In the rapidly evolving world of technology, where advancements are constant and innovation is a norm, it’s easy to forget the pioneers that paved the way for our modern digital landscape. One such trailblazer was the Apple Macintosh LC III, a personal computer that left an indelible mark on Apple’s history. Launched on February 10, 1993, this iconic machine became a popular choice among consumers due to its powerful features and accessibility.
At the heart of the Macintosh LC III was a robust 25 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, which delivered significant performance gains compared to its predecessor, the Macintosh LC II. With 4 MB of RAM and a hard drive capacity ranging from 40 MB to 160 MB, users found the LC III to be a versatile and reliable machine, suitable for various tasks of its time. The inclusion of a 1.44 MB floppy drive further bolstered its appeal, making it a practical choice for both home users and educational institutions.
The affordability of the Macintosh LC III, priced at $750 during its launch, opened doors for a broader consumer base. Its competitive features made it an attractive option for those seeking a powerful computer without breaking the bank. The LC III’s impact on the industry cannot be overlooked, as it demonstrated Apple’s commitment to catering to a diverse audience with varying needs and budgets.
As technology advanced at an astonishing pace, the Macintosh LC III inevitably became outdated, leading to its eventual discontinuation on February 14, 1994. However, the legacy of this computer remains firmly etched in the annals of Apple’s history. It serves as a reminder of the tech giant’s humble beginnings and its journey toward becoming a global powerhouse in personal computing.
Today, on its 31 year birthday, the Macintosh LC III holds a special place in the hearts of those who had the privilege of using it. Its loyal user base cherishes the memories of a time when computing was simpler, yet groundbreaking in its own right.
The Macintosh LC III was part of the wider Macintosh LC series, and it marked a significant advancement in this line of computers. Compared to the Mac IIci, the LC III offered nearly the same performance at a fraction of the cost. It utilized an extended version of the 16 MHz LC PDS slot, which, although slightly less efficient than the IIci, allowed for various expansion options, such as video cards and Ethernet ports, further enhancing its versatility.
One of the notable improvements the LC III brought to the table was its increased RAM capacity. Breaking the 10 MB RAM barrier, the LC III supported expansion up to 36 MB using 72-pin SIMMs, making it more capable of handling demanding tasks and applications.
The Macintosh LC III also showcased its adaptability by supporting 16-bit video on a 640 x 480 monitor without requiring a VRAM upgrade. By selecting the 640 x 400 pixel mode under Options in the Monitors control panel and restarting the computer, users could enjoy enhanced visuals without any additional cost.
It’s intriguing to note that the Macintosh LC III was the first computer from Apple to carry the Roman numeral III since the ill-fated Apple III, adding a sense of historical significance to its name.
While the Macintosh LC III may no longer be in production, its impact on Apple’s trajectory and the tech industry as a whole should not be underestimated. As technology continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, reflecting on the past and appreciating the foundations laid by trailblazing products like the Macintosh LC III is essential.
In conclusion, the Apple Macintosh LC III was a trailblazer in its time, showcasing the tech giant’s commitment to accessibility, performance, and innovation. Its powerful features and affordable price tag made it a standout choice among consumers, while its influence on subsequent models cannot be overlooked.
As we celebrate 31 years since the release of this iconic machine, let us remember the Macintosh LC III as a symbol of Apple’s historic legacy and its enduring impact on the world of personal computing.
Macintosh LC III Details
| Introduced | February 10, 1993 |
| Discontinued | February 14, 1994 |
| Model Identifier | 27 |
| Model Number | M1254 |
| Order Number | M1312LL/A |
| Original Price | $750 $1,350 |
| 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 III Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 25 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 | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 36 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 72 pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 512 KB (Upgradeable to 768 KB via one socket) |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC III PDS (Cache Bus) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
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 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 30 W |
| Line Voltage | 100 to 240 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh LC III: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh LC III – Wikipedia
- Mac LC III – Low End Mac
- Apple Macintosh LC III – 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: June 30, 2023
