Microprofessor III

Microprofessor III (MPF III), introduced in 1983, was Acer's (then known as Multitech) third branded computer product and also (arguably) one of the first Apple clones (an Apple IIe clone). Unlike the two earlier computers, its design was influenced by the IBM personal computer. Because of some additional functions in the ROM and different graphics routines, the MPF III was not totally compatible with the Apple IIe.

One key feature of the MPF III in some models was its Chinese BASIC, a version of Chinese-localized BASIC based on Applesoft BASIC.

The MPF III included an optional Z80 CP/M emulator card. It permitted the computer to switch to the Z80 processor and run programs developed under the CP/M operating system.

Technical specifications

• CPU: MOS Technology 6502, 1 MHz
• Memory (RAM): 64KB dynamic RAM and 2KB static RAM
• ROM: 24KB, including MBASIC (MPF-III BASIC), monitor, sound, display and printer programs and drivers
• Operating system: DOS 3.3 or ProDOS
• Input/Output: NTSC composite video jack, TV RF modulator port, cassette port, printer port, joystick 9-pin D-type port, earphone, and external speaker jacks
• Expandability: internal slots (6), optional Z80 CP/M emulator card
• Screen display:
  • Text modes: 40x24, 80x24 (with 80 columns card)
  • Graphics modes: 40x48 (16 col), 280x192 (6 col)
• Sound: one channel
• Storage: 2 optional 5.25 inch 140 KB diskette drives
• Keyboard: 90 keys keyboard with numeric keypad

See also

• Microprofessor I — unrelated Z80 programming education device
• Microprofessor II

External links

• MPF III at the Old Computer Museum
• MPF III at the Silicium Museum (French)
• MPF III at the ZONADEPRUEBAS (Spanish)