Back in the mid 80’s when I bought my Apple //c, all things Apple came at fairly high price for someone like me who was on a tight budget.
No we suffer from an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the Apple II. Hardware which we used to pay a premium for, can be had at a fraction of the cost today. Most software can be downloaded for free off the internet, with the help of the amazing ADTPro.
In 1985, I bought the Cricket by Street Electronics for around $150. This is a combination sound card and clock. Recently I bought a No Slot Clock on eBay for $10.50.
External diskette drives cost several hundred dollars each back in the 80’s. In the last few years, I have bought a duodrive and controller for my Apple //e for around $25.00. I’ve bought 3 1/2 external diskette drives for as little as $50.
Like I said above, look on the internet and you can find software that you might have wanted years ago, but couldn’t afford. I know I’ve seen several packages that originally cost as much as $150, available for download.
If you are new to the Apple II, just coming back to it or maybe you are one of the few who have kept on using it, look around. You might find that piece of hardware or software you always wanted to try out or own for a price that is more manageable than it was 25 year ago.
I certainly would love another Cricket! I had one on my //c back in 1984/5.