| The Multitech MPF‑III, also known as Microprofessor III, was launched in 1983 by Multitech (later Acer) and is one of the earliest Apple IIe–compatible systems. It is powered by a 1 MHz MOS 6502 CPU and originally came with 64 KB of RAM and 2 KB of static RAM. In addition to Apple DOS and ProDOS compatibility, some models featured a Chinese-localized BASIC based on Applesoft. Expansion was available via six internal slots and an optional Z80 CP/M card, allowing the machine to switch into CP/M mode. A separate 80-column text card could also be added for full text display. The MPF‑III uses composite or RF video output and has audio output, a cassette port, printer and joystick connectors, and an external floppy drive interface. Unlike its predecessors, it did not feature a built-in keyboard — it is designed to work with a full-size external keyboard with around 90 keys, including a numeric keypad. Graphics support included text modes (40×24 and optional 80×24) and color graphics in 280×192 (6 colors) or low-resolution 40×48 (16 colors). Sound was simple, with a single audio channel. Though only partially compatible with some Apple IIe software due to custom ROMs and graphics routines, it remained a niche system. It was available in both NTSC regions (MPF‑III/311) and PAL regions (MPF‑III/312) and was later sold in Latin America as the Latindata MPF‑III. Despite its limitations, it holds a place in history as a rare early Apple IIe clone and a stepping stone in Acer’s evolution. |
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