The first generation of home computers used discrete components for the display controller which is crazy expensive because you need lots of counters, comparators, wide data paths, etc which adds up to a lot of parts.
Second generation machines line the VIC-20 and TRS-80 Color Computer used ASICs for the display controller. Apple though the ][ was on borrowed time and has no idea how long it would last so they were slow to come out with the ][e which was cost-reduced.
Second generation machines line the VIC-20 and TRS-80 Color Computer used ASICs for the display controller. Apple though the ][ was on borrowed time and has no idea how long it would last so they were slow to come out with the ][e which was cost-reduced.