Apple Graphics Tablet (1979)
Apple Graphics Tablet (1979): a 39×39 cm digitizing tablet with a wired stylus and an interface card for the Apple II; designed by Summagraphics.
Specs
| Reference | Graphics Tablet (A2M0029) |
| Launch / discontinued | 1979 / — |
| CPU | — |
| Memory | — |
| Storage | Software on floppy (2 disks included) |
| Display / graphics | 39×39 cm tablet with wired stylus |
| Expansion / ports | Interface card in an Apple II slot |
| US launch price | USD 650 |
Launch
It launched in 1979 at USD 650, when the Apple II Plus was the current model. The tablet and its stylus connected to an interface card in an internal Apple II slot and drew power from it.
Marketing
It let users draw on the Apple II's high-resolution screen with a precision game paddles could not match. The package included two software diskettes and a menu overlay, and Summagraphics sold the same design for other computers as the BitPad.
Flaws and fixes
The first version interfered with television reception, a serious problem when the Apple II used a TV as its display; Apple had to withdraw it and release an RFI version meeting FCC emission rules, functionally identical.
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Updated: October 24, 2026 · Sources: retrotechwiki.com, archive.org, apple2history.org · Compare this product