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In 1993, Apple unveiled the Macintosh Performa 450, a personal computer that was at the forefront of technology at the time. With its sleek design and impressive specifications, the Performa 450 quickly captured the attention of consumers. Although it has been 30 years since its release, the legacy of this remarkable machine continues to live on.
On April 12th, 1993, the Macintosh Performa 450 made its grand entrance into the market, accompanied by a price tag starting at $1,800. Boasting a 25 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, a Motorola 68882 FPU coprocessor, 4 MB of RAM, a 120 MB hard drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, the Performa 450 was considered a cutting-edge machine during its time. Although these specifications may seem underwhelming by today’s standards, they represented the pinnacle of technology in the early 1990s.
While the Performa 450 retained the iconic “pizza box” case of its predecessors in the Performa 400 range, it was internally enhanced with several notable improvements. One of the standout enhancements was the introduction of a faster processor on a 32-bit bus, paving the way for increased performance and smooth multitasking capabilities. The Macintosh Performa 450 also offered support for greater amounts of RAM, enabling users to handle more demanding tasks with ease. Additionally, the graphics capability was enhanced, providing a more visually immersive experience.
For educational institutions, Apple introduced the Mac LC III, a variant of the Performa 450. Sharing many similarities with its sibling, the LC III was designed specifically to cater to the needs of students and educators. By offering an affordable option with the same powerful specifications, Apple aimed to empower the education sector with cutting-edge technology, fostering a generation of digital learners.
Regrettably, the glory days of the Macintosh Performa 450 were short-lived. On November 1st, 1993, Apple discontinued the production of this iconic machine, marking the end of an era. As technology advanced rapidly, newer and more powerful computers took center stage, leaving the Performa 450 as a relic of the past.
Despite its discontinuation, the Macintosh Performa 450 continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike. It serves as a poignant reminder of how far technology has come, with today’s devices boasting mind-boggling advancements in processors, memory, and storage. The Performa 450 stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and its constant pursuit of pushing boundaries.
The Macintosh Performa 450 may have faded into obscurity, but its impact on Apple’s history and the tech industry as a whole cannot be understated. This once cutting-edge machine represents a time when technology was rapidly evolving, laying the groundwork for the devices we use today.
As we marvel at our powerful and efficient gadgets, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of machines like the Performa 450. They paved the way for a future where technology is not just a tool but an integral part of our lives. So, let’s take a moment to remember and appreciate the Macintosh Performa 450—a true legend in the world of personal computing.
Macintosh Performa 450 Details
| Introduced | April 12, 1993 |
| Discontinued | November 1, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 27 |
| Model Number | M1254 |
| Order Number | M1698LL/A M1744LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,800 |
| 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 Performa 450 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 | 120 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 36 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 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 7.1P2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 50 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 450: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Macintosh Performa 400 Series Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Macintosh Performa 450 – OldCrap
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Last updated: July 1, 2023