In the ever-evolving world of personal computing, there are products that become iconic for their groundbreaking features or significant contributions to the industry. On October 15th, 1990, Apple introduced the Macintosh IIsi, a personal computer that holds a special place in the history of technology.
While it may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of its predecessors, the IIsi remains an important artifact, showcasing the evolution of personal computing during its two-year production span. Join us as we explore the key features, legacy, and enduring significance of the Macintosh IIsi.
The Macintosh IIsi was part of the Macintosh II series and was designed to be a more affordable alternative to the Mac IIci. Sporting a compact and curved front, reminiscent of the LC series, the IIsi shared similarities with other Macintosh models. It featured a 20 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, a Motorola 68882 FPU coprocessor, and offered either 2 MB or 5 MB of RAM. Storage options ranged from a 40 MB or 80 MB hard drive to a spacious 160 MB capacity. The inclusion of a 1.44 MB floppy drive and an optional Macintosh II video card added to its versatility.
While marketed as a 20 MHz computer, users soon discovered that the IIsi utilized parts capable of operating at 25 MHz. Apple had initially intended it to be a 25 MHz machine but scaled back its speed to avoid cannibalizing sales of the more expensive IIci model. Interestingly, many tech enthusiasts found ways to “chip” the IIsi, pushing its performance to 25 MHz or even 28 MHz, showcasing the potential hidden beneath its modest exterior.
The Macintosh IIsi had some distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other Macintosh models of its time. Similar to the IIci, it relied on onboard RAM for video, resulting in slightly slower performance. However, users could enhance the system’s speed by adding a PDS or NuBus video card. Another workaround involved setting aside the first 1 MB of RAM, shared for video and program space, by creating a disk cache or utilizing specialized software.
Audio input capabilities were one of the notable features of the IIsi, placing it alongside the LC as one of the first Macs with this functionality. However, some users encountered a sound issue where the internal speaker failed to produce audio. Cleaning and coating the contacts on the motherboard proved to be a reliable fix for this problem, bringing back the missing sound.
Despite being discontinued on March 15, 1993, the Macintosh IIsi has secured its position as a vintage device and an essential part of computing history. Its place within the Macintosh lineup showcased Apple’s efforts to offer affordable options while providing a glimpse into the advancements and compromises of that era. The IIsi’s compact design and cost-saving measures allowed a wider audience to experience the power of Macintosh computing.
The Macintosh IIsi’s impact can be seen in the continued fascination with vintage Macs and the dedicated communities that preserve and celebrate these devices. Today, 33 years later enthusiasts still can find support, knowledge, and camaraderie through online forums and groups dedicated to vintage Macs. The IIsi serves as a tangible reminder of the significant milestones in the evolution of personal computing.
The Macintosh IIsi may have been a “Compromised Mac” in certain respects, but it holds a unique place in the annals of computing history. Introduced in 1990 at a starting price of $3,770, this personal computer offered a glimpse into the past, showcasing the technical trade-offs that were made to deliver an affordable yet powerful machine. The IIsi’s enduring legacy and its contributions to the advancement of personal computing make it a cherished piece of vintage technology, keeping the spirit of innovation alive for generations to come.
Macintosh IIsi Details
| Introduced | October 15, 1990 |
| Discontinued | March 15, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 18 |
| Model Number | M0360 |
| Order Number | M0363LL/A M0364LL/A |
| Original Price | $3,770 $4,570 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 10 Ibs. 4.535 KG |
| Dimensions | 4” H x 12.4” W x 14.9” D 10.16 cm H x 31.49 cm W x 37.84 cm D |
Mac IIsi Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 20 MHz |
| Architecture | Unknown |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 20 MHz |
| Cache | 0.5 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Motorola 68882 FPU (Optional) |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 MB 80 MB 160 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 2 MB 5 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 65 MB |
| Memory Slots | 4 – 30 pin SIMMs (Groups of 4) |
| Minimum Speed | 100 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 64 – 320 KB (Shared system RAM) |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – NuBus or Cache Bus (PDS) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | 1 – DB-19 |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm nano input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm stereo output jack |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 6.0.6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 160 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh IIsi: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Mac IIsi – Low End Mac
- Macintosh IIsi – Wikipedia
- Apple Macintosh IIsi – The Centre for Computing History
- Apple Macintosh IIsi – Retro Viator
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 22, 2023
