Z-80 SoftCard
 Microsoft Softcard Z80 coprocessor for the Apple II | |
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Release date | 1980 |
| Operating system | CP/M |
| CPU | Z80 |
| Platform | Apple II |
| Successor | Premium Softcard IIe |
The Z-80 SoftCard is a plug-in
Overview
Introduced in 1980 as Microsoft's first hardware product,
History
The SoftCard was Paul Allen's idea.[5] Its original purpose was to simplify porting Microsoft's computer-language products to the Apple II.[6] The SoftCard was developed by Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products (SCP). SCP built prototypes,[7] Don Burtis of Burtronix redesigned the card, and California Computer Systems manufactured it for Microsoft.[8] Unsure whether the card would sell, Microsoft first demonstrated it publicly at the West Coast Computer Faire in March 1980.[2][6]
Microsoft also released a version for the Apple IIe, the Premium Softcard IIe. The card has functionality equivalent to the Extended 80-Column Text Card, including its 64 KB RAM, so would save money for users who wanted CP/M capability, additional memory, and 80-column text.[9]
Reception
Sales
The SoftCard's immediate success surprised Microsoft. Although unprepared to take orders at the West Coast Computer Faire, a Microsoft executive accepted 1,000 business cards from interested parties on the first day;
Critical reception
Compute! witnessed the SoftCard's debut in March 1980 at the West Coast Computer Faire, calling it "an Apple breakthru".[1] InfoWorld in 1981 called the SoftCard "a fascinating piece of hardware". While criticizing the "computerese" of the CP/M documentation, the magazine wrote "if you need a lightweight, portable Z80 computer, the Apple/SoftCard combination is a perfect pair."[3] BYTE wrote, "Because of the flexibility that it offers Apple users, I consider the Softcard an excellent buy .. The price is reasonable, and it works".[8]
InfoWorld in 1984 also favorably reviewed the SoftCard IIe, approving of its ability to also replace the Extended 80-Column Text Card. The magazine concluded that it "is a good system among several good systems on the market", especially for those who wanted to run Microsoft BASIC or wanted functionality beyond CP/M.[9]
Alternatives
Following Microsoft's success, several other companies developed Z80 cards for the Apple II as well, including Digital Research with
References
- ^ OCLC 637460999. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
- ^ ISSN 0199-6649.
- ^ ISSN 0199-6649.
- ^ "Apple II Softcard CP/M Reference". Retrieved August 14, 2020.
- ISSN 0010-4841.
It was one of the founders of Microsoft, Paul Allen, who hit upon the idea of putting a Z80 processor into the Apple.
- ^ ISSN 0199-6649.
Unsure of the demand for the product, Microsoft took a prototype to the last West Coast Computer Faire
- ISBN 0-07-135892-7.
They brought in Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products, located across Lake Washington, to try to build a card for the Apple that would let it run Microsoft's 8080 and Z80 software. They called it the SoftCard. Paterson did a series of prototypes before Don Burdis took over the project.
- ^ a b c Pelczarski, Mark (November 1981). "Microsoft Softcard". BYTE. pp. 152–162. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
- ^ a b Petersen, Marty (February 6, 1984). "Premium Softcard IIe". InfoWorld. pp. 64, 66. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
- ^ Ballmer, Steve. "Microsoft Surface Keynote". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 19, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
- ^ Bunnell, David (February–March 1982). "The Man Behind The Machine? / A PC Exclusive Interview With Software Guru Bill Gates". PC Magazine. p. 16. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
- ^ Markoff, John (May 1984). "The Apple IIc Personal Computer". BYTE. p. 282. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
- ^ "CP/M Gold Card | 102645991". Computer History Museum. 1984.
- ^ Wheelwright, Geof (June 16, 1984). "Golden Opportunity". Personal Computer News. pp. 23–24. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
External links
- AppleLogic website, showing peripheral cards for the Apple II series of computers, including the Microsoft Softcard