In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s easy to forget the groundbreaking innovations that have shaped the gadgets we use today. One such revolutionary piece of technology that left a significant mark on the tech landscape was the AppleCD 300e Plus. Unveiled on June 7, 1994, this CD drive, as part of the AppleCD Series, was a game-changer, pushing the boundaries of what CD drives could do.
The AppleCD 300e Plus wowed users with its innovative Caddy-Loading CD-ROM Drive. Unlike traditional tray-loading CD drives that were common at the time, the Caddy-Loading system made it effortless for users to load their CDs, whether it was music, data, or digital content. This feature provided an unparalleled level of convenience and ease of use, setting the AppleCD 300e Plus apart from its competitors.
With a staggering storage capacity of up to 748 MB, the AppleCD 300e Plus was a true pioneer. In an era where disk space was a precious commodity, this CD drive provided users with an expansive storage solution, enabling them to store large amounts of data and multimedia content with ease. It’s worth noting that this storage capacity was considered a monumental achievement at the time, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.
Beyond its CD-ROM capabilities, the AppleCD 300e Plus was designed with versatility in mind. It featured a SCSI connection port, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and two RCA stereo output ports. This impressive array of connectivity options allowed users to harness the device for a myriad of applications, from playing music and watching movies to accessing data and transferring files. The ability to read digital data from audio CDs and certain types of photo CDs further added to its appeal.
Regrettably, the AppleCD 300e Plus had a short-lived existence. On May 1, 1995, Apple announced its discontinuation, leaving tech enthusiasts and fans of the AppleCD Series disheartened. Despite its popularity and unmatched features, the CD drive’s journey was cut short. However, its impact and legacy remained etched in the history of digital technology.
As the AppleCD 300e Plus is 30 years old today, it remains a testament to Apple’s early 1990s innovation and vision. While it may no longer be relevant in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, this groundbreaking CD drive paved the way for future generations of digital technology. Its Caddy-Loading mechanism, impressive storage capacity, and versatile functionalities set a precedent for CD drives that followed.
The AppleCD 300e Plus undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of CD drives. With its revolutionary Caddy-Loading system, vast storage capacity, and multifunctional capabilities, it set the bar high for technology during its brief existence. Though discontinued, its legacy will forever be cherished by tech enthusiasts and Apple aficionados alike. As we look back on this extraordinary piece of tech, we are reminded of the boundless possibilities that innovation and vision can bring to the world of technology.
AppleCD 300e Plus Details
| Introduced | June 7, 1994 |
| Discontinued | May 1, 1995 |
| Model Identifier | N/A |
| Model Number | M2918 |
| EMC | N/A |
| Order Number | M2918LL/A |
| Original Price | $349 |
| Colors | Beige |
| Weight | 5.73 Ibs. 2.599 KG |
| Dimensions | 2.32” H x 6.22” W x 13.1” D 5.89 cm H x 15.79 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
- AppleCD 300e Plus Peripheral – The Centre for Computing History
- AppleCD – Wikipedia
- AppleCD 300e Plus and AppleCD 300i Plus (Brochure (PDF) – BitSavers
- AppleCD 300e Plus/600e Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- AppleCD 300e Plus – Old Crap Vintage Computing
- My Amiga 3000 and the AppleCD 300e Plus – Amigalove
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 31, 2023
