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In the ever-evolving world of technology, we often find ourselves fascinated by the latest innovations, cutting-edge devices, and breakthrough advancements. However, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the milestones that shaped the industry we know today. One such milestone is the Apple Macintosh Centris 660AV, a computer that captured the hearts of multimedia enthusiasts during its brief but impactful existence.
With the introduction of the Macintosh Centris 660AV, later known as the Macintosh Quadra 660AV, Apple set out to create a powerful personal computer designed specifically for multimedia tasks. The Centris 660AV boasted impressive specifications for its time, making it an attractive option for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Equipped with a 25 MHz Motorola 68040 processor, 4 MB or 8 MB of RAM, and a variety of hard drive options ranging from 80 MB to 500 MB, the 660AV was built to handle demanding multimedia tasks.
The standout feature of the Centris 660AV was its audio-visual capabilities. Apple introduced an Audio-Visual card with RCA video and S-video I/O, allowing users to connect their computer to external devices for enhanced video production. This feature, combined with the 55 MHz AT&T digital signal processor (DSP) and the GeoPort high-speed serial port, enabled the Centris 660AV to excel in multimedia applications. Users could digitize videos and add text and graphics to their creations, opening up a world of possibilities for content creators of the time.
Despite its impressive specifications and multimedia prowess, the Macintosh Centris 660AV had a relatively short lifespan. Just a few months after its release, Apple swiftly replaced it with the Power Macintosh 6100, offering users the opportunity to upgrade their 660AV to the 6100 specifications with an upgrade card.
The Macintosh Centris 660AV is now 30 years old, and still remains a significant part of Apple’s history. Its advanced audio-visual capabilities, powerful processor, and multimedia-focused design set it apart from other personal computers of its time. The Centris 660AV allowed users to explore the creative possibilities of video production, paving the way for the multimedia-driven world we know today.
As we marvel at the cutting-edge devices of the present, let us not forget the technological milestones that have shaped our journey. The Macintosh Centris 660AV will forever be remembered as a symbol of Apple’s ambition to push the boundaries of multimedia computing.
Macintosh Centris 660AV Details
| Introduced | July 29, 1993 |
| Discontinued | October 21, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 60 |
| Model Number | M9040 |
| Order Number | M1839LL/A (230 MB hard drive) M9043LL/A (230 MB hard drive and CD-ROM) M9044LL/A (500 MB hard drive) M1840LL/A (500 MB hard drive and CD-ROM) |
| Original Price | $2,300 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 14 Ibs. 6.350 KG |
| Dimensions | 3.4” H x 16.3” W x 15.6” D 8.63 cm H x 41.4 cm W x 39.62 cm D |
Mac Centris 660AV Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68040 |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 25 MHz |
| Cache | 8 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | AT&T 3210 digital signal processor |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 MB 230 MB 500 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 2 – CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB 8 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 68 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 72 pin SIMMs |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 1 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – 7″ NuBus |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | AAUI-15 |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm stereo input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm stereo output jack |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 8.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 86 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Centris 660AV: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Centris – Wikipedia
- Centris 660av (Quadra 660av) – Low End Mac
- The Sad Story of the Centris – 512 Pixels
- Today in Apple history: Mac Centris 660av is an audiovisual masterpiece – Cult of Mac
- Centris 660AV/Quadra 660AV Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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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 4, 2023