Apple II Clone Laptop Arrives as “Book II” Portable Retro Computer

The Hackaday report reveals that a Chinese company behind the earlier Book8086 has launched a new portable computer called the Book II, which is essentially an Apple II clone packaged in a laptop form factor rather than a MacBook [1].

Key takeaways

• The Book II houses two built‑in processors, mirroring the Apple II’s historic Z80 soft‑card expansion [1].
• It includes an 80‑column video card, a second floppy controller, printer interface and a 16 KB ROM language card [1].
• Two of the Apple II’s expansion slots remain, with one exposed on the rear for external cards, plus dedicated printer and floppy ports [1].
• The design targets retro enthusiasts who might add DOS capability via an expansion card or emulate the system on an FPGA [1].
• Priced around $500 on AliExpress, the device is positioned as a niche hobbyist product rather than a mainstream laptop [1].

A Retro Computer in a Modern Shell

The Book II’s dual‑processor architecture harks back to the Apple II era when users could insert a Z80 soft‑card to run CP/M applications. In this new laptop, the secondary processor is integrated, eliminating the need for a separate card. Alongside the extra CPU, the machine provides an 80‑column video card for text‑mode displays, a second floppy controller for additional storage, a printer interface, and a 16 KB ROM card that holds language utilities. These features occupy two of the original Apple II’s expansion slots; one slot is broken out on the back of the chassis, allowing users to attach further peripherals such as a DOS card, potentially enabling the laptop to run MS‑DOS software as well [1].

Target Audience and Market Position

The Book II is marketed toward retro computing hobbyists who appreciate the Apple II’s legacy and desire a portable version. The article notes that similar retro‑PC laptops, like the NEC V20‑based PC version, found a niche market, and the Book II is expected to follow suit. For those unwilling to purchase the hardware, the article suggests building an Apple II clone on an FPGA as an alternative. The device’s price—approximately $500 on AliExpress—places it at roughly one‑tenth the cost of a comparable 1980s system, making it an affordable entry point for enthusiasts [1].

Why it matters

The Book II demonstrates ongoing interest in vintage computing platforms and shows how modern manufacturers can reinterpret classic architectures for contemporary hobbyist markets. By offering genuine Apple II hardware in a laptop enclosure, the product bridges the gap between historical preservation and practical portability, potentially spurring further development of retro‑compatible accessories and software. As interest in FPGA‑based recreations grows, the Book II may serve both as a functional retro machine and as a reference design for future hobbyist projects.