Scarce Apple II Plus computer (Model No. A2S1048B, Serial No. A2S3-017219), popularly known as the 'Darth Vader' or 'Black Apple' model due to its distinctive dark case, produced for Bell & Howell under a special license to be sold in educational markets. The computer is upgraded with a Saturn 32k RAM expansion card, Hayes Micromodem II (not complete), Apple parallel interface card, Disk II controller card, and Viewmax 80 card. The set includes a pair of Apple Disk II Drives (Model A2M0003) in their matching black Bell & Howell cases, and a standard Panasonic TR930B 9" Video Monitor. Both the computer and the disk drives bear co-branded labels: "Made exclusively for Bell & Howell by Apple Computer, Inc." The system boots up and is in fine cosmetic condition.
The Bell & Howell Apple II is quite scarce and sought-after by collectors, given its eye-catching color—introduced in 1979, this was the only black computer manufactured by Apple until the release of the Macintosh TV in 1993. Modifications for the Bell & Howell unit allowed it to be UL-certified—a safety necessity for sales to some school districts. By allowing Bell & Howell to sell their modified product, Apple was able to succeed in the educational market.
