Unofficial IBM Aptiva Support
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DON5408's Unofficial Aptiva Support Site

Fellow Aptiva Owners!Welcome to this forum dedicated solely to IBM Aptiva and to anyone interested in these machines and that era in IT history. Many of us likely have a nostalgic connection to the 90s and early 2000s, particularly to the PCs from that time. Those who grew up in the 90s might have had an IBM Aptiva as their family computer, or perhaps many have used an Aptiva in a professional setting.

With this forum, I aim to create a community for everyone who has a warm spot in their heart for the IBM Aptiva. That said, I also welcome anyone interested in other topics. I’ve set up an image board for sharing nostalgia, whether it’s photos, stories, or anything else, especially links to machines, software, and games from the 90s and early 2000s. Perhaps you’d also like to share experiences from your work life, where the use of classic machines holds a significant place?

IBM Aptiva

The IBM Aptiva personal computer was introduced in September 1994 as the replacement for the IBM PS/1. The first Aptiva models were based on the Intel 80486 CPU with later models using the Pentium and AMD CPUs. All systems were developed in-house except for the later E series which was developed by Acer. The last system was withdrawn in May 2001 without direct replacement when IBM decided to exit the home market. Customers were directed to the IBM NetVista, which was more targeted to business desktops. Most Aptiva models included a modem and a standby/hibernation feature called "Rapid Resume".

Aptiva computers were typically sold as a bundle which included monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse. First generation models came with IBM PC DOS 6.3 and Windows 3.1. Pentium generation Aptivas came with Windows 95 and OS/2 'select-a-system' (PC DOS 7/Windows 3.1 and OS/2 Warp) on selected models.

Sound and modem functionality was provided on M, A, C and S models by an IBM Mwave adapter. The Mwave adaptor had multiple compatibility and performance issues and was eventually replaced by standard modems and sound cards. IBM settled a lawsuit for Mwave owners by refunding Aptiva Mwave owners a small monetary fee so that those owners could purchase industry standard devices.

Aptiva Models

To understand which 'series' a Pentium-based Aptiva belongs to look at the first letter of the 3 character model number (so a 2168-M40 is an M Series). The word in quotes relates to the internal development name for the computer.
A Series Followed the M series Aptiva. Also used Mwave adaptor and Windows 95.
C Series "Courageous" There were two model types and followed A series Aptiva.
E Series
L Series
M Series "Magic" First Aptiva series preloaded with Windows 95. Also used Mwave adaptor
S Series "Stealth" This model appeared during the C series introduction and used Mwave also.

Aptiva machine types
2134, 2136, 2137, 2138
2140, 2142, 2144
2151-89E, 2153, 2156, 2158, 2159
2161, 2162, 2163, 2164, 2168,
2170 (AMD K6-2), 2171, 2172, 2173, 2174, 2176, 2178
2193, 2194, 2196, 2197, 2198
2255
2270, 2274
6832
6864

The first generation of Aptivas used the 2144 desktop and 2168 tower unit form factors. The 2159 "stealth" series was a unique all black design that had the monitor resting on a metal stand with a 'console' located underneath which contained the floppy and CD drive. The console connected to the main unit via a 6-foot cable. Later in the production life, all Aptivas used tower unit form factors. Originally the 2144 and 2168 machine types referred to the amount of open slots and drive bays. Later machine type numbers did not have the same nomenclature.
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