LISA Registry

[ChiTownMike]

All

Any objections to me creating an online registry of LISA computers -- I'll use a format similar to those created here on my site vintageapplecomputers.info - but dedicated to the LISA.

@blusnowkitty would you be opposed if I used your google doc as a starting point?

[ChiTownMike]

Ok - 250 + views and no reply's - I'm taking that as no objection to building this out.   Anyone want to spend maybe 10-15 mins testing the site for me? 

[sigma7]

Anyone want to spend maybe 10-15 mins testing the site for me? 

Post it and I expect they will come...

[leppardfan]

How can I get my Lisa-1 and 2/10 on either registry?
I remember a long time ago someone was collecting twiggy serial numbers...is that registry still alive?

[ChiTownMike]

Give the registry a shot and let me know how it goes.

I've imported the original list - look for your machine first and claim it!  I'll approve the claim.  If you don't see your serial number in the list please go ahead and enter it as a new machine.  The logic on the site should be smart enough to confirm your machine does not exist first if you try to enter it as new.  Thanks for your help

Http://VintageAppleComputers.info/lisa

[classiccomputing]

Hi Mike,

I now have two Lisa 2s and I am going to register them at the site.

One thing I noticed there though, and forgive me if you already know this, but there was no unique "Macintosh XL." That was all "rebadged" through marketing. Nothing changed about the machine. Specifically, the Lisa 2/10 became the Macintosh XL. Again, nothing else about the computer changed. As far as running MacWorks, or installing the screen pixel "fix," this could all be done on a Lisa 1 or 2/5 as well.

So, in my opinion, there is no reason to have a "Macintosh XL" category, only a place where people can notate the Screen Mod Kit (square-pixel modification, 608 × 432 timing PROM, "3A" boot ROMs, and CRT deflection transformer coil). This wasn't even standard on the XL. Or if it's running MacWorks, has the Mac mouse or etc.

It is true of course that a Lisa with the screen mod can no longer run the Lisa Office System (LOS).

[ChiTownMike]

Thanks for the note - My understanding is there actually was a physical change required for the MAC XL machine in terms of the following:

Boot ROM Change
Screen Modification Kit (Resolution)

IF I'm wrong please let me know and will consider how to best code this - but fairly certain this was the case.

Regards,
Michael

[sigma7]

was a physical change required for the MAC XL machine

I purchased one and it arrived without the screen modification kit; the main box is labeled as a 2/10.

I ordered it as they were being collected to be returned to Apple, and was told they were lucky to retrieve it before the point of no return, so possibly one of the last purchased in Canada.

IIRC, it did include MacWorks XL 3.0 in a separate box.

[classiccomputing]

Hi Michael,

I have researched this and did just run it through Google Gemini, ChatGPT and Copilot again to make sure it was as accurate as possible (yes, I know AI doesn't 100% guarantee that). I also have the basic confirmations from a few sources from my interviews (from my Apple Lisa documentary film).

Apple officially rebranded the Lisa 2/10 as the Macintosh XL on January 23, 1985, at its 1985 Annual Shareholders Meeting. The hardware was essentially unchanged from the Lisa 2/10, including its original 720 × 364 display with rectangular pixels. The XL shipped with MacWorks XL, Apple's Macintosh emulation software, allowing it to boot and run Macintosh system software and applications. I own the earlier "MacWorks" for the Lisa (shipped April 1984), and the "Macintosh XL MacWorks XL."

The optional Macintosh XL Screen Kit was subsequently offered as a dealer-installed hardware upgrade (shipping in the Spring of 1985). It changed the display circuitry to provide approximately 608 × 431 resolution with square pixels, improving compatibility with Macintosh graphics and applications.

[ried]

Good sleuthing there, David. I wasn't aware of that gap between the Macintosh XL transition and the actual availability of the screen mod kit. Interesting!