The Macintosh Performa 560, an iconic personal computer from Apple Inc., holds a special place in the annals of technological innovation. Launched on January 1, 1994, as part of the renowned Macintosh Performa series, this remarkable machine aimed to revolutionize the computing experience for both home and office users. Packed with cutting-edge features and an intuitive design, the Performa 560 quickly became a standout choice in the market.
With a price tag of $2,500, the Macintosh Performa 560 was undeniably positioned as a premium computer during its release. However, its exceptional performance and sleek aesthetics captured the attention and admiration of consumers. This all-in-one powerhouse was designed to deliver an efficient and user-friendly computing experience, seamlessly catering to the diverse needs of its users.
The Performa 560 boasted impressive specifications that set it apart from its predecessors. Equipped with a 33 MHz Motorola 68030 processor and a Motorola 68882 FPU coprocessor, this machine demonstrated blazing processing speeds, enabling users to accomplish tasks with remarkable efficiency. The 14-inch color CRT display added a vibrant visual dimension to the computing experience, while the 5 MB of RAM and 160 MB hard drive provided ample storage capacity for data and applications.
Moreover, the inclusion of a 2x CD-ROM drive and a 1.44 MB floppy drive allowed users to conveniently access and share their digital content. These enhanced features not only made the Performa 560 a technological marvel but also contributed to a more seamless and enjoyable computing journey.
The Performa 560 closely resembled its sibling, the Performa 550, in terms of design and functionality. However, what set them apart was the software bundles they shipped with. The Performa 560 came with a “business software” bundle, while the Performa 550 was packaged with a “home software” bundle. These tailored software packages allowed users to optimize their computing experience based on their specific needs, making the Performa 560 a popular choice among business professionals.
For students and educators, Apple introduced the educational version of the Performa 560, known as the LC 550. Sharing many similarities with its sibling, this variant catered specifically to the unique requirements of the academic environment. The LC 550 enabled students and teachers to embrace the power of technology in their pursuit of knowledge and offered an exceptional computing experience tailored to educational endeavors.
While the Performa 560 garnered widespread acclaim during its time, it was discontinued on April 1, 1996, marking the end of an era. Today, the Performa 560 stands as a nostalgic relic, reminding us of the immense strides technology has taken over the past 30 years. Yet, its impact remains indelible, shaping the foundation for future innovations and cementing Apple’s legacy as a trailblazer in the world of personal computing.
The Macintosh Performa 560’s legacy as an innovative personal computer cannot be overstated. Its advanced features, sleek design, and user-friendly experience made it a standout choice in the market during its time. Although the Performa 560 is now a piece of history, its impact on the evolution of technology is undeniable. As we marvel at the remarkable advancements of the present, we owe a debt of gratitude to pioneering machines like the Performa 560 for paving the way to the extraordinary digital landscape we enjoy today.
Macintosh Performa 560 Details
| Introduced | January 1, 1994 |
| Discontinued | April 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 80 |
| Model Number | M1640 |
| Order Number | M3327LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,500 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 40.5 Ibs. 18.370 KG |
| Dimensions | 17.9” H x 13.5” W x 16.5” D 45.46 cm H x 34.29 cm W x 41.91 cm D |
Mac Performa 560 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 | 160 MB |
| Media | 1 – 2x CD-ROM 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 5 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 36 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 72 pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 14″ RGB CRT display |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 |
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 PDS (Cache Bus) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 2 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 2 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1P5 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 40 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 560: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Performa 500 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 16, 2023
