On October 12, 1992, Apple unveiled a revolutionary product that would captivate the imaginations of Apple enthusiasts and leave an indelible mark on the company’s history: the AppleCD 300. Priced at $599, this external CD drive quickly became a fan-favorite among Apple users, offering a host of features and capabilities that set it apart from its competitors.
The AppleCD 300 was a technological marvel of its time, boasting a Caddy-Loading CD-ROM Drive with an impressive storage capacity of 748 MB. This remarkable feature allowed users to store a vast collection of data and multimedia content on a single disc. Furthermore, its inclusion of a SCSI connection port, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and two RCA stereo output ports transformed the device into a versatile tool for playing, storing, and connecting CDs to other devices.
Despite its eventual discontinuation on June 7, 1994, the AppleCD 300 remains a beloved piece of Apple’s early journey into the world of CD drives. It represents a pivotal moment in the company’s history when Apple began exploring new avenues beyond its renowned Macintosh computers. The device’s release showcased Apple’s commitment to innovation and its desire to cater to the evolving needs of its loyal user base.
In hindsight, the AppleCD 300 laid the groundwork for future advancements in CD drive technology. By offering a comprehensive and user-friendly experience, Apple established itself as a frontrunner in the industry, setting the stage for subsequent innovations in optical media. The device paved the way for the development of sleeker, faster, and more efficient CD drives that would later become integral components of personal computers.
While technology has advanced significantly since the days of the AppleCD 300, it still holds a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts worldwide. Its discontinuation did not dampen its legacy; instead, it solidified its status as a cherished artifact of Apple’s past. Many collectors and aficionados still treasure the device, appreciating its historical significance and the role it played in shaping Apple’s trajectory.
31 years have passed since Apple introduced the AppleCD 300, an external CD drive that left an indelible mark on the company’s history and the world of CD drives. Pioneering a new era of innovation, versatility, and user experience, this groundbreaking device set the stage for future advancements in the field. Though discontinued, the AppleCD 300 remains a testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and its ability to capture the imagination of its dedicated user base. As we celebrate this milestone, we pay homage to the AppleCD 300 and its enduring legacy.
AppleCD 300 Details
| Introduced | October 12, 1992 |
| Discontinued | June 7, 1994 |
| Model Identifier | Unknown |
| Model Number | M3023 |
| EMC | Unknown |
| Order Number | M2710LL/A |
| Original Price | $599 |
| Colors | Beige |
| Weight | 6.29 Ibs. 2.853 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.96” H x 7” W x 13.1” D 4.97 cm H x 17.78 cm W x 33.27 cm D |
System Requirements
- Macintosh computer
- System Software 6.0.7 or later
Storage Specs
| Type | Caddy-Loading CD-ROM Drive |
| Capacity | 656 MB (1st Mode) 748 MB (2nd Mode) |
| Data Transfer Rate | 2x |
Connections
| Connection | SCSI |
| Ports | 2- RCA Stereo output 2 – 50-pin DB-25 SCSI 1 – 3.5-mm Headphone jack |
Power
| Power | External |
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: June 18, 2023
