In October 1993, Apple unveiled the Macintosh Performa 460, a powerful addition to their Macintosh Performa series. Packed with impressive specifications and a sleek design, the Performa 460 quickly garnered attention from tech enthusiasts. Although its lifespan was short-lived, this 30-year-old computer continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Apple fans worldwide. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the legacy of the Macintosh Performa 460.
The Macintosh Performa 460 was equipped with a 33 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, a Motorola 68882 FPU coprocessor, and 4 MB of RAM. These specifications provided users with a robust computing experience that surpassed its predecessors. Additionally, the Performa 460 offered a choice between an 80 MB or 160 MB hard drive, allowing users to store their digital files and applications with ease. With a 1.44 MB floppy drive, the Performa 460 showcased Apple’s commitment to convenience and user-friendly interfaces.
Despite its promising capabilities, the Macintosh Performa 460 had a brief stint in the market. Merely two weeks after its release, Apple discontinued the model on November 1, 1993. While its discontinuation was unexpected, the Performa 460 played a pivotal role in Apple’s ongoing quest for innovation and excellence. It exemplified the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries and striving for groundbreaking technologies.
Today, as the Macintosh Performa 460 turns 30, it remains a beloved relic of Apple’s rich history. Although it is no longer in production, this computer continues to resonate with those who were fortunate enough to experience its reliability and performance firsthand. The Performa 460 was not just a machine; it was a workhorse that diligently served its users for years, showcasing Apple’s dedication to crafting high-quality computers for everyday use.
Even by today’s standards, the Macintosh Performa 460 stands as a testament to Apple’s forward-thinking approach. Its powerful hardware and intuitive software made it an accessible and user-friendly option for individuals from all walks of life. The Performa 460’s sleek and compact “pizza box” case, housing the 33 MHz 68030 processor, 4 MB of RAM, and an 80 MB hard drive, demonstrated Apple’s commitment to both performance and aesthetics.
Compared to its predecessor, the Performa 450, the Macintosh Performa 460 boasted a range of improvements. Notably, it featured a faster processor and the option to include a Floating-Point Unit (FPU), enhancing its computational capabilities. Furthermore, the Performa 460 introduced a fresh design with a smooth and curved front, rounded “foot,” and finger indentations above and below the floppy disk drive. This sleek appearance exemplified Apple’s attention to detail and its commitment to creating visually appealing products.
In addition to the standard Performa 460 model, Apple also released an educational version known as the LC III+. This educational variant provided students and educators with a reliable and versatile tool for learning and productivity. The Performa 460 and LC III+ offered the same impressive specifications, ensuring that users in academic settings could benefit from its capabilities.
Although the Macintosh Performa 460 had a relatively short lifespan, its impact and significance cannot be overlooked. As we celebrate its 30-year anniversary, we pay tribute to a computer that showcased Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation and quality. The Performa 460’s powerful hardware, sleek design, and user-friendly experience made it a beloved workhorse in its time. While technology has advanced significantly since its release, the Performa 460’s legacy lives on as a reminder of Apple’s commitment to delivering groundbreaking products.
Macintosh Performa 460 Details
| Introduced | October 18, 1993 |
| Discontinued | November 1, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 62 |
| Model Number | M1254 |
| Order Number | M2156LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,300 |
| 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 460 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 33 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 33 MHz |
| Cache | 0.5 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Motorola 68882 FPU (Optional) |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 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 |
| 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 | 50 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 460: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Macintosh Performa 460 – OldCrap
- Apple Macintosh Performa 460 (ForeverMac Archive) – Web Archive
- Macintosh Performa 400 Series Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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 9, 2023
