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Macintosh SE/30 Macintosh SE/30

Macintosh SE/30 Datasheet

In the annals of computing history, certain devices hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors. Among them is the Macintosh SE/30, a groundbreaking personal computer introduced by Apple on January 19th, 1989.

Sporting impressive specifications and a sleek design, the SE/30 quickly became a favorite among power users and professionals seeking a reliable and powerful computing experience. Even today, 35 years later, this classic piece of technology continues to captivate the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike.

At its core, the Macintosh SE/30 packed a punch with its 16 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, which was complemented by a Motorola 68882 FPU coprocessor. These cutting-edge components made the SE/30 one of the most powerful computers of its time.

The machine boasted a 9-inch monochrome display, 1 MB or 4 MB of RAM, and a 40 MB or 80 MB hard drive, offering ample storage for its era. With a dedicated operating system called System Software, the SE/30 delivered a seamless user experience.

While the Macintosh SE/30 was undoubtedly a technological marvel, it came with a luxury price tag. Starting at an eye-watering $6,499, this personal computer was beyond the reach of many users. Nonetheless, professionals and power users who craved reliability and power flocked to the SE/30. Its capabilities made it an indispensable tool for tasks ranging from demanding applications to serving as a network server.

All good things must come to an end, and on October 21st, 1991, Apple discontinued the Macintosh SE/30, marking the end of an era. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the SE/30 had already established itself as an iconic and revered computing device. Even as technology advanced and newer models emerged, the legacy of the SE/30 continued to thrive.

Today, the Macintosh SE/30 holds a cherished place among vintage computer collectors and enthusiasts. Its historical significance, impressive specifications, and limited production run make it a highly sought-after item. The SE/30’s compact design, coupled with its compatibility with the FDHD 1.4 MB floppy drive and support for more than 4 MB of RAM, solidified its appeal among collectors.

Following the discontinuation of the Macintosh SE/30, Apple took a hiatus from producing compact Macs with expansion slots until the introduction of the Color Classic in February 1993. This marked a new chapter in Apple’s product lineup, as the company shifted its focus toward innovative designs and enhanced capabilities.

The Macintosh SE/30 remains an emblem of Apple’s commitment to delivering powerful computing experiences. Its impressive specifications, luxurious price point, and lasting impact on the technology landscape have cemented its status as a classic piece of technology.

Macintosh SE/30
Source: sfmoma.org – Macintosh SE/30

Macintosh SE/30 Details

IntroducedJanuary 19, 1989
DiscontinuedOctober 21, 1991
Model Identifier9
Order NumberM5119
Original Price$6,499
ColorsPlatinum
Weight19.5 Ibs.
8.845 KG
Dimensions13.6” H x 9.69” W x 10.9” D
34.54 cm H x 24.61 cm W x 27.68 cm D

Mac SE/30 Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorMotorola 68030
Processor Speed16 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus16 MHz
Cache0.5 KB L1
CoprocessorMotorola 68882 FPU

Storage & Media

Storage40 MB
80 MB
Media1.44 MB floppy

Memory

Built-in Memory1 MB
4 MB
Maximum Memory128 MB (Actual)
32 MB (Apple)
Memory Slots8 – 30 pin SIMM (Groups of 4)
Minimum Speed120 ns
ROMUnknown
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in Display9” monochrome display
Resolution512 x 342
Pixel Density72 ppi

Graphics

Graphics CardNone
Graphics MemoryNone
Display ConnectionUnknown

Expansion

Expansion Slots1 – SE/30 PDS
Hard Drive InterfaceSCSI

Software

Original OSSystem Software 6.0.3
Maximum OSSystem 7.5.5
FirmwareMacintosh ROM

Connections

EthernetNone
ModemNone
ADB2
Serial2
SCSI1 – DB-25
Floppy Port1 – DB-19
Audio InNone
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm mono output jack
DisplayUnknown

Accessories

Power

Backup Battery3.6 V lithium
Maximum Continuous Power100 W
Line VoltageUnknown

Further Reading and References

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: May 14, 2023