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In the ever-evolving realm of technology, it’s often the brief, yet impactful, moments that stand as milestones on the timeline of progress. Enter the Macintosh Performa 580CD, Apple’s high-end personal computer that marked its debut in 1995. Part of the illustrious Macintosh Performa series, this computer not only etched its name in history but also laid the groundwork for the astonishing advancements we witness today.
Back on May 1, 1995, Apple unfurled the curtain on the Macintosh Performa 580CD, instantly captivating tech enthusiasts with its promise of cutting-edge innovation. This sleek powerhouse, manufactured and sold by Apple, was destined to be a game-changer, offering a plethora of features that set it apart from the competition.
One look at the Macintosh Performa 580CD’s specs and it becomes evident that Apple was laying the groundwork for the future. The 33 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor paved the way for swift operations, while the 14-inch color CRT display provided a visual feast that was unparalleled at the time. With 5 MB or 8 MB of RAM, multitasking was a breeze, and the 250 MB or 500 MB hard drive offered ample space for files and applications. But that’s not all – the inclusion of a 2x CD-ROM drive and a 1.44 MB floppy drive were a nod to the multimedia future that was rapidly approaching.
Despite its remarkable specifications, the Macintosh Performa 580CD’s journey was cut short. After merely eight months on the market, it was discontinued on February 1, 1996. However, its legacy lived on as a testament to the dizzying pace of technological evolution. Today, as the Performa 580CD celebrates its 28-year anniversary, it serves as a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come.
The Macintosh Performa 580CD wasn’t just a stand-alone product; it was a bridge between eras. Positioned as a step up from its predecessors, this machine paved the way for the innovations that define our tech landscape today. Its role as a stepping stone is underscored by its similarities to earlier models, notably the Performa 575-578 series, yet with significant improvements under the hood.
Distinctive changes, such as a lower-quality display and support for more cost-effective IDE hard drives on a different motherboard, showcased Apple’s agility in adapting to market demands. The addition of new video input/output expansion further emphasized the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
The Performa 580CD might have been available only in Canada, Asia, and Australia, but its educational counterpart, the LC 580, garnered a global presence. The LC 580’s reach underscored the significance of making groundbreaking technology accessible to learners worldwide, propelling educational initiatives into the digital age.
As we cast our gaze back upon the Macintosh Performa 580CD, it’s impossible not to be swept up by a wave of nostalgia. This unassuming computer, which once stood at the cutting edge, now acts as a link to our technological past. It reminds us of the incredible strides we’ve made and celebrates the resilience of innovation. The Performa 580CD isn’t just a relic; it’s a symbol of progress, a tangible embodiment of the journey we’ve undertaken from then to now.
Macintosh Performa 580CD Details
| Introduced | May 1, 1995 |
| Discontinued | February 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 99 |
| Model Number | M3872 |
| Order Number | M3872LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,500 |
| 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 580CD 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 500 MB |
| Media | 1 – 2x CD-ROM 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 5 MB 8 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 52 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 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 | 1 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 (Optional) |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC PDS (Cache Bus) 1 – Comm. Slot 1 – Video I/O |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| 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 (Optional) |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.5 |
| 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 580CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Mac LC 580 (Performa 580) – Low End Mac
- Macintosh LC 580/ Performa 580CD Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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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: August 10, 2023
