On March 23rd, 1992, Apple unveiled the Macintosh LC II, the latest addition to their Macintosh LC series of personal computers. Despite its short time on the market, the Macintosh LC II left a lasting impression on the industry and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the impact and legacy of this compact powerhouse.
The Macintosh LC II was powered by a 16 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, a significant improvement over its predecessor. With 4 MB of RAM and a choice of hard drives ranging from 40 MB to 160 MB, the LC II offered users a powerful computing experience that was both reliable and versatile. Its inclusion of a 1.44 MB floppy drive further enhanced its capabilities, making it a popular choice among users at the time.
While its performance was noteworthy, the Macintosh LC II also made a visual statement. The LC II was part of Apple’s LC series, known for its compact form factor. Measuring just under 3 inches tall, the LC II held the title of the smallest desktop Mac until the introduction of the Mac mini years later. Although it may have been small in height, the LC II had a footprint equivalent to four Mac minis, ensuring that it was still a substantial presence on users’ desks.
Despite its brief time in the market, the Mac LC II left a significant impact on the personal computer industry. It was a reliable and powerful option for users seeking a capable machine for their computing needs. The LC II’s introduction represented Apple’s commitment to innovation and its desire to provide users with the best possible computing experience.
Unfortunately, the Macintosh LC II’s time in the spotlight was cut short. On March 15th, 1993, Apple made the decision to discontinue the LC II, marking the end of an era. However, even after all these years, the LC II remains a nostalgic reminder of Apple’s early days in the personal computer market.
Today, the Macintosh LC II celebrates 32 years since its release, serving as a nostalgic relic of the past. As we reflect on its legacy, we are reminded of the rapid evolution of technology and the constant advancements that have shaped the industry. The Macintosh LC II may have been surpassed by newer and more powerful machines, but its influence and significance cannot be overlooked.
The Macintosh LC II holds a special place in Apple’s history, representing a time of innovation and growth for the company. Despite its short time on the market, it made a lasting impact on the personal computer industry and remains a symbol of Apple’s commitment to delivering powerful and reliable machines to its users. As we move forward into an era of ever-advancing technology, let us not forget the Macintosh LC II and the important role it played in shaping the industry we know today.
Macintosh LC II Details
| Introduced | March 23, 1992 |
| Discontinued | March 15, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 37 |
| Model Number | M1700 |
| Order Number | M1720LL/A (no hard drive) M1701LL/A (40 MB hard drive) M1723LL/A (40 MB hard drive) M1707LL/A (80 MB hard drive) M1387LL/A (160 MB hard drive) |
| Original Price | $1,240 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 8.8 Ibs. 3.991 KG |
| Dimensions | 2.9” H x 12.2” W x 15.3” D 7.36 cm H x 30.98 cm W x 38.86 cm D |
Mac LC II Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 16 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 16 MHz |
| Cache | 0.25 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 MB 80 MB 160 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 10 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 30 pin SIMMs (Groups of 2) |
| Minimum Speed | 100 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 256 KB (Upgradeable to 512 KB via one socket) |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC PDS (Cache Bus) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.0.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm mono input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm mono output jack |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 50 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh LC II: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Mac LC II – Low End Mac
- Macintosh LC II – Wikipedia
- Macintosh LC II – Oldcrap
- Today in Apple history: Macintosh LC II is the Mac mini of its day – Cult of Mac
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 4, 2023
