Uploaded June 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, I dive deep into my vintage Apple IIc computer setup and showcase the classic Apple IIc Flat Panel Display. With the help of Javier Rivera, I replaced the worn-out monochrome Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with a modern color composite monitor, breathing new life into this retro computing gem. Apple II Forever!
The Apple IIc flat panel display, introduced on April 24, 1984, originally sold for $595 USD. This unique accessory featured a 7" monochrome screen with 80 columns by 24 rows, supporting double hi-res graphics, perfect for vintage Apple II games and productivity software. It connects via the DB-15 port on the back of the Apple IIc and is also compatible with the Apple IIc Plus.
Although production ceased on September 1, 1990, only around 10,000 units were ever made, making this display a rare and collectible piece of retro computing history. If you’re an Apple II enthusiast, a retro computing hobbyist, or just love 1980s technology, you’ll enjoy seeing this rare accessory restored and running on a classic Apple IIc.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more videos on vintage computers, retro gaming, and rare hardware like the Apple IIe and Apple IIc!
DISCLAIMER: Please do not take this video as a tutorial / advice. I'm not an expert, this is just my hobby :)
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
0:16 - History of the Apple IIc computer flat panel display
1:03 - Taking a closer look at the Apple IIc flat panel display
1:40 - Flat panel display connected to the Apple IIc computer
1:57 - Powering up the Apple IIc computer
2:19 - Loading ProDOS User's Disk from a real floppy disk
3:14 - Time for some Karateka by Broderbund Software in full color
4:51 - Discussing what's needed to do Javier Rivera's LCD conversion
5:04 - Pac-Man game running while discussing the color LCD modification
6:01 - How I learned about this modification on the Call A.P.P.L.E. website
7:00 - What parts are needed to do the color LCD monitor conversion
8:43 - Showing the original Apple IIc flat panel display parts
9:36 - It looks like Apple used Mitsumi and Toshiba LCD monitors
10:20 - Outro
--- Video Links
Flipping an original Broderbund Apple II Karateka game disk and loading it:
youtube.com/watch?v=4WNYrikbtcY
Call A.P.P.L.E. blog post by Javier Rivera from 2015:
callapple.org/documentation/technical-notes/apple-c-flat-panel-lcd-conversion
Jav Master Apple IIc Flat panel display LCD conversion:
youtube.com/watch?v=S4zNsHyLqZY
Apple displays Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_displays#Flat_panel_displays
Geek With Social Skills is a retro technology and vintage computing YouTube channel focused on classic systems like Commodore, Apple II, and DOS PCs.
#AppleIIc #RetroComputing #VintageComputers #AppleIIe #AppleIIcDisplay #AppleForever #ComputerRestoration #retrotech
In this video, I dive deep into my vintage Apple IIc computer setup and showcase the classic Apple IIc Flat Panel Display. With the help of Javier Rivera, I replaced the worn-out monochrome Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with a modern color composite monitor, breathing new life into this retro computing gem. Apple II Forever!
The Apple IIc flat panel display, introduced on April 24, 1984, originally sold for $595 USD. This unique accessory featured a 7" monochrome screen with 80 columns by 24 rows, supporting double hi-res graphics, perfect for vintage Apple II games and productivity software. It connects via the DB-15 port on the back of the Apple IIc and is also compatible with the Apple IIc Plus.
Although production ceased on September 1, 1990, only around 10,000 units were ever made, making this display a rare and collectible piece of retro computing history. If you’re an Apple II enthusiast, a retro computing hobbyist, or just love 1980s technology, you’ll enjoy seeing this rare accessory restored and running on a classic Apple IIc.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more videos on vintage computers, retro gaming, and rare hardware like the Apple IIe and Apple IIc!
DISCLAIMER: Please do not take this video as a tutorial / advice. I'm not an expert, this is just my hobby :)
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
0:16 - History of the Apple IIc computer flat panel display
1:03 - Taking a closer look at the Apple IIc flat panel display
1:40 - Flat panel display connected to the Apple IIc computer
1:57 - Powering up the Apple IIc computer
2:19 - Loading ProDOS User's Disk from a real floppy disk
3:14 - Time for some Karateka by Broderbund Software in full color
4:51 - Discussing what's needed to do Javier Rivera's LCD conversion
5:04 - Pac-Man game running while discussing the color LCD modification
6:01 - How I learned about this modification on the Call A.P.P.L.E. website
7:00 - What parts are needed to do the color LCD monitor conversion
8:43 - Showing the original Apple IIc flat panel display parts
9:36 - It looks like Apple used Mitsumi and Toshiba LCD monitors
10:20 - Outro
--- Video Links
Flipping an original Broderbund Apple II Karateka game disk and loading it:
youtube.com/watch?v=4WNYrikbtcY
Call A.P.P.L.E. blog post by Javier Rivera from 2015:
callapple.org/documentation/technical-notes/apple-c-flat-panel-lcd-conversion
Jav Master Apple IIc Flat panel display LCD conversion:
youtube.com/watch?v=S4zNsHyLqZY
Apple displays Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_displays#Flat_panel_displays
Geek With Social Skills is a retro technology and vintage computing YouTube channel focused on classic systems like Commodore, Apple II, and DOS PCs.
#AppleIIc #RetroComputing #VintageComputers #AppleIIe #AppleIIcDisplay #AppleForever #ComputerRestoration #retrotech
