In the realm of personal computing, Apple has consistently set the bar high with its innovative products and impeccable design. From the pioneering Apple-1 to the sleek iMac computers we admire today, Apple’s legacy of pushing technological boundaries is unquestionable. Among its notable achievements is the Macintosh Performa series, introduced in the mid-90s. Within this revered lineup, the Macintosh Performa 575 shines as a compact powerhouse that captivated users with its cutting-edge features and user-friendly design.
Unveiled on February 1, 1994, the Performa 575 was a formidable machine designed for everyday use. Its compact form housed a 33 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor, a vibrant 14″ color CRT display, 5 MB of RAM, a 250 MB hard drive, a 2x CD-ROM drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive. Back in its prime, the Performa 575’s performance was unrivaled, making it the go-to choice for users seeking reliability, speed, and style all in one package.
Despite its relatively short availability from February 1994 to April 1996, the Performa 575 swiftly gained popularity. The perfect amalgamation of leading-edge technology, intuitive design, and user-friendly features made it an affordable and trustworthy companion for countless individuals. Even today, the Macintosh Performa 575 continues to be a beloved and iconic artifact of technological history.
Over 30 years since its initial launch, the Performa 575 remains an enduring testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and design. Its enduring popularity among both dedicated Mac enthusiasts and admirers of vintage technology speaks volumes about the timeless appeal of this remarkable machine. The Performa 575 embodies the brilliance and vision of the talented minds at Apple who brought it to life.
Whether you stumble upon the Performa 575 while exploring the tech section of a local museum or engage in conversations within online retro tech forums, take a moment to appreciate the sheer ingenuity behind this machine. The Macintosh Performa 575 seamlessly blends power, aesthetics, and usability, making it a true masterpiece of engineering. Its impact on the industry and the enduring love it receives from enthusiasts make it a significant milestone in Apple’s illustrious history.
As a rebranded version of the LC 575 targeted at the Japanese consumer market, the Macintosh Performa 575 boasted a built-in 14″ Trinitron display from Sony. With 512 KB of VRAM supporting up to 8-bit color at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, it could be upgraded to 1 MB VRAM to achieve 16-bit color. The logic board, comparable to the Macintosh LC 475, featured a 66/33 MHz 68LC040 processor and a 32-bit LC PDS slot. The machine allowed RAM upgrades up to 36 MB via a single 72-pin SIMM slot, and it connected to hard drives via SCSI bus. Furthermore, the built-in floppy drive supported 1.44 MB high-density disks.
The Performa 575 came pre-installed with System 7.1P6, accompanied by System Enabler 364 and a home software bundle. Its final supported operating system was Mac OS 8.1.
For educational purposes, Apple released the LC 575, which shared similarities with the Performa 575. The educational version served as an equally capable sibling, catering to the unique needs of educational institutions.
The Macintosh Performa 575 occupies a special place in the annals of Apple’s rich history. From its impressive specifications and user-friendly design to its lasting impact on the industry, this timeless machine epitomizes Apple’s unwavering dedication to innovation and design. Whether you are a devoted Mac enthusiast or simply appreciate the allure of vintage technology, the Performa 575 stands tall as one of the finest computers of its time.
Macintosh Performa 575 Details
| Introduced | February 1, 1994 |
| Discontinued | April 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 92 |
| Model Number | M1640 |
| Order Number | M3119LL/A M3119LL/B |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| 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 575 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68LC040 |
| Processor Speed | 33 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 33 MHz |
| Cache | 8 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 250 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 2x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 5 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 68 MB (Actual) 36 MB (Apple) |
| 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 1 MB) |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC PDS (Cache Bus) 1 – Comm. Slot |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | 14.4k (internal) |
| 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 7.1P6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 8.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 40 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 575: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Mac LC 575 (Performa 575) – Low End Mac
- Retro Mac Review: Macintosh Performa 575 (Video) – YouTube
- 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
