Fans and users of classic Apple IIe emulation and Linux computing now have a reason to rejoice as the emulation realm just became a lot more exciting with the official announcement of the MII Apple //e Emulator. This modern take on a retro classic brings the beloved Apple IIe back to life in a way that’s both authentic and forward-thinking.
Developed by Michel Pollet for the Linux operating system, the MII Apple //e Emulator is more than just a trip down memory lane. It represents the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, providing a true-to-form experience while embracing the best practices of modern coding.
A Journey from Nostalgia to Reality
The journey of MII Apple //e Emulator began with a simple question: “How hard can it be really?” But as any developer will tell you, such endeavors often snowball into something much larger. Over time, the project evolved as more and more features were added and refined.
One primary driver behind this initiative was the desire to move away from the outdated and complex linapple (or -pie) codebase. Dated back to the early 2000s, this codebase was burdened with remnants of Windows, SDL clutter, and unreliable audio. The MII Apple //e Emulator aims to rectify these issues and provide a cleaner, faster, and more streamlined experience.
What Sets MII Apple //e Emulator Apart
The MII Apple //e Emulator stands out from the crowd for several reasons:
Modern, Clean, and Modular
The codebase is designed with a modern, clean, and modular approach, much in the spirit of simavr. This makes the emulator usable as a library and paves the way for future enhancements and customizations.
Built Specifically for Linux
MII Apple //e Emulator is developed for Linux using C and a Makefile. It avoids trendy bloatware and embraces simplicity, ensuring compatibility and ease of use.
Compact and Efficient
This emulator is intentionally small and fast. It doesn’t bog you down with massive configurations and dependencies. It gets the job done efficiently, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience.
Graphics Capabilities
MII Apple //e Emulator supports all known graphic modes, including Double Hires in both monochrome and color. It also covers various other modes, ensuring a visually pleasing and flexible experience. You can even enjoy simulated ‘scanlines’ for that vintage touch.
Audio Enhancement
The emulator features speaker audio with ALSA for playback. An “attack” filter is added to soften the often annoying ‘click’ associated with typical audio effects from the Apple II.
Plug-and-Play Mouse Card
Unlike some other emulators, the MII Apple //e Emulator ensures that your mouse isn’t captured, providing seamless control.
Wide Slot Support
With the ability to simulate a ‘Titan Accelerator //e,’ the emulator allows users to turn on/off fast mode, opening up new possibilities for gameplay.
Smartport DMA ‘Hard Drive’ Card
This feature enhances the emulator’s capabilities, making it suitable for various Apple II applications.
How to Get Started
Getting your hands on the MII Apple //e Emulator is a straightforward process. You will need a C compiler, make, and a few libraries that you might already have installed. For the full compilation instructions, refer to the Compiling documentation.
Once compiled, you can run the emulator using the command build-x86_64-linux-gnu/bin/bin/mii_emu. You’ll have a range of options to configure and customize your experience:
- Adjust the CPU speed
- Choose specific slots and drivers
- Set up drives and default configurations
- Enable or disable features like No Slot Clock and Titan Accelerator IIe
For more in-depth command line options and available drivers, consult the mii_emu –help and ./build-x86_64-linux-gnu/bin/mii_emu -L commands.
Telnet for More Control
The MII Apple //e Emulator also provides a feature unique to the Apple II emulation realm: telnet into the emulator. This opens up a built-in shell with a variety of options for interaction. From debugging to memory dumps, this feature adds depth and capability to your emulator experience.
An Inspired Programming Journey
The MII Apple //e Emulator draws inspiration from a variety of current sources, combining the best ideas and practices from different implementations:
- Chips: The emulator’s CPU emulation was inspired by the Chips project, which offered a robust foundation.
- Apple2ts: Some of the code was converted from Apple2ts, with additional ideas for the built-in assembler, unit tests, and Smartport driver emulation.
- Bobbin: The emulator borrows elements from Bobbin for text mode functionality.
- Isapple2: Other bits and pieces came from Isapple2, contributing to the emulator’s diverse set of features.
Embrace Classic Computing with MII Apple //e Emulator
The MII Apple //e Emulator is the result of a labor of love, bringing the classic Apple IIe experience into the modern age. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who appreciates the heritage of retro computing but doesn’t want to compromise on code quality and performance.
To download the MII Apple //e Emulator, check out its GitHub repository for the source code, installation and usage instructions, and further related details. The emulator’s flexibility, clean code, and nostalgic appeal make it a must-try for Apple II enthusiasts and retro gamers alike.
The MII Apple //e Emulator is being released by Michel under the MIT license.
