browser now supports extensions, and new tabs are placed at the bottom of the screen. This way, you can switch between tabs more easily and group them. The Safari start page is also now more customizable.
• New Privacy Control features offer more options to protect your personal information. For example, you can now prevent the sender from knowing if you have opened an email. Likewise, senders can no longer see your IP address unless you ask for it. In addition, Siri now processes voice commands in-device, further protecting user privacy.

iPad Mini

The new iPad Mini model is quite an impressive device: it has an 8-inch Liquid Retina display and uses the new A15 Bionic chip. This makes it 80% faster than other models. Cellular models have 5G support, and all models have a USB-C port. The device still uses TouchID, but the sensors are placed at the top of the screen. In this way, the iPad Mini can use a full-screen design. Thanks to the 12MP front and rear cameras and Smart HDR technology, it is possible to take great-looking photos regardless of the light level.

The post Latest News from Apple appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

The online portion, which is only a small 64 lots, runs for a few more hours, New Jersey time: https://connect.invaluable.com/bodnar/

The live portion, which is the bulk of the stuff, starts at 3PM and runs until at least midnight tonight. That allows for absentee bidding and shipping: https://www.bodnarsa…ming-collection

Bodnar’s should also have live streaming video around 3 on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bodnarsauctions/

OK, if you need to catch up with all that came before, you can use this link. Long story short, my personal collection of 500+ videogame and computer systems and handhelds from the 1970s to the present day is up for auction. That includes platforms from every region and of every type, as well as thousands of boxed software items, accessories, books, collectibles, and many (MANY!) other things.

Here’s the main auction link: https://www.bodnarsauction.com/may-31-gaming-collection

At that main link, you can see 100 photos of how they have everything laid out (and use this link if you want to see 383 photos of the collection prepped for auction on Facebook!). Absentee bids are allowed and they do ship!

You can also bid online for a small selection of 64 items here: https://connect.invaluable.com/bodnar/

If you have any questions about the days or times for the various events, including live previews, bid times, hotel accommodations, etc., please get in touch with the auction house using the info in the main auction link.

Thank you all for the support and please help spread the word.

Even when looking through all 100 photos, its difficult to get a full sense of all that is really there!

The post Final details for the massive private vintage and modern videogame and computer auction set for May 31, 2018 in Edison, NJ (online too!) appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

(UPDATE 2: PC Gamer’s coverage.)

If you’ve been following along on my previous updates, here, you’ll already be familiar with the backstory for this massive single owner (me!) auction. Long story short, this is primarily an onsite auction of countless hundreds of videogame and computer systems, as well as tens of thousands of accessories, software, literature, etc. Just about all of the big (and small!) names from the past four decades of videogames and computers are present from all regions.

Here’s the latest page from the auction house with the details that you’ll need to get your own piece (or pieces) of this collection: https://www.bodnarsauction.com/may-31-gaming-collection

And the social media text from Bodnar’s Auction: “We don’t think you are ready for the incredible collection that is coming on May 31st. We have a huge single owner collection of “the history of gaming”. This collection includes over 1,000 items including virtually every gaming related item from the 1960’s to present day. Follow this link to check out all of the photos and get more information from this estate: https://www.bodnarsauction.com/may-31-gaming-collection“.

That’s a nice summary, but it really does only hint at what’s really there. The small handful of photos, limited descriptions, and quite incomplete item lists don’t do it justice.

Besides tons of everything else, there are many thousands of boxed games for just about every videogame and computer platform!

The date will be upon us in just a handful of weeks, so if you can help spread the word, I’d be grateful. Thanks!

The post New updates for the massive private vintage and modern videogame and computer auction set for May 31, 2018 in Edison, NJ! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

If you’ve been around videogames and computers long enough, hearing the name “Kaboom” associated with a game probably conjures thoughts of Activision’s classic bomb catching game, KABOOM! (1982). Instead, Ninjaforce Entertainment’s KABOOM! is based on the stylings of another explosive multiplatform ’80s title, the multiplayer classic, Bomberman, from Hudson Soft.

In contrast to Kaboom!, where you’re tasked with using one or more buckets to catch the bombs dropped by the Mad Bomber, in KABOOM!, like Bomberman, you’re one of up to four “mad” bombers trying to bomb your way through a maze of blocks in order to blow up all of the other players before getting blown up yourself.

At the beginning of each round, you and the other bomb-equipped players are placed in the corners of a maze-like battlefield that consists of two types of blocks: soft, which can be destroyed by placing bombs beside them, and solid, which are indestructible. Bombs, which have a fixed blast radius, go off shortly after being dropped, which then allows you to place another bomb.

A limited number of orange-colored power-ups can be found under soft blocks and, by walking over one, can increase the number of bombs that can be dropped at once, increase a bomb’s blast radius, increase your player’s speed, allow you to pick up active bombs, or make you briefly invincible. One power-up, the skull, can cause a variety of ill effects known as “sicknesses” in the player or other players, which include decreasing run speed, setting bombs uncontrollably, or reversing controls. Sicknesses can only be cured by picking up a new power-up. Sicknesses, like other features, including team and round options, can be set in the flexible GAME SETUP menu.

A selection of KABOOM! screens

While a multiplayer game like this screams out for the creation of a four player joystick adapter, the fact that there are no diagonals in the game makes use of the keyboard a viable option, even when playing alone. Naturally, Apple II owners are accustomed to using a keyboard for their multiplayer games, so they’re certainly as capable as any other computer owner of taking this control scheme and running with it. In fact, since the controls are expressly the four cardinal directions (plus one for dropping a bomb), it’s arguable that the keyboard is the more precise option anyway.

It’s also important to note that while other multiplatform games like CodeMaster’s ’90s classic, Micro Machines, have made use of a control scheme that allowed for up to four players to move their virtual vehicles by having more than one player use a single controller or keyboard, the Apple IIGS’s ability to link multiple ADB keyboards comes in particularly handy with this game. While there’s something to be said for the manic fun of four of your closest friends or family crowding around the same keyboard, it’s a great option to give one or more players the breathing room of their own dedicated control panel.

Ninjaforce Entertainment set a great challenge for themselves when converting such an intense multiplayer game to the IIGS. While the audio-visuals are stellar and the available options competitive with many of the dozens of Bomberman games that are available on other platforms, the game does suffer some slowdown, particularly during multiplayer rounds with computer opponents. As such, a ZipGS or TransWarp GS accelerator is recommended, if not required, as is a stereo sound card for enhanced audio. Nevertheless, despite the periods of slowdown, occasional crash, and lack of sound card on the non-accelerated ROM1 IIGS used as the test system, gameplay and audio, the latter complete with a continuous rocking soundtrack, still proved compelling.

Presently at version 1.01, KABOOM! is available for free from the Ninjaforce Website for systems running GS/OS with a minimum of 2MB of RAM, either as a single 2IMG hard drive or two disk images, the latter of which still needs to be installed on a hard disk or equivalent. The 2IMG hard drive image ran perfectly from a CFFA3000 on the 4MB test system, and was even playable through the online FTA ActiveGS Emulator found on the Website.

It says a lot about how good this game is that even if it wasn’t free and so easily accessible, it would still be worth tracking down. While a multiplayer game at its heart, the robust single player options, complete with optional campaign designer where you can share your saved creations with others, makes for a compelling experience even when there’s no one else available to play against. KABOOM! is a wonderful addition to the IIGS’s software library and hopefully inspires more developers to try and bring similarly challenging game titles to the platform.

The post Review: KABOOM! (2015, Ninjaforce Entertainment) – Apple IIGS appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Although seeming like an early April Fool’s joke, this Target-exclusive handheld from Basic Fun is quite real. Retailing for just $24.99, it falls strictly into the classic plug and play impulse buy territory.

The front of the box. Photo credit: Bill Loguidice

The rear of the box. Photo credit: Bill Loguidice

Although the physical design of this handheld brings to mind a classic Macintosh – The Oregon Trail – which started life in 1971 on an HP 2100 minicomputer, became legendary in the 1980s on the Apple II via MECC, with countless school children vying to stop their wagon-bound avatars from dying of dysentery and finally settle in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Although it’s still unknown as of me writing this review whether this is some type of modified emulation or a new creation (I’m leaning towards the latter), it’s pretty clear that the assets at least are either from or inspired by the 1990 PC DOS version.

The front of the unit. Photo credit: Bill Loguidice

The rear of the unit. Photo credit: Bill Loguidice

The handheld itself is about 5.5″ high, 3.5″ wide, and 1.5″ deep. The full color screen is 2.5″ diagonal. Although this may be a bit small for older eyes, the low resolution visuals should keep things readable for most.

Interestingly, while the physical design says classic Macintosh, the feel of the buttons do bring to mind both mainframes and other classic computers like the aforementioned Apple II. This is definitely a nice, if somewhat intentionally vague, shot of nostalgia.

Despite having old eyes myself, I really like the screen. Photo credit: Bill Loguidice

Besides the screen, the handheld’s other front facing elements include a power button (mock floppy disk), speaker, volume control button, status button (wagon icon), Enter button, Y button, N button, and unusual directional controls. This directional control consists of a four direction, triangular d-pad style control that’s flanked by four discrete diagonal buttons. This setup works well for most in-game situations, save for the hunting screens, where it can prove clumsy.

Surprisingly for this price point, the required three AAA batteries are included and pre-installed. You just need to pull the tab limiter from the back of the handheld and you’re ready to go.

A post shared by Bill Loguidice (@bill_loguidice) on Mar 10, 2018 at 1:53pm PST

To power on, you press – or “insert” – the mock floppy disk. You’re then shortly greeted by the classic The Oregon Trail options screen, where you can play the game, learn about the game, or see the top scores. Fortunately, this handheld retains the classic game’s full feature-set. In fact, you can even save your progress right from the menu screen, power down, and pick up right where you left off when you return.

I really like the look and feel of the unit. Photo credit: Bill Loguidice

There are reports of some players feeling the game is easier than the original (well, the many originals) and that it crashes on occasion, but you always expect some concessions with these cheap plug and play toys. These are obviously not designed, and certainly not sold as, premium experiences. Nevertheless, I’d say this particular product fares better overall than many similar products in the sub-$25 category. I’ve certainly encountered few problems and have minimal complaints, with my nostalgia itch suitably scratched.

Pluses:

• Clever design
• Authentic experience
• Great value
• Includes batteries

Minuses:

• No headphone jack
• Control pad not suitable for every in-game situation
• The control pad and an alphabet menu are the only way to enter extended text
• Might be a bit easier than the original (or maybe we’re just older and smarter?)
• Smaller screen might be a bit tough on older eyes

Summary:
This handheld does a fantastic job of recreating the classic The Oregon Trail experience.

The post Review: The Oregon Trail Handheld (Basic Fun, 2018) appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Temporary info from the auction house is here: https://www.auctionzip.com/cgi-bin/auctionview.cgi?lid=3023450

Final info and postings from the auction house should be available in about 3 – 4 weeks, at which time I’ll post again. Any questions, ask here or on the social media channel of your choice, and please help spread the word. Thanks!

Note that a small selection of approximately 100 items should be made available for auction online, but most of the collection will only be available for bidding on-site.

The post Massive private vintage and modern videogame and computer auction set for May 31, 2018 in Edison, NJ appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

For those who don’t know, the Mockingboard was an expensive add-on card for the Apple II series, first released in 1981. It went through several revisions and clones (including modern recreations) over the years and was really the best way to enhance the Apple II’s meager built-in sound capabilities (of course, the Phasor was no slouch, just hard to find).

As with most add-ons, the catch with the Mockingboard was the lack of support. Here are the known software titles that support it (not counting some modern homebrew stuff, like Alien Clonepure):

• Adventure Construction Set
• Apple Cider Spider (Sierra)
• Berzap! – A clone of the classic arcade game, Berzerk!
• Broadsides (SSI)
• Crimewave – Speech supported
• Crypt of Medea – Speech supported
• Cybernoid Music Disk
• Guitar Master – Guitar tutoring
• Lady Tut, specific Mockingboard version
• Lancaster (Silicon Valley Systems)
• Microbe (Synergistic)
• Mockingboard software (Sweet Micro Systems)
• Mockingboard Developers Kit
• Mockingboard Speech Developers Kit
• Music Construction Set, different revisions do more as released
• Music Star – The OEM version did not support the Mockingboard, it was later patched by the underground to use the Mockingboard instead of the proprietary hardware that shipped with it.
• Night Flight
• One on One – Opening sequence music only
• Phasor software (Applied Engineering)
• Popeye
• Rescue Raiders v1.3 – (SSI263 speech only)
• Silent Service (Microprose)
• Skyfox
• Spy Strikes Back
• Thunder Bombs
• Ultima III, original release did not support the Mockingboard
• Ultima IV
• Ultima V – Supported two Mockingboards
• Under Fire (Ralph Bossom’s)
• Willy Byte
• Zaxxon, specific Mockingboard version

Not a big list and it’s sometimes hard to find the Mockingboard-specific versions. Now, I kept an original, boxed Mockingboard, as well as one of the new Mockingboard v2.1 recreations with slots for the two speech chips, which I also populated (2 x SSI-263P Speech Synthesizer). Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I could find no way to test the speech. I’m still hoping someone has an answer, because the programs that claim to support speech don’t seem to support it (at least the versions I tried).

I had better luck testing the music capabilities of the Mockingboard v2.1 in slot 4. Most games that said they worked with it – including the Penguin titles that only support the original model of the Mockingboard – worked fine.

Since I’m only aware of one game, Ultima V, that supports two Mockingboards and a full 12 voice soundtrack, I popped the original Mockingboard in slot 5 and decided to give it a go. It turns out that each Mockingboard needs to be connected to its own set of speakers, but I had an ace-in-the-hole with a guitar amplifier, which could take and mix both inputs at the same time. Here’s the result:

Testing dual Mockingboards on an Apple IIe with 12 voices using Ultima V.

A post shared by Bill Loguidice (@bill_loguidice) on Feb 4, 2018 at 6:06pm PST

Now, to be honest, I really couldn’t tell a great deal of difference between one card with six voices and two cards with 12 voices. It seemed like only occasional notes/additions were played on the secondary card (tested by pulling each plug side), so I don’t even think Ultima V uses all 12 voices. It’s maybe 8 or 9. I could be wrong, though.

As for me, I’m keeping the modern Mockingboard in there and will eventually get around to selling the original Mockingboard. It’s hard enough finding a use for one card, let alone two. Disappointing, but understandable given the cost of these at the time.

UPDATE: Thanks to my shoddy memory, I forgot that Great Hierophant on AtariAge put together a brilliant spreadsheet with far more software support info.

The post The Apple II and the Mockingboard – promise unfulfilled appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Initially, I noticed that the D key would sometimes create additional characters per single press, e.g., “LOADDD” instead of “LOAD“.  Since every other key seemed to work fine, I assumed it wasn’t a bad keyboard encoder or some other procedure that would require more extensive work. It was probably just dirty.

Since getting rid of most of my collection, I no longer have the luxury of multiple spares, so I’m far more cautious with what I do with my little remaining vintage computing equipment (and I obviously don’t want to add any more vintage equipment, since that would have defeated the point of auctioning off the collection in a few months). As such, I wanted to be 100% sure that pulling a keycap wouldn’t cause any damage. After all, I could live with an occasional extra D rather than something physically broken.

After confirming on the excellent Apple II Enthusiasts Facebook Group that it indeed is safe to pull Apple IIe keycaps, I proceeded. It was recommended to me that I pull the keycap as straight up as possible to avoid cracking any of the plastic. Since I still had a few modern mechanical keyboard key pullers in my possession, I used one of those. It worked well, with the key cap pulling right off once I worked the puller under.

The keys really do pop off fairly easily.

As you can see from the photo, there’s still a lot of plastic between the key and the contact points. Nevertheless, I sprayed the usual cleaning solutions, including Deoxit and its variants, to really get into the grooves. I pressed the stem multiple times and really tried to work the solution in, being careful to wipe some of the excess and even using some compressed air for additional penetration and drying.

In the process of testing the D key (it was recommended to me to press the key many, many times, which I did), I came to find that J and M were exhibiting similar issues. Not 100% happy with the results of the D, which exhibited less frequent, but still occasional “bounces,” I took the opportunity to clean that again as well. Long story short, I cleaned and worked all three keys, which appeared to do the trick.

Success. No more key repeats!

After waiting until 24 hours later to see if the cleaning really worked, I’m happy to report that all three keys work perfectly now. While some of the more egregious Apple II keyboard problems require desoldering of the switches or a new keyboard encoder, it appears that excess grime is fortunately really the most common issue. As with most of my vintage computer equipment, I was not the original owner, so it’s hard to tell how well this stuff was actually cared for. While it’s easy enough to use something like Goof Off to remove permanent marker serial numbers (which I had to do on this particular model), until you really get inside do you know how deep the cleaning needed really is.

I’ve said it a bunch of times before and I’ll no doubt say it a bunch of times again. Getting rid of 99% of my collection and actually having a functional basement with a small selection of vintage equipment was one of the best things I did. Even modest victories like fixing the keyboard on my Atari 1200XL and Apple IIe Platinum would have been difficult and/or handled differently when I was inundated with wall-to-wall stuff. I really get to enjoy the individual pieces now and really get to use them. What was previously something of a stress is now the more Zen-like experience I always wanted it to be.

The post Fixing repeating key presses on an Apple IIe Platinum appeared first on Armchair Arcade.