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PowerBook 170

The PowerBook 170 is a portable computer developed and released by Apple Computer as the premium model in the original series, introduced on , 1991, to provide high-performance for professionals. It featured a 25 MHz processor paired with a 68882 (FPU) for enhanced numerical processing, 4 of pseudostatic (expandable to 8 via a single slot), and a 40 SCSI hard drive, all housed in a compact chassis weighing 6.8 pounds. Notable for being the first PowerBook with an active-matrix LCD —a 9.8-inch monochrome screen offering crisp 640x400 resolution—it also included an internal 1.44 SuperDrive floppy drive and, in standard configuration, a built-in 2400 baud modem, setting it apart from lower-end siblings like the PowerBook 100 and 140. Priced at $4,600 upon launch, the 170 targeted business users with its robust build, including ports for ADB, (HDI-30), serial, and audio, and support for System 7.0.1 through 7.6.1, though its nickel-cadmium battery provided only 2–3 hours of runtime. The model was discontinued on October 19, 1992, after selling as part of Apple's push into the market, where it earned acclaim for its quality and performance but faced criticism for its weight and cost relative to contemporaries.

Development and Background

Project Origins

The PowerBook 170 originated as Apple's response to the shortcomings of its first , the , released in September 1989. The , weighing approximately 16 pounds and criticized for its cumbersome design and inadequate ergonomics, failed to meet market expectations for a , user-friendly solution. Development of the PowerBook series, including the 170, began in early 1990 under Apple's Group, with the aim of creating a new line of true laptop computers to compete effectively against IBM-compatible portables from manufacturers like and . In fall 1990, Apple CEO established a semi-autonomous division led by hardware engineer John Medica to accelerate the project, focusing on integrating desktop-class performance into compact, portable devices targeted at business professionals. The PowerBook 170 was announced on October 21, 1991, at the COMDEX trade show in Las Vegas, alongside the PowerBook 100 and 140, marking Apple's inaugural entry into the clamshell laptop form factor and a pivotal shift toward modern portable computing. Like the PowerBook 140, the 170 shared an identical chassis design, emphasizing portability and usability for professional workflows.

Design Innovations

The PowerBook 170 introduced Apple's first active-matrix LCD display in a , a 9.8-inch screen with 640x400 that provided superior contrast, sharper images, and wider viewing angles compared to the passive-matrix displays used in contemporary models like the PowerBook 100 and 140. This innovation marked a significant advancement in portable visuals, enabling better readability in varied lighting conditions without the "ghosting" issues common in passive screens. A key ergonomic choice was the pointing device located to the right of the , enabling thumb control during typing. This design saved valuable real estate in the compact and improved usability for professionals, contrasting with external mice or less integrated solutions in prior portables like the . The overall chassis, constructed from durable high-impact plastic, contributed to a lightweight profile of 6.8 pounds, balancing portability with robustness for everyday travel. Battery efficiency was enhanced through a nickel-cadmium (NiCad) pack designed for 2-3 hours of typical runtime, supported by a 16 MHz power-saving mode that throttled the processor speed to conserve energy during light tasks like word processing. Internally, the prioritized compactness with 2 MB of soldered on the logic board plus a 2 MB (for base 4 MB), allowing upgrades via a single proprietary up to 6 MB (for total 8 MB), alongside a processor-direct slot (PDS) that provided direct access to the 68030 CPU for potential future enhancements, though limited by FCC regulations on external connections. These choices exemplified the line's evolution from the bulkier toward sleeker, more efficient .

Physical Design

Chassis and Ergonomics

The PowerBook 170 featured a with a hinged lid that protected the 9.8-inch active-matrix when closed, measuring 2.25 inches in height, 11.25 inches in width, and 9.3 inches in depth overall. This compact weighed 6.8 pounds, balancing portability with functionality for mobile professionals. The lid incorporated a simple on the front edge, enabling one-handed opening for convenient access during use. Constructed from durable high-impact plastic, the provided lightweight strength suitable for travel while resisting flexing under normal handling, though the material could develop minor cracks or wear from prolonged exposure to environmental factors. The case's robust build contributed to the laptop's reputation for reliability in early reviews, with the plastic enclosure housing all components securely without excessive bulk. The integrated consisted of 63 keys in the domestic configuration, offering a full-sized including a dedicated function row for quick access to system controls, while omitting a to prioritize the slim profile and enhance portability. Below the , an integrated palm rest area accommodated users' wrists, promoting ergonomic comfort and reducing strain during extended typing sessions by providing a stable, cushioned surface. Thermal management relied on strategically placed vents along the sides and rear to dissipate heat generated by the 25 MHz processor and other components, though the unit often became noticeably warm on the base and during prolonged intensive tasks like graphics rendering or multitasking. This design ensured adequate cooling for the era without compromising the compact , though users were advised to operate on flat surfaces to maintain airflow. The , positioned centrally below the , served as a space-saving integrated into the palm rest area.

Input Devices and Display

The PowerBook 170 featured a built-in positioned in the center of the keyboard palm rest area, measuring 30 mm in diameter and equipped with adjacent left and right buttons for clicking operations. This design enabled precise cursor control using the thumb or fingers, supporting standard Macintosh functions such as drag-and-drop interactions in applications, all within a compact form factor that prioritized portability. The utilized a standard Macintosh layout with 3.0 mm key travel and 18 mm key pitch, providing tactile feedback for accurate typing without the need for an external device. It lacked a dedicated , relying instead on for visibility, and included two-level tilt adjustment via elevation feet for ergonomic positioning during use. The display was a 9.8-inch active-matrix LCD with a of 640×400 pixels, marking the first use of active-matrix technology in the line for sharper image quality and wider viewing angles compared to passive-matrix alternatives. It supported 16 through dithering, enhancing readability for text and graphics over simpler 1-bit screens. was adjustable via a physical slider located at the rear of the keyboard, while contrast was handled automatically by the system. The PowerBook 170 included no dedicated external video output port, restricting video display to the internal LCD only and emphasizing its role as a self-contained portable system.

Technical Specifications

Processor and Memory

The PowerBook 170 was powered by a microprocessor operating at 25 MHz, which included an integrated paged (PMMU) for handling operations. This CPU was paired with a 68882 (FPU) , also clocked at 25 MHz, enabling efficient handling of complex mathematical computations essential for and scientific applications. Standard memory configuration consisted of 4 MB of RAM, comprising 2 MB soldered directly onto the logic board and an additional 2 MB provided via a removable processor-direct slot module. This setup allowed expansion up to a maximum of 8 MB by replacing the module with a higher-capacity 6 MB unit, using 100 ns pseudo-static RAM (PSRAM) for compatibility. The system supported virtual memory through the 68030's built-in PMMU, though performance depended on available physical RAM and storage for paging. In terms of performance, the PowerBook 170 delivered approximately two-thirds greater speed than the in CPU-intensive tasks, owing to its higher , making it well-suited for applications like word processing and basic . Benchmarks such as showed results comparable to a with a cache card, highlighting its capability for demanding workloads of the era. To optimize battery life, the system featured a power-saving mode that throttled the processor to 16 MHz during periods of low activity, approximating the performance of a while extending runtime by up to 50%—from around 2 hours in full-speed operation to 3 hours under light use with minimal hard drive access. This mode integrated seamlessly with the active-matrix display to maintain smooth rendering without excessive power draw.

Storage, Expansion, and Connectivity

The PowerBook 170 featured a standard 40 MB , with options at purchase for 80 MB configurations to accommodate varying user needs for persistent storage. It also included an internal 1.44 MB floppy disk drive for removable media, capable of reading and writing both Macintosh and formatted disks, enhancing compatibility with external ecosystems. Expansion capabilities were limited to a single 70-pin processor-direct slot on the logic board, primarily designed for upgrades from the base 2 to a maximum of 8 using compatible . This slot did not support broader peripherals, and the absence of PCMCIA or other modern expansion interfaces restricted upgrades to internal modifications, such as replacing the or accessing the drive bay. Connectivity options included one external Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port via a mini-DIN 4-pin connector, which supported additional input devices despite the internal and already utilizing the ADB bus. A single port (HDI-30) allowed connection to up to five external drives or peripherals in the Macintosh , while two mini-DIN-8 serial ports (printer and ), an RJ-11 port for the internal 2400 's telephone line connection, provided output and communication capabilities. Notably, no built-in Ethernet support was available, reflecting the era's focus on basic portability over networked features.

Release and Legacy

Launch Details

The PowerBook 170 was officially launched on October 21, 1991, at the computer expo in , , alongside the PowerBook 100 and 140, establishing Apple's entry into the premium portable computing market. Positioned as the high-end model in this inaugural trio, it carried an introductory price of US$4,599, equivalent to approximately $10,620 in 2024 dollars, reflecting its advanced features relative to the more affordable siblings. Standard initial configurations featured 4 MB of and a 40 MB , bundled with System 7.0.1 to leverage the model's capabilities, along with accessories such as a carrying case. The design shared its chassis with the to optimize production costs across the lineup. The model was discontinued on October 19, 1992, and succeeded by the PowerBook 180. A variant tailored for the market included a localized OS modification, System J-6.0.7.1, to ensure compatibility with regional software and hardware standards.

Market Reception and Impact

Upon its release, the PowerBook 170 garnered positive critical reception for its technological advancements, particularly among professional users. Reviewers at TidBITS lauded the active-matrix screen for its exceptional clarity and wide , which provided a viewing experience comparable to a monitor, surpassing the displays of earlier compact Macs. The 25 MHz processor was also praised for delivering strong performance in productivity applications, with benchmark tests showing speeds on par with the equipped with a card, making it an ideal primary computer for business and scientific tasks when paired with external peripherals. Despite these strengths, the PowerBook 170 faced criticisms that tempered its broader appeal. Its positioned it as a item, often compared unfavorably to alternatives like a 5 MB Macintosh IIci with an 80 MB hard drive, deterring casual or budget-conscious buyers who viewed it more as a secondary device. Battery life was a notable shortcoming, lasting only 2 to 3 hours under typical use—extending slightly to 2.5 hours in the 16 MHz power-saver mode but diminishing further with peripherals like the built-in —due to high power demands from the active-matrix and processor. Commercially, the PowerBook 170 contributed to the early success of Apple's lineup, helping establish the brand through strong initial sales targeted at executives and professionals. The broader series generated over $1 billion in revenue in its first year, propelling Apple to surpass competitors like and to become the market leader in shipments by . As the first high-performance model in the series, the PowerBook 170 left a lasting legacy on Apple's laptop evolution, influencing successors such as the 500-series with enhancements in battery efficiency and the continued use of its pointing device until the shift to touchpads in later designs. It was succeeded by the later in 1992. Today, well-preserved units of the PowerBook 170 are rare and highly sought after in collectible markets, particularly among retro computing enthusiasts who value its ability to run versions, with special variants like the limited-edition JLPGA model commanding premium interest due to their scarcity.

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