Apple has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, introducing groundbreaking products that have shaped the tech industry as we know it. While we often associate Apple with its sleek and modern devices, it’s important to remember the products that paved the way for its success. One such gem from the past is the Apple Color Plus 14-inch Display, a monitor that left an indelible mark on Apple’s product line. Despite its short-lived existence, the Color Plus Display remains an iconic piece of tech history, capturing the hearts of Mac users and setting the stage for future advancements.
When the Color Plus 14-inch Display debuted on October 21, 1993, it brought color and clarity to Mac users worldwide. Priced at an affordable $289, this monitor made upgrading accessible to a broader audience. With its 14-inch Color RGB screen boasting a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, the Color Plus Display delivered a vibrant visual experience that was ahead of its time. Macintosh Quadra, Macintosh LC, and Macintosh Performa users were the lucky beneficiaries of this stunning display, immersing themselves in a world of rich colors and crisp images.
Although the Color Plus 14-inch Display’s journey was cut short on August 7, 1995, its impact continues to resonate today. Apple’s decision to discontinue the product did not diminish its significance. On the contrary, it solidified the Color Plus Display’s place in the annals of tech history. The monitor may be 30 years old, but its legacy lives on, reminding us of Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new standards.
The Color Plus 14-inch Display, released alongside the Macintosh Quadra 605, Quadra 610, Quadra 650, Quadra 660AV, LC 475, Performa 475, and Performa 476, featured a 14.0″ (13.0″ viewable area) Shadow Mask CRT. This technology ensured precise color reproduction and improved contrast, providing users with an immersive viewing experience. With a resolution of 640×480, the Color Plus Display may seem modest by today’s standards, but at the time, it was considered a remarkable achievement.
One of the advantages of the Color Plus 14-inch Display was its wide compatibility. It was designed to work seamlessly with any Mac featuring a DB-15 15-pin display port, from the Macintosh II to the Power Mac G3. This versatility allowed users to connect their favorite Apple computers to the display without any hassle, further enhancing their overall computing experience.
As we reflect on Apple’s storied history, it’s crucial to pay homage to the products that shaped the company’s trajectory. The Color Plus 14-inch Display, with its affordable price, stunning color reproduction, and compatibility with various Mac models, epitomizes Apple’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions to its users. Although the monitor may have bid farewell to the market long ago, its impact lingers, reminding us of Apple’s relentless pursuit of excellence. As we embrace the latest advancements, let’s not forget the humble beginnings that laid the foundation for the technological marvels we enjoy today.
Apple Color Plus 14-inch Display Details
| Introduced | October 21, 1993 |
| Discontinued | August 7, 1995 |
| Model Number | M1787 M2346 |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | $289 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 25.3 Ibs. 11.475 KG |
| Dimensions | 12.9” H x 14.5” W x 15.2” D 32.76 cm H x 36.83 cm W x 38.6 cm D |
System Requirements
- Macintosh computer
Display Specs
| Type | Shadow Mask CRT |
| Size | 14” |
| Viewable Area | 11.9” |
| Colors | 32,000 |
| Brightness | N/A |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 pixels at 67 Hz |
| Viewing Angle | N/A |
| Contrast Ratio | N/A |
| Response Time | N/A |
| Pixel Pitch | N/A |
| Pixel Density | 68 dpi |
Connections
| Connection | DA-15 |
| Audio | None |
| Camera | None |
| Ports | Unknown |
Power
| Maximum Continuous Power | 70 W |
Further Reading and References
- Apple Color 14″ Display: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple displays – Wikipedia
- Apple Macintosh Quadra 650 – Retro Viator
- Apple Color Plus 14 Display Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: July 16, 2023
