Apple II 80-Column Text Card – ENIG Gold Edition

What is it?

A premium 80-column text card for Apple II computers, featuring a high-quality ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) PCB finish. This expansion card doubles your horizontal screen real estate — from the standard 40 columns to a full 80 columns of text — making your Apple II genuinely capable for business applications, word processing, spreadsheets, and programming.

Plugs into any Apple II expansion slot. No drivers, no modifications required.

Why Was It Made?

The original Apple II's 40-column display was a significant limitation as 80-column output became the industry standard in the early 1980s. Tasks like spreadsheet work (VisiCalc), word processing (WordStar), and serious programming were genuinely painful at 40 columns.

This modern reproduction with ENIG finish provides a reliable, high-quality solution that not only matches but exceeds original specifications — with superior conductivity, corrosion resistance, and longevity compared to traditional tin-plated PCB finishes.

What Makes It Special?

• ENIG gold-plated edge connector: Superior signal integrity, zero oxidation, reduced contact resistance — reliable operation after decades and thousands of insertions
• Full 80-column output: Crisp, clear text in all 80-column compatible software
• 100% software compatible: Works with VisiCalc, WordStar, CP/M, BASIC, and all Apple II 80-column software without modification
• Plug-and-play: Installs in any Apple II expansion slot — no soldering, no configuration
• Premium aesthetics: Gold-plated contacts complement the classic Apple II design

Key Specifications

• Compatible systems: Apple II, Apple II+, Apple IIe
• Display: 80 columns × 24 lines text mode
• PCB finish: ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold)
• Slot: Any Apple II peripheral expansion slot
• Installation: Plug-and-play, no drivers required

Compatible Software

Any Apple II software with 80-column support, including:

• VisiCalc — the spreadsheet that sold the Apple II
• WordStar, AppleWriter — word processing
• CP/M (with Z80 card) — business software ecosystem
• BASIC programming environments
• ProDOS and DOS 3.3 utilities