For learning hardware, an Apple II or an Apple II+ is better since the large custom chips (MMU and IOU) are not there; instead, almost everything is generic TTL. For software, I think the Apple IIe is better. The computer has much more built-in capabilities (64K, 80-columns, lower case, better keyboard, etc). The ROMs are replaceable with standard 27 series EPROMs. I just picked up four Platinum IIes. The firmware is in one ROM (16KB, 27C128 compatible). I also have a SwyftCard. I am going to see if I can convert the IIe into a Canon Cat. The show-stopper would be if the SwyftCard uses lots of IIe ROM routines and I cannot fit it all into 16KB. Paul R. Santa-Maria Monroe, Michigan USA