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In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s easy for the past to get overshadowed by the latest and greatest innovations. However, today we pause to celebrate an important milestone in Apple’s PC history as one of its iconic creations, the Macintosh Performa 637CD, turns 29 years old.
On July 18, 1994, Apple unveiled the Macintosh Performa 637CD, part of the revered Macintosh Performa series of personal computers. Though it was in production for a mere year, from 1994 to 1995, the Performa 637CD’s impact on the industry and its place in Apple’s legacy cannot be underestimated.
One of the reasons the Performa 637CD made such a splash was its impressive hardware specifications, considered top-of-the-line for its time. Powered by a 33 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor and backed by 8 MB of RAM, it boasted a 350 MB hard drive, a 2x CD-ROM drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive. This combination made it a formidable machine, specifically targeted at creative professionals and power users who demanded cutting-edge performance.
But quality comes at a cost, and the Performa 637CD’s starting price of $2,280 placed it in the upper echelon of Apple’s PC lineup. Nevertheless, its powerful hardware justified the expense for those seeking the best in personal computing during that era.
Sadly, the Performa 637CD’s reign was short-lived, as Apple decided to discontinue its production on July 1, 1995, a little over a year after its initial launch. However, its impact persisted long after it vanished from store shelves.
The Macintosh Performa 637CD played a pivotal role in establishing Apple as a major player in the high-end personal computer market. It showcased the company’s innovative spirit and commitment to creating powerful, user-friendly PCs. Even today, its legacy lives on, as seen in the modern Mac computers that continue to redefine the boundaries of personal computing.
The Performa 637CD’s hardware may now be considered outdated, but for those who experienced its prowess, it remains a symbol of Apple’s ingenuity. It was a stepping stone that paved the way for the groundbreaking technologies we now take for granted.
Interestingly, the Performa 637CD closely resembled its sibling, the Performa 636CD, but with a few notable differences. The 637CD came equipped with a slightly smaller hard drive and a 15″ Apple color monitor, while the 636CD sported a 500 MB hard drive but no monitor.
Additionally, the Performa 637CD had variations tailored for different purposes. The educational version of the computer was known as the LC 630 series, while the business variant was dubbed the Quadra 630.
As we commemorate the 29 birthday of the Macintosh Performa 637CD, let us remember its role in shaping the tech landscape. Apple’s dedication to innovation and excellence remains as strong as ever, and we eagerly anticipate future breakthroughs that will build upon the legacy of this iconic machine.
Macintosh Performa 637CD Details
| Introduced | July 18, 1994 |
| Discontinued | July 1, 1995 |
| Model Identifier | 98 |
| Model Number | M3076 |
| Order Number | M3598LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,280 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 19 Ibs. 8.618 KG |
| Dimensions | 4.3” H x 12.6” W x 16.5” D 10.92 cm H x 32 cm W x 41.91 cm D |
Mac Performa 637CD 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 | 350 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 2x CD-ROM (Optional) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 8 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 | 1 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC PDS 1 – Comm 1 – Video I/O |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | 14.4k (external) |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack (8-bit mono) |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack (8-bit stereo) 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1.2P |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 8.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 637CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Macintosh Performa 630 Series Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Old Mac of the Month: The Performa 637CD – 512 Pixels
- Vintage Macintosh Performa 637CD! Program cd’s! – Worthpoint
- Apple M3076 Macintosh Performa 637CD – Recycled Goods
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Last updated: August 2, 2023