Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Compact Macintosh

The Compact Macintosh is a family of all-in-one personal computers produced by Apple Inc. from 1984 to 1995, distinguished by their integrated beige plastic enclosure that combined a CRT display, CPU, floppy drive, and ports into a single compact unit measuring approximately 13.6 by 9.6 by 10.9 inches (height × width × depth). These machines, powered by Motorola 68000-series processors, were designed for ease of use and affordability, targeting home and small office users with Apple's proprietary Macintosh operating system featuring a graphical user interface (GUI). The line began with the revolutionary Macintosh 128K, released on January 24, 1984, which introduced the , , and icons to mainstream consumers via a 9-inch monochrome display and 128 KB of , fundamentally changing personal computing by making technology accessible beyond hobbyists. Subsequent models improved performance and expandability: the (September 1984) quadrupled to 512 KB for better multitasking; the (January 1986) added ports and up to 4 MB ; and the Macintosh SE (March 1987) included an internal expansion slot for peripherals. The (January 1989), with its 16 MHz 68030 processor and up to 32 MB , became a favorite among power users for its speed and upgrade potential. Later iterations focused on affordability and color: the (October 1990) offered a budget-friendly 8 MHz 68000 CPU with up to 10 MB ; the (October 1991) upgraded to a 16 MHz 68030; and the (February 1993) debuted a built-in 10-inch color display (512x384 resolution) alongside 4 MB . The series concluded with the Color Classic II (October 1994, 33 MHz 68030). Overall, Compact Macintoshes sold millions of units, paving the way for Apple's later modular and colorful designs while embodying the company's early emphasis on intuitive, integrated hardware.

History

Development and Launch

The Compact Macintosh project originated in 1979 when , a member of the development team, proposed a low-cost, user-friendly computer to Apple chairman , envisioning an appliance-like device for the masses under the code name "." Raskin's vision emphasized a bitmapped display, integrated peripherals, and a focus on , drawing from his experiences with early graphical interfaces. In late 1979, , seeking to create an accessible alternative to high-end systems, visited PARC and was profoundly influenced by the workstation's , , and , which he sought to adapt for a more affordable . This inspiration accelerated after Jobs was sidelined from the project in 1981 due to internal conflicts and delays, leading him to take over the Macintosh team and redirect it toward a bitmapped GUI powered by the CPU. Key milestones included Bill Atkinson's development of software for efficient graphics rendering and Burrell Smith's innovative hardware design, which integrated the 68000 processor onto a compact custom to minimize costs and components. Prototypes emerged by , with factory trials confirming the form factor combining display, CPU, and peripherals. The Macintosh launched on January 24, , following a landmark advertisement titled "," directed by , which depicted a dystopian rebellion against conformity to symbolize Apple's challenge to IBM's dominance. Priced at $2,495, the initial 128K model debuted in retail stores that day, marketed as "the computer for the rest of us" to appeal to non-technical users through its intuitive interface and integrated design. The launch exceeded expectations, with approximately 70,000 units sold in the first 100 days, validating ' vision despite the higher-than-targeted price.

Production and Discontinuation

Production of the original Macintosh began in early at Apple's newly opened, highly automated $20 million facility in , designed specifically to manufacture the compact . The plant emphasized efficiency, with assembly times as short as 26 minutes per unit, enabling rapid scaling to meet demand. Initial production targets varied, with CEO projecting 250,000 units for , while aimed higher at 500,000, reflecting optimism for the Macintosh's . By 1986, output had stabilized as Apple refined processes, though exact annual figures for that year remain undocumented in contemporary reports. A widespread shortage in disrupted the , affecting Apple's Macintosh production by limiting availability of key components like chips needed for upgrades such as the transition to the 512K model introduced in . This , which persisted for much of the year before easing in late , delayed broader rollout of enhanced configurations and prompted reliance on third-party solutions for expansion in early units. The crisis highlighted vulnerabilities in the for compact designs, where integrated components were harder to substitute. As production evolved through the mid-1980s, Apple focused on cost efficiencies amid competitive pressures, though ambitious prototypes exploring color displays for compact models never reached manufacturing. By 1987, models like the Macintosh SE incorporated incremental improvements, such as optional higher-capacity floppy drives, to reduce reliance on and lower overall system costs without altering the all-in-one . These changes aimed to sustain viability against modular rivals offering greater expandability, such as the series. The original 128K Macintosh ceased production in 1985, replaced by upgraded variants. The was introduced in October 1990 and discontinued in September 1992. However, the broader compact line continued into the mid-1990s, with the final model, the (also sold as the Performa 275), discontinued on November 1, 1995. This phase-out was driven by shifting market demands for expandable systems, as seen in competitors like the , which provided slots for peripherals and outpaced the fixed architecture of compact Macs. Apple's financial difficulties in , including a $17.2 million quarterly loss and temporary halts in computer production to align with , directly influenced compact Macintosh output through measures. The company closed three of its six plants, laid off over 1,200 employees, and eliminated dedicated product divisions, integrating Macintosh into a unified operations group to cut redundancies and costs. These actions stemmed from sluggish sales and overproduction, temporarily slowing the line's momentum. The compact Macintosh's long-term viability was shaped by tensions between Jef Raskin's original vision of an affordable, user-centric appliance priced around $500 and ' execution, which elevated it to a $2,495 premium product inspired by the workstation to accelerate market entry and polish. Raskin's emphasis on humane interface design laid foundational software principles, but ' hardware-driven push ensured commercial launch in , though the higher price and limited expandability contributed to eventual against more versatile competitors.

Design and Technology

Hardware Architecture

The Compact Macintosh series utilized as its core . Early models, such as the Macintosh 128K, employed the operating at a clock speed of 7.833 MHz. This 16/32-bit featured a 32-bit internal but employed a 16-bit external data bus and 24-bit addressing, which theoretically limited the addressable memory space to 16 MB, though practical implementations in these models capped usable at lower amounts due to and software constraints. Later models featured upgraded processors, such as the 68030 at speeds up to 33 MHz in the Color Classic II. Memory configurations across the series ranged from 128 KB of RAM in the initial models to up to 4 MB in variants like the Plus and SE, and 32 MB in the SE/30, all using dynamic RAM chips soldered or socketed on the logic board. Storage relied on a standard 400 KB single-sided 3.5-inch Sony floppy disk drive in early units, upgraded to 800 KB double-sided in enhanced models; hard disk drives were absent until the SE, which offered an optional internal 20 MB SCSI-based unit. The absence of built-in hard storage emphasized the system's reliance on floppies for booting and data management. The graphics subsystem in early models centered on a 9-inch cathode-ray tube () display with a of 512 × 342 pixels and 1-bit , enabling the rendering of the without dedicated color support. Later models, such as the Color Classic, featured a 10-inch color at 512 × 384 with 8-bit . Video output was managed by custom logic implemented in (PAL) chips on the main board, which interleaved the frame buffer directly within the system RAM (allocating approximately 22 KB for the screen), allowing the 68000 processor to drive display updates efficiently but tying video performance closely to CPU cycles. Expansion was severely restricted in most models by the all-in-one , featuring no user-accessible slots or bus; instead, a internal bus connected components, with external connectivity limited to serial ports and a DB-19 floppy port on early models. The Macintosh SE and SE/30 included an internal Processor Direct Slot (PDS) for expansion cards. Starting with the 1986 Macintosh Plus, an external port enabled peripheral expansion such as hard drives, while the analog board handled functions, including custom serial interfaces for the and in pre-1987 units and the introduction of the (ADB) in the SE for simplified peripheral connections. Early models included an integrated sound system with an 8-bit (DAC) and built-in speaker for simple audio output supporting the GUI's beeps and alerts. The power subsystem consisted of a 60 W internal unit (PSU) integrated into the analog board, providing regulated voltages for the logic board, , and drives while accepting 105–125 V input at 50–60 Hz. Cooling was passive, relying on the metal for heat dissipation, which proved inadequate in early models prone to overheating from the densely packed components and heat, prompting the addition of an internal fan in the SE to mitigate thermal throttling and component stress.

Case Design and Ergonomics

The Compact Macintosh line is renowned for its innovative all-in-one enclosure, which integrated the display, logic board, and storage into a single compact unit, emphasizing simplicity and user-friendliness in its external design. The original "snow" case, measuring 13.6 inches in height, 9.6 inches in width, and 10.9 inches in depth while weighing 16.5 pounds, featured a built-in 9-inch display and a front-loading 3.5-inch floppy drive slot. This design was spearheaded by industrial designers Jerry Manock and Terry Oyama, who crafted a minimalist aesthetic that prioritized a clean, approachable without exposed ports or cables on the primary surfaces. Ergonomic considerations were central to the case's layout, with a sloped that elevated the to an optimal typing angle, reducing strain during extended use. A built-in molded on the top facilitated portability, allowing users to carry the 16.5-pound unit more easily despite its integrated components. The input setup complemented this user-centric approach: a detachable telephone-style coiled-cord with 58 keys (lacking a or to streamline the interface) connected via an RJ-11 port, paired with a single-button "hockey puck" that encouraged intuitive point-and-click interactions without multi-button complexity. Accessibility was enhanced by the high-contrast monochrome display, which provided sharp readability for text and graphics in various lighting conditions, though it was prone to issues like phosphor burn-in from prolonged static images and surface glare from ambient light reflecting off the CRT glass. Screen positioning was fixed within the case, offering no user-adjustable tilt beyond minor internal geometry tweaks limited to about 15 degrees via yoke adjustments during service. Design evolutions in later models refined these principles for practicality. The Macintosh SE introduced an internal metal chassis for added structural durability, protecting components from physical stress while maintaining the external plastic shell. The Macintosh Classic, aimed at cost reduction, retained the plastic enclosure but incorporated ventilation slots along the sides and rear to support an internal cooling fan, improving thermal management without altering the iconic footprint.

Models

Original and Enhanced Models (1984–1986)

The Macintosh 128K, launched on January 24, 1984, formed the foundational model of the Compact Macintosh series, featuring of , a 9-inch display with 512x342 , and a single-sided 400 3.5-inch drive. Targeted at creative professionals such as writers, artists, and designers, it prioritized an intuitive to facilitate tasks like document creation and basic graphics work. However, its fixed 128 lacked an official path, and the 64 ROM prevented compatibility with later file systems without third-party modifications. The model also faced reliability challenges, including overheating from its enclosed all-in-one design, which strained the power supply and components during prolonged use. Additionally, the internal drive's 400 capacity limited storage, requiring external drives for access to higher-capacity 800 disks. In September 1984, Apple introduced the , internally codenamed "Fat Mac," which doubled the to 512 KB and upgraded to a double-sided 800 KB floppy drive for greater storage efficiency. This model incorporated a revised 128 KB that enhanced memory management, enabling support for the (HFS) and allowing multiple applications to run concurrently without the frequent crashes experienced on the resource-constrained 128K. The increased memory addressed key limitations of the original, such as insufficient headroom for software like and , which often exceeded 128 KB during editing sessions. The , released on January 16, 1986, enhanced the 512K design with a base of 1 MB RAM expandable to 4 MB via soldered expansion (or third-party upgrades to higher), a 800 KB floppy drive, and the addition of a port for external peripherals, including hard drives. Priced at $2,599, it improved and options while maintaining the compact , serving as a bridge to more expandable systems. The , released on April 14, 1986, served as an enhanced economy iteration with 512 and the same 800 drive as its predecessor, but achieved minor cost reductions through simplified manufacturing and retention of the original 128 from the 512K. Priced at $1,999—significantly lower than the $2,599 —it targeted budget-conscious users while maintaining compatibility with existing software, though it omitted advanced features like support. Production continued until September 1, 1987, filling a niche for affordable entry into the Macintosh ecosystem before the line shifted toward more versatile designs.

SE and Portable Models (1987–1989)

The Macintosh SE, introduced in March 1987, represented a significant evolution in the compact Macintosh lineup by incorporating enhanced expandability while maintaining the all-in-one . It featured a processor running at 8 MHz, base memory of 1 MB expandable to 4 MB via 30-pin SIMMs, and options for dual 800K floppy drives or a single floppy paired with a 20 MB hard drive mounted internally. Priced at $2,900 for the base model with dual floppies, the SE introduced the Processor Direct Slot (PDS), which allowed for third-party expansions including adapters to connect cards, thereby bridging compact and modular desktop architectures. Standard ports and the new (ADB) for peripherals further improved connectivity, while an internal metal RF shield ensured compliance with (EMI) regulations in a fan-cooled plastic enclosure weighing 17 pounds. Building on the SE's foundation, the , released in January , upgraded the platform with a 16 MHz processor, 1.44 MB floppy, and support for up to 32 MB of through socketed 30-pin SIMMs. This model served as a performance bridge toward color-capable systems, retaining the PDS for expansions and optional 40 MB hard drive, all within the same compact case updated for better ventilation. Base pricing started at $4,400, emphasizing its role in professional workflows requiring faster processing without sacrificing the all-in-one design. Extending the compact lineage into portability, the , launched in September 1989, marked Apple's inaugural battery-powered laptop while adhering to the all-in-one ethos through its integrated 9.8-inch 640x400 monochrome active-matrix LCD and full keyboard. Equipped with a 16 MHz 68000 processor, 1 MB base expandable to 9 MB, and a 1.44 MB , it weighed 16 pounds and provided up to 10 hours of battery life via a lead-acid pack, enabling untethered use with standard and ADB ports. However, its high introductory price of $6,500 and notably dim non-backlit screen in early units hindered widespread adoption, despite innovative features like a front handle doubling as a lock. The Portable's design prioritized durability and compatibility with desktop compact models, though its bulk underscored the challenges of early .

Classic and Final Models (1990–1994)

The , introduced on October 15, 1990, served as a cost-reduced rebadging of the earlier , retaining the processor clocked at 8 MHz while offering 1 MB or 2 MB of (expandable to 4 MB via an internal card). It featured a standard 1.44 MB floppy drive and an optional internal 40 MB hard disk drive, all housed in the familiar all-in-one compact case with a 9-inch display at 512 × 342 . Priced at $999 for the base model without hard drive, it marked Apple's first sub-$1,000 Macintosh, aimed at competing directly with affordable PC clones in the entry-level market. The , released on October 21, 1991, represented the final evolution of the monochrome compact Macintosh line, upgrading to a 16 MHz processor with 2 of (expandable to 10 ) and support for color video output via an optional Apple RGB . It included a 40 or 80 hard drive as standard, along with the 1.44 , maintaining the compact all-in-one but introducing transitional compatibility for emerging features. Production of the Classic II continued until September 1993, serving as a bridge to more modular designs. Later iterations focused on color displays: the , released in February 1993, featured a built-in 10-inch color (512x384 ), 4 MB expandable to 10 MB, a 33 MHz 68030 processor, and 1.44 MB in the compact case. The Macintosh TV, introduced in October 1993, integrated a TV tuner and 14-inch color display into an all-in-one unit with a 32 MHz 68030, 4 MB , and options for 40/80/160 MB HDD, targeting users at $2,749. The series concluded with the Color Classic II in October 1994, upgrading to 33 MHz 68030, 10 MB standard, and improved video support. These final models emphasized budget-oriented refinements, such as improved power efficiency through optimized 68000-series components and preparation for with enhanced memory management, though they retained the all-in-one design's limitations like limited expandability and fixed displays. Targeted primarily at the sector, the in particular became a staple in schools due to its low cost and reliability for basic tasks, while introducing subtle evolutions in shortcuts for better with upcoming software updates. The thus acted as the for the compact Macintosh era, with its discontinuation in September 1992 signaling Apple's shift toward more versatile, expandable systems.

Software and Compatibility

Operating System Evolution

The original Compact Macintosh models launched with System 1.0 in January 1984, providing a foundational () centered around the Finder for file management and basic application launching. This initial operating system was severely constrained by the hardware's 128 KB of , supporting only essential functions without advanced features like a clock in the , to ensure stability within the limited memory. The contained the startup to initialize the , after which the loaded from a boot into . As Compact Macintosh hardware evolved, so did the operating system, with System 2.0 in April 1985 introducing minor enhancements like desk accessories and improved desk accessory handling, while System 3.0 in January 1986 marked a significant advancement by adopting the (HFS). HFS replaced the flat Macintosh File System (MFS), enabling organized structures and support for larger devices, such as the new 800 KB floppy drives and SCSI hard disks introduced with the . This adaptation was crucial for Compact models, whose all-in-one limited expandability, allowing better management of growing data volumes without hardware overhauls. A pivotal upgrade arrived with System 5.0 in October 1987, incorporating MultiFinder as an optional extension for cooperative multitasking, permitting multiple applications to run simultaneously by switching between them via the Finder. This addressed the single-tasking limitations of earlier systems, though it relied on applications voluntarily yielding control, leading to potential instability if poorly behaved software monopolized resources. By System 6.0 in April 1988, MultiFinder became standard, alongside optimizations for performance; 32-bit addressing to enable access to more than 8 MB of RAM was available via optional patches on supported models, with native support arriving in System 7. System 6 emphasized reliability for Compact hardware, with ROM-based initialization ensuring consistent startup even as disk-based systems grew more complex. Despite these advances, the operating systems for Compact Macintosh retained inherent limitations tied to the era's hardware, including , which allowed memory leaks or faulty applications to the entire system. in May 1991 enhanced cooperative multitasking, but support on final Compact models like the was restricted due to the 68000 processor's inefficiencies and fixed 4 MB ceiling, resulting in sluggish performance and incomplete feature utilization. A key software milestone enhancing the ecosystem was the integration of the driver in 1985, coinciding with the printer's release and enabling high-resolution output directly from the Macintosh . This driver facilitated the desktop publishing revolution by allowing seamless scaling of fonts and graphics, transforming Compact Macintosh into a viable tool for professional layout and printing without specialized hardware.

Bundled Applications and Ecosystem

The Compact Macintosh line debuted in 1984 with a standard software bundle consisting of , a , and , a graphics editor, both provided on 400 KB floppy disks alongside 1.0 and Finder 1.0. These applications exemplified the graphical user interface's potential for productivity and creativity, allowing users to create and edit documents and images without command-line expertise. MacTerminal, a for communications, was available as an optional purchase but not included in the initial standard bundle. By mid-1984, updates to 1.1 included revised versions of MacWrite 2.2 and MacPaint 1.3, enhancing compatibility and features for the Macintosh 128K and subsequent 512K models. As the line evolved, bundled software expanded to support more advanced workflows. In 1986, with the introduction of the Macintosh Plus and 512Ke, Apple bundled full versions of and . The dot-matrix printer received dedicated driver support in System 3.0, enabling high-quality text and graphics output directly from bundled apps. The Macintosh SE, launched in March 1987 with 4.0 (single-tasking), received MultiFinder as an optional extension via the System 5.0 update in October 1987, allowing multitasking and seamless switching between applications on models with at least 1 MB of . The peripheral ecosystem complemented the software bundle, leveraging the Compact Macintosh's serial ports for connectivity. , introduced in 1984 and fully supported via adapters by 1985, enabled easy local area networking for and printer access among multiple machines without complex configuration. External modems connected through the same serial ports facilitated dial-up communications, integrating with apps like MacTerminal for and access. Third-party software, such as SuperPaint—a hybrid bitmap and vector editor released in 1986—extended the ecosystem by combining features of and MacDraw, offering advanced graphics tools for professional users. However, early models faced compatibility limitations, lacking native hard drive support until the added a port in 1986; prior to this, users relied on 400 KB or 800 KB floppy disks for all file storage and transfers, constraining workflows for larger projects. Apple's developer tools further nurtured the ecosystem, with the (MPW) released in 1986 providing a comprehensive command-line environment for compiling , Pascal, and code to create custom applications compatible with Compact models. MPW included editors, debuggers, and linkers, empowering third-party developers to build on the bundled software foundation and expand the available titles, from utilities to specialized business tools. This infrastructure supported rapid ecosystem growth, with thousands of applications emerging by the late to leverage the Macintosh's hardware ports and operating system.

Legacy and Impact

Market Reception and Sales

The launch of the Compact Macintosh in 1984 generated immense hype following its advertisement, with initial sales reaching 70,000 units by May and totaling approximately 250,000 units for the year. However, demand quickly waned due to the high $2,495 , limited software availability, and constraints, resulting in monthly sales dropping to around 10,000 units by year's end and contributing to financial losses for Apple on each unit sold. Sales rebounded with the introduction of enhanced models, particularly the in 1986, which became a and helped the overall line surpass 1 million units shipped by March 1987. Apple's computers, including the Macintosh line, achieved significant dominance in the education market, capturing about 60% share by 1987 through targeted pricing and bundling for schools and universities, where its graphical interface appealed to creative and academic users. Criticisms centered on the high cost and lack of expandability compared to competitors like the and , which offered superior graphics, multitasking, and hardware upgrades at lower prices, prompting Apple to implement significant price reductions in 1985—such as dropping the from $2,795 to $2,499 to stimulate demand. Regional performance varied, with strong adoption in the U.S. creative sectors like and , while saw slower uptake due to delays in software localization and higher import costs. By 1990, the Compact Macintosh line had cumulatively sold over 2 million units, bolstered by late models like the , though transitioning to modular designs began eroding its exclusivity.

Technological and Cultural Significance

The Compact Macintosh line played a pivotal role in standardizing graphical user interfaces () in personal computing by introducing a mouse-driven, icon-based system that emphasized intuitive interaction over command-line inputs. This design, first commercialized with the original Macintosh in 1984, set a benchmark for user-friendly computing and directly influenced Microsoft's release in 1985, which adopted similar elements like windows, menus, and icons to compete in the emerging GUI market. The Macintosh's approach to human-computer interaction became foundational for subsequent operating systems, promoting consistency in software design and accessibility that persists in modern interfaces. A cornerstone of the Compact Macintosh's impact was its integration with peripherals like the Apple printer and software such as Aldus PageMaker, released in , which ignited the (DTP) revolution by enabling affordable, high-quality layout and printing for non-specialists. This combination democratized professional publishing, allowing graphic designers to compose documents with what-you-see-is-what-you-get () precision using language for seamless screen-to-print fidelity. By the early 1990s, the Macintosh had established dominance in workflows, with its ecosystem drawing the majority of professionals to the platform over alternatives due to specialized tools like and Photoshop. Culturally, the Compact Macintosh emerged as an icon of technological optimism, prominently featured in media such as the 1986 film , where it appeared as a lab computer symbolizing cutting-edge innovation in a narrative about and human-machine synergy. The introduction of in 1987 further amplified its cultural reach, particularly in , where the hypermedia authoring empowered teachers and students to create interactive stacks for lessons on topics ranging from history timelines to science simulations, fostering early and influencing pedagogical methods worldwide. Despite these advances, the all-in-one design of Compact Macintoshes highlighted technological limitations, rendering them obsolete by the early 1990s as demand shifted toward expandable modular systems like the for enhanced performance and upgradability. Nonetheless, innovations embedded in their , such as four-voice sound synthesis with 8-bit conversion at 22 kHz sampling and the inclusion of fonts like and , laid groundwork for and standards in . In contemporary terms, the legacy endures through emulation software like Mini vMac, which accurately recreates the experience of models such as the on modern hardware, while pristine working units command collector values of $200 to $500 or more as of 2025, preserved in institutions including the and the Smithsonian.

References

  1. [1]
    Apple Mac Classic Specs (All Vintage Compact Mac Specs)
    Complete specs on Apple's early, compact, all-in-one "classic" Macs starting with the original Macintosh released in 1984 are below.
  2. [2]
    Definition of Macintosh
    ### Summary of Macintosh Definition and Historical Overview
  3. [3]
    Hello. The Apple Mac @ 40 - CHM - Computer History Museum
    In 1984, Apple launched the Macintosh, a user-friendly computer featuring a graphical interface, icons, and a mouse—revolutionizing mass-market computing.
  4. [4]
    Important Dates in Apple Mac History - EveryMac.com
    Key dates include: Jan 24, 1984 (original Mac), Jan 16, 1986 (Mac Plus), Jan 19, 1989 (SE/30), Jan 27, 2010 (original iPad), and Feb 10, 1993 (Color Classic).
  5. [5]
    A Visual History of the Apple Computer | PCMag
    Jan 24, 2024 · 1. 128K Macintosh · 2. Macintosh 512K · 3. Macintosh Plus · 4. Macintosh SE · 5. Mac IIsi · 6. Mac Centris 650 · 7. Mac Quadra · 8. Mac Performa 5200.Missing: Compact | Show results with:Compact
  6. [6]
    The Early Macintosh, 1979-1981
    Until 1981, when Steve Jobs took over hardware and software development, Raskin led a small group of developers-- Burrell Smith, Brian Howard, and Bud Tribble- ...
  7. [7]
    How Jef Raskin started the Macintosh project - Mac History
    Feb 1, 2012 · At one point in the fall of 1979 Jobs told him instead to focus on building what he repeatedly called an “insanely great” product. “Don't worry ...
  8. [8]
    The Xerox PARC Visit
    According to early reports, it was on this visit that Jobs discovered the mouse, windows, icons, and other technologies that had been developed at PARC.
  9. [9]
    Apple and Steve Jobs Steal From Xerox To Battle Big Brother IBM
    Jan 15, 2017 · ... Alto computer developed at Xerox PARC, introduced as the $16,595 Xerox Star in 1981. Jobs recalled that he and the Lisa team were very ...
  10. [10]
    Designing the First Apple Macintosh: The Engineers' Story
    In 1979 the Macintosh personal computer existed only as the pet idea of Jef Raskin, a veteran of the Apple II team, who had proposed that Apple Computer ...Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  11. [11]
    A Computer for the Rest of Us - CHM
    Dec 15, 2023 · CHM has curated a unique array of Apple Macintosh artifacts, both from the Museum's collection and on loan from Apple alums.
  12. [12]
    Mac first 100 days prove a roaring success: Today in Apple history
    May 3, 2025 · May 3, 1984: Apple marks the all-important first 100 days of Mac sales, signaling whether the product launch is a hit with customers.
  13. [13]
    Apple Bites Back (Fortune, 1984)
    Feb 20, 1984 · It hopes to become the industry leader in manufacturing technology with its highly automated $20-million Macintosh plant in Fremont, California.
  14. [14]
    Apple Factory History - Manifest - Supply Studies
    "It took just 26 minutes to build an entire Macintosh in the highly-automated manufacturing facility Apple opened in Fremont, California, in January 1984—less ...
  15. [15]
    INTEL COPES WITH A SHORTAGE - The New York Times
    Jan 30, 1984 · And analysts and those in the industry say the shortage could continue for another 18 months, until new production capacity has been completed.
  16. [16]
    SHORTAGE OF SEMICONDUCTORS EASES - The New York Times
    Aug 27, 1984 · A critical shortage of semiconductors appears to be easing, after a year of scarcity that forced many makers of computers, video cassette ...<|separator|>
  17. [17]
    The Year That the Entire Computer Industry Ran Out of Memory - VICE
    Nov 26, 2016 · Unlike oil shortages, chip shortages are mitigated by the forward march of innovation. RAM capacity has surged like a hockey stick, meaning ...
  18. [18]
    A Compleat Guide to Mac Floppy Drives and Disk Formats
    Jun 29, 2006 · The drive was introduced with the Apple IIGS in 1986 and became the standard Macintosh floppy drive in 1987. There were two other floppy drives ...Missing: cheaper | Show results with:cheaper
  19. [19]
    Apple Macintosh Classic Specs - EveryMac.com
    Expand All Details | Contract All Details. Introduction Date: October 15, 1990, Discontinued Date: September 14, 1992. Details: The "Introduction Date" refers ...<|separator|>
  20. [20]
    Apple Computer Reports a $17.2-Million Loss - Los Angeles Times
    Jul 19, 1985 · Apple blamed the loss on a $40.3-million “one-time expense” caused by its recent decision to eliminate 1,200 jobs and close three of its six ...
  21. [21]
    Apple Computer Halts Production - The Washington Post
    Mar 11, 1985 · For the first time in its history, Apple Computer Inc. will temporarily halt production of its personal computers to let demand catch up ...<|separator|>
  22. [22]
    THE RESTRUCTURING OF APPLE COMPUTER
    Jun 1, 1985 · The company announced a corporate restructuring that does away with its two separate product divisions, in favor of manufacturing and marketing divisions.
  23. [23]
    The Macintosh's Twisted Truth - WIRED
    Jan 10, 2004 · Jobs took over the hardware side, leaving Raskin in charge of software and documentation. That was fine with Raskin, because he understood that ...Missing: vision execution long- viability
  24. [24]
    [PDF] Macintosh· Computers - Vintage Apple
    Mar 5, 1991 · Macintosh SE/30 Specifications. I. Microprocessor MC68030 32-bit internal architecture. 15.667 MHz clock frequency. Built-in paged memory ...
  25. [25]
    CPUs: Motorola 68000 - Low End Mac
    Jun 14, 2014 · The 68000 has 32-bit internal registers, 24-bit memory addressing, and a 16-bit data bus. That means it can read twice as much data in a cycle and access 16 ...Missing: Compact | Show results with:Compact
  26. [26]
    Apple Macintosh Original (128k) Specs - EveryMac.com
    The Apple Macintosh (128k) features an 8 MHz 68000 processor, 128k of RAM, and a 400k disk drive in a beige all-in-one case with a 9" monochrome display.
  27. [27]
    Inside the Original Macintosh - Low End Mac
    Jan 24, 2014 · Although we call this an 8 MHz computer, nit-pickers are quick to point out that the 8 MHz processor ran at “only” 7.83 MHz. (Why they get so ...
  28. [28]
    68000 Interleaved Memory Controller Design - Big Mess o' Wires
    Aug 25, 2011 · The memory controller allows RAM to be transparently shared between the 68000 CPU and the video circuitry.<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    The First Expandable Macs and the Mac Portable
    Mar 10, 2018 · The Macintosh SE was an upgraded version of the Mac Plus. It was the first compact Macintosh that didn't feature the signatures of its creators ...
  30. [30]
    Apple Macintosh 128K (1984) Dimensions & Drawings
    The Apple Macintosh 128K (1984) is 13.6” (34.5 cm) high, 9.6” (24.4 cm) wide, 10.9” (27.7 cm) deep, weighs 16.5 lb (7.5 kg), and has a 9” (22.9 cm) screen.
  31. [31]
    40 years later, the original Mac is more amazing than ever
    Jan 24, 2024 · That petite all-in-one beige case, created by Jerry Manock and Terry Oyama, was unlike anything anyone had seen until then—at least outside of a ...
  32. [32]
    History of computer design: Apple Macintosh - Landsnail.com
    Manock designed the rear bucket of the case while Oyama handled the front bezel, but there is a very strong sense of integrity in the design. The two pieces of ...Missing: Compact | Show results with:Compact
  33. [33]
    Macintosh Keyboard (original, 1984) – mattjfuller.com - Matt Fuller
    Jan 6, 2020 · The Macintosh Keyboard, Model M0110, was included with the original Macintosh. This keyboard was also shipped with the Macintosh 512K.
  34. [34]
    Macintosh Mouse (original, beige, 1984) – mattjfuller.com - Matt Fuller
    Jan 6, 2020 · Like all early Macintosh mouse designs, it used only one button to control the famously easy-to-use Macintosh operating systems of the time.
  35. [35]
    Macintosh 12" Monochrome Display - Low End Mac
    Apple recommends using a screen saver to avoid phosphor burn caused by static elements on the screen, such as the menu bar, drive icon, and Trash. To clean the ...Missing: Compact glare
  36. [36]
    [PDF] Macintosh - tim.id.au
    Adjustments. Tilt Adjustment - 10. 3 With one hand, grasp the plastic spokes of the yoke collar and rotate the yoke collar until the top and bottom edges of.
  37. [37]
    Herb's Mac Parts
    Oct 5, 2025 · There's also metal brackets or carriers or plastic sleds which hold the drive to some frame. These are sold separately, follow the link for ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Macintosh Classic FAN direction
    Nov 19, 2023 · The Apple /// from 1980 had even worse problems with heat because it had literally zero vents. ... It wasn't until the Mac SE in 1987 did the ...Missing: 128K addition
  39. [39]
    Macintosh 128K: Technical Specifications - Apple Support
    Freq Range: 50-60 Hz. Battery Type: 4.5V alkaline, #523. Memory. Video Memory. Logic Board: 0.125 MB. RAM Slots: 0, n/a. Min - Max RAM: 0.125MB - 0.125 MB. Min ...Missing: crystal 15.667
  40. [40]
    Why Do Graphic Designers Use Macs? - PageProof Blog
    Jan 23, 2023 · Originally priced around $2,500 (more expensive than several other competitors' models), it still sold well, tapping into a market of writers, ...Missing: 128K targeted<|separator|>
  41. [41]
    https://www.homecomputermuseum.nl/en/collectie/apple/macintosh-128k/
  42. [42]
    Macintosh 512K, aka Fat Mac, with 4x RAM: Today in Apple history
    Sep 10, 2025 · On September 10, 1984, Apple shipped the Macintosh 512K, aka the "Fat Mac." It was the first upgrade to the original Macintosh 128K.Missing: prototype | Show results with:prototype
  43. [43]
    The 128k Mac Hidden in Plain Sight - The Vintage Mac Museum
    Dec 1, 2013 · What you have is simply the original logic board where the factory Apple-logo RAM was removed and replaced with higher capacity. From there a ...
  44. [44]
    Macintosh 512Ke: Technical Specifications - Apple Support
    Macintosh 512Ke: Technical Specifications ; Introduced: 4/14/1986 ; Discontinued: 9/1/1987 ; Form Factor: 128 ; Gestalt ID: 3 ; Weight (lbs):. 16.5.
  45. [45]
    Mac 512Ke - Low End Mac
    Details · introduced 1986.04.14 at $2,000; discontinued 1987.09.01 · code name: Mac Minus · Gestalt ID: 3 · Order no.: M0001E, M0001D (education version) · upgrade ...
  46. [46]
    Apple Macintosh SE Specs - EveryMac.com
    Tech Specs ; Introduction Date: March 2, 1987 ; Discontinued Date: August 1, 1989 ; Processor Speed: 8 MHz ; Processor Type: 68000 ; Processor Upgrade: Third-Party* ...
  47. [47]
    Macintosh SE - The Apple Museum
    Released in March 1987, the $3700 Mac SE was Apple's attempt at a serious business-based Macintosh. It was pretty similar to the Mac Plus.
  48. [48]
    Timeline of 680×0 Computers, 1980-1990 - Low End Mac
    Dec 20, 2015 · On the plus side, its 68000 CPU ran at just under 8 MHz, the 3.5″ single-sided 400K floppy drive was reliable, and the Mac was a lot easier to ...
  49. [49]
    Mac SE/30 - Low End Mac
    Details · introduced 1989.01.19 at $4,400 ($4,900 with hard drive); discontinued 1990.10.21 · code names: Oreo, Double Stuffed, Green Jad · Gestalt ID: 9 · Order no ...Missing: original price<|separator|>
  50. [50]
    Macintosh Portable: Technical Specifications - Apple Support
    Macintosh Portable: Technical Specifications ; Introduced: 9/20/1989 ; Discontinued: 10/21/1991 ; Form Factor: Portable ; Gestalt ID: 10 ; Weight (lbs):. 15.8.
  51. [51]
    Macintosh Portable - The Apple Museum
    The Portable came with a Lead-acid gel/cell battery, similar to those found in car batteries, that could run a anywhere from 6 -12 hours! This is unheard of ...
  52. [52]
    Mac Portable - Low End MacLow End Mac
    It had a crystal clear 9.8″ 1-bit 640 x 400 pixel active matrix screen, a 16 MHz 68000 CPU, and a front-mounted handle (which doubled as a lock to keep the lid ...
  53. [53]
    Macintosh Classic: Technical Specifications - Apple Support
    Macintosh Classic: Technical Specifications ; Introduced: 10/15/1990 ; Discontinued: 9/14/1992 ; Form Factor: Classic ; Gestalt ID: 17 ; Weight (lbs):. 16.
  54. [54]
    Mac Classic - Low End MacLow End Mac
    Introduced as the first sub-$1,000 Macintosh in October 1990, the basic Classic came with 1 MB of RAM, a SuperDrive, and space to mount an internal SCSI ...
  55. [55]
    Apple Macintosh Classic - The Centre for Computing History
    The $1500 Mac Classic was released in October 1990. Specifications: Processor: Motorola 68000 running at 8 MHz. Memory: came with 1 MB, expanadable to 4MB ...
  56. [56]
    Apple Macintosh Classic II Specs - EveryMac.com
    It features a 16 MHz 68030 processor, 2 MB of RAM, and either a 40 MB or an 80 MB hard drive in a sleek, compact all-in-one case with a 9" monochrome display.
  57. [57]
    https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/214/apple-macintosh-classic/
  58. [58]
    Sales figures for compact Macs - 68kMLA
    Oct 10, 2019 · Does anyone know what kind of sales figures Apple acheived with the compact Macs in the end, from the original Mac up to the Color Classic?Missing: evolution displays
  59. [59]
    A Brief History of the Classic Mac OS
    Jul 26, 2012 · System 7.0 (June 1991) made multitasking a standard feature, added support for the 68040 CPU, introduced support for 32-bit addressing so it ...
  60. [60]
    1986: Mac Plus, 512Ke, HFS Disks, and the LaserWriter Plus
    In April 1986, Apple discontinued the Macintosh 512K, replacing it with the 512Ke. This used the same 128KB ROMs and the same 800KB floppy drive as the Plus.
  61. [61]
    [PDF] Apple® Technical Introduction to the Macintosh® Family
    A delta guide to the Macintosh Plus, introducing the hierarchical file system (HFS), the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), and the other new features ...
  62. [62]
    Today in Apple history: MultiFinder brings multitasking to Mac
    Aug 11, 2025 · On August 11, 1987, Macintosh System Software 5's MultiFinder feature allowed true multitasking with two apps on a Mac's screen at once.
  63. [63]
    32-bit Addressing on Older Macs
    Dec 26, 2015 · The oldest Macs (68000-based) and Mac OS versions prior to System 7 only run in a 24-bit addressing mode.
  64. [64]
    Booting - Apple Wiki | Fandom
    Booting is the process of starting a computer. For various Macintosh systems, there are very different boot processes, depending on the vintage of the system.Classic Mac OS · Old World ROM · New World ROM · Mac OS XMissing: compact | Show results with:compact
  65. [65]
    System 7: Bigger, Better, More Expandable, and a Bit Slower than ...
    Jun 25, 2014 · Switching the Memory control panel to 24-bit addressing avoids these difficulties but limits the user to 8 MB of RAM. Updating all software and ...
  66. [66]
    System 7 on the 1991 Macintosh Classic
    Dec 5, 2020 · System 7 wouldn't run on all Macs at the time due to its system requirements. In fact, my 1988 Macintosh SE won't run System 7 as it only has 1 ...
  67. [67]
    Celebrating The 40th Anniversary Of Apple's Laser Printer - Forbes
    Mar 6, 2025 · The Apple LaserWriter, paired with the Macintosh and desktop publishing software (DTP) like Aldus PageMaker and Adobe's PostScript software, made it possible ...
  68. [68]
    1985: Word, Excel, PageMaker, and the LaserWriter - Low End Mac
    Apple innovations in 1985 included the New Folder command in System 2.0 and the first LaserWriter, which brought high quality output and PostScript to the ...Missing: driver | Show results with:driver
  69. [69]
    What Software Came Bundled with the Earliest Macs?
    Jan 3, 2006 · In May 1984, Apple shipped the Macintosh with System 1.1 and Finder 1.1g. It also came with MacWrite 2.2 and MacPaint 1.3. The Fat Mac. In ...
  70. [70]
    [PDF] MultiFinder"' User's Guide - Vintage Apple
    Jul 12, 2019 · MultiFinder runs on all Macintosh Plus, Macintosh SE, and. Macintosh II computers with a minimum of 1 megabyte of memory. (RAM). If you have ...Missing: bundled | Show results with:bundled
  71. [71]
    Inside AppleTalk - The Long View
    Mar 1, 2012 · The Macintosh was the first personal computer that came with networking as a standard feature. But of course networking itself wasn't new at that time.
  72. [72]
    The Macintosh Programmer's Workshop - IEEE Computer Society
    The authors discuss the Macintosh Programmer's Workshop (MPW), a Macintosh development environment that includes a comprehensive set of programming tools.Missing: Compact | Show results with:Compact
  73. [73]
    The Mac in numbers: Surprising Apple stats - Macworld
    Jan 21, 2014 · 250,000 – The number of Macintosh computers sold in 1984. It took until September 1985 to sell 500,000 Macs, and Apple didn't reach the one ...
  74. [74]
    How Steve Jobs' Macintosh failed and still changed computing
    Jan 24, 2014 · Apple sold 70,000 Macintosh computers by April. But by the end of the year, it was selling only 10,000 a month. By January 1985, with the ...
  75. [75]
    Macintosh Plus computer - Te Papa's Collections Online
    It cost US$2,600, and one million units had been sold by March 1987. This Macintosh Plus computer represents a huge change in publishing.
  76. [76]
    Apple Struggles to Regain Share Of School Market - Education Week
    May 15, 2002 · Apple's share of the school computer market has dropped from 37 percent for the 1999-2000 school year, to 30 percent in 2000-01, to 26 percent in 2001-02.Missing: 1988 | Show results with:1988
  77. [77]
    Apple to Cut Prices on Several Products - Los Angeles Times
    Oct 2, 1985 · The Macintosh 512K was lowered to $2,499 from $2,795. The price for accessory 512K memory expansion for the Macintosh 128K was cut to $449 from ...
  78. [78]
    The Macintosh - The many facets of a slightly flawed gem - Mac History
    Aug 17, 2008 · Resources are tight – it needs more memory and disk space – and software has been slow in coming to market. Many have criticized its price ($ ...Missing: reception | Show results with:reception
  79. [79]
    Total share: 30 years of personal computer market share figures
    Dec 14, 2005 · Macintosh market share slowly declined from 3.2% in 1999 to 1.98% in 2004 as sales of Macintoshes remained flat, despite the new operating ...Missing: Compact | Show results with:Compact
  80. [80]
    The Mothership Apple Corporate Timeline
    Welcome to The Mothership! The Apple Lisa and Early Macintosh Archive. The place to find useful information and resources for these classic computers!
  81. [81]
    Macintosh: 25 Years - NN/G
    Feb 1, 2009 · The Mac offered integrated features, a GUI as the expected foundation, and a human-interface standard, creating consistency and reducing ...
  82. [82]
    Macintosh, Windows, and the "GUI" - Calvin University
    The GUI, inspired by Xerox, uses a mouse and icons. Macintosh and Windows both adopted it, with Macintosh's being user-friendly and Windows becoming dominant.
  83. [83]
    Desktop Publishing - CHM Revolution - Computer History Museum
    The PageMaker desktop publishing application was originally released in 1985 for the Macintosh and helped drive graphic designers to the Mac.
  84. [84]
    Desktop Publishing 1985-1991: The Apple Computer Story
    The Apple LaserWriter was the first laser printer available to the mass market. The Apple LaserWriter ...Missing: driver | Show results with:driver
  85. [85]
    Why do 99% of designers prefer Macs? - entrustIT Insights
    Users adored the Macintosh's GUI (Graphical User Interface), and businesses loved its desktop publishing capabilities. By the early 1990's, Apple dominated the ...
  86. [86]
    Short Circuit (1986) - Starring the Computer
    Short Circuit (1986) · Apple Macintosh · Olivetti M20 · Tandy TRS-80 Model 4.
  87. [87]
    30-plus years of HyperCard, the missing link to the Web - Ars Technica
    May 25, 2019 · “Hard core supporters, particularly from the educational community, kept it alive when Apple reabsorbed Claris, but only on sufferance,” Oren's ...
  88. [88]
    classic compact mac sound capabilities
    Jan 14, 2013 · Monaural four-voice sound with 8-bit digital/analog conversion using 22-kHz sampling rate. Later models have a stereo output jack, although the sound ...Missing: ROM | Show results with:ROM
  89. [89]
    Mini vMac - early Macintosh emulator - Gryphel
    May 27, 2020 · The Mini vMac emulator collection allows modern computers to run software made for early Macintosh computers.Download · Getting Started · Download Standard Variations · ExtraMissing: Compact | Show results with:Compact
  90. [90]
    How Much Is Your Old Vintage Apple Mac Computer Worth?
    Jan 27, 2024 · Some computer models are actually worth more in parts. A Mac SE/30 may only fetch $100 as a complete unit but could fetch nearly $400 in parts.
  91. [91]
    Apple Macintosh Microcomputer
    The Macintosh 512 KB, nicknamed "Fat Mac," was introduced in September 1984. It gave users four times as much memory, and allowed them to keep several major ...