The Apple II clone
inside an IBM PC
a feature of Diskman presents
www.diskman.com
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INTRODUCTION

In the 1980s, Diamond Computer Systems produced the Trackstar series of Apple II compatibles. What sets these clones apart from the rest of the pack, however, is the fact that each Trackstar is a complete Apple II computer shrunk down to fit on a single 8-bit ISA card for use with IBM PCs and compatibles.

That's right! Just install the Trackstar into a free slot, and your IBM PC instantly becomes two computers in one. You can even switch back and forth between Apple II and PC modes at any time! It's pretty wild. And since the Trackstar essentially is, for all intents and purposes, a “real” Apple II, there is a very high degree of software compatibility.

In its heyday, the Trackstar was a big deal: it increased the number of software packages available to PC owners, from business applications, to educational programs, to games, by the thousands. Since the advent of software-based Apple II emulators, the Trackstar has become more of a novelty – but what a novelty! – and collector's item.

As a “collect to use” kind of guy, I get a lot of mileage out of my Trackstars. With the help of this website, you'll have a head start on following suit. As well, you'll be introduced to a few other devices in the same vein: the Quadram Quadlink and Cordata WPC Bridge.
WEBSITE UPDATES
January 1, 2024

Merry 2024! Today marks the addition of the Quadlink Software Revision 3.0 documentation addendum, found in the manuals of later versions of the product. Thanks to Steve Hutton for the scan!

This website created by and © Brandon Cobb. The legal rights to all computer programs featured on this website belong to the respective copyright holders.