On August 3, 1992, Apple unveiled the Macintosh PowerBook 145, a groundbreaking addition to their Macintosh PowerBook series. Priced at $2,150, this notebook computer pushed the boundaries of portable computing with its impressive specifications and forward-thinking features. As we commemorate its 30th anniversary today, the PowerBook 145 serves as a symbol of Apple’s historical impact on the industry and a reminder of how far technology has come.
The Macintosh PowerBook 145 featured a 25 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, a 9.8-inch monochrome LCD display, 2 MB of RAM, and a 40 MB or 80 MB hard drive. It also boasted a 1.44 MB floppy drive, which was the standard storage medium of the time. These specifications may seem modest by today’s standards, but in the early 1990s, they represented cutting-edge technology that revolutionized the concept of portable computing.
One noteworthy improvement of the PowerBook 145 over its predecessor, the PowerBook 140, was the increase in processing power. The 145 received a significant speed bump, with its processor clocked at 25 MHz compared to the 16 MHz of the 140. Additionally, the standard hard drive capacity was doubled from 20 MB to 40 MB, providing users with more storage space for their files and applications.
An innovative feature introduced in the PowerBook 145 was the ability to configure the laptop to sleep or shut down automatically when the clamshell unit was closed. This served as a battery-saving measure, enhancing the overall usability and convenience of the device. Such forward-thinking design elements have since become standard in modern laptops, making the PowerBook 145 a pioneer in this area.
Although the PowerBook 145’s production was short-lived, discontinued on June 7, 1993, it played a crucial role in Apple’s history as one of the first notebooks in the Macintosh PowerBook series. It filled the void left by the PowerBook 100 as the entry-level model, while the mid-level PowerBook 160 took the place of the PowerBook 140. These transitions exemplified Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries and catering to the evolving needs of its users.
Today, the Macintosh PowerBook 145 evokes a sense of nostalgia among Apple enthusiasts and technology aficionados alike. It serves as a tangible reminder of a bygone era when portable computing was still in its nascent stages. The PowerBook 145 symbolizes the rapid advancements in technology that have reshaped the world we live in today.
While the PowerBook 145 may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who witnessed its emergence. It stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and serves as a benchmark for the company’s subsequent achievements in the realm of portable computing.
As we celebrate the 32 years since the release of the Macintosh PowerBook 145, we pay homage to a device that left an indelible mark on the history of Apple and the evolution of technology. Its impressive specifications and forward-thinking features helped shape the future of portable computing.
The PowerBook 145 reminds us of the relentless pursuit of excellence that Apple embodies and the transformative impact the company has had on the industry. Though it may have been replaced by newer models, the PowerBook 145’s significance will forever be etched in the annals of Apple’s legacy.
Macintosh PowerBook 145 Details
| Introduced | August 3, 1992 |
| Discontinued | June 7, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 54 |
| Model Number | M4630LL/A M4650LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,150 |
| Colors | Grey |
| Weight | 6.8 Ibs. 3.084 KG |
| Dimensions | 2.25” H x 11.25” W x 9.3” D 5.71 cm H x 28.57 cm W x 23.62 cm D |
PowerBook 145 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 25 MHz |
| Cache | 0.5 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 MB 80 MB |
| Media | 1.44 MB floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 2 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 8 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PowerBook 1xx (70-pin connector) |
| Minimum Speed | 100 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 9.8″ diagonal passive matrix reflective LCD |
| Resolutions | 640 x 400 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | None |
| Display Connection | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | Internal 20-pin connector for the optional 2400-baud modem card |
| Hard Drive Interface | 40-pin SCSI |
| Bays | Unknown |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | HDI-30 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Infrared | None |
| Display | None |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in 64-key (U.S.) or 64-key (ISO) 3.0-mm travel keyboard |
| Trackpad | Built-in 25-mm trackball pointing device |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.0.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| System Battery | 2.5-ampere-hour NiCad battery |
| Backup Battery | 3 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 17 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
| Power Adapter | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh PowerBook 145: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- PowerBook 145 – Low End Mac
- PowerBook 145 – Wikipedia
- Apple Macintosh PowerBook 145 – The Centre for Computing History
- Apple Macintosh Powerbook 145 – Oldcrap
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: June 4, 2023
