Macintosh PowerBook 160 Explained

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, it’s essential to reflect on the devices that paved the way for our modern gadgets. One such piece of history is the Macintosh PowerBook 160, a groundbreaking notebook computer from Apple.

Released on October 19th, 1992, the PowerBook 160 captivated users with its impressive features and became an integral part of Apple’s Macintosh lineup. Let’s journey back in time and explore the impact and significance of this iconic laptop.

Priced at $2,480, the Macintosh PowerBook 160 delivered a powerful computing experience. Sporting a 25 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, 4 MB of RAM, and an option for various hard drive sizes (ranging from 40 MB to 120 MB), the PowerBook 160 offered substantial processing power for its time. Its compact 9.8″ monochrome LCD display provided a crisp viewing experience, making it a portable workhorse for professionals on the go.

The PowerBook 160 was not merely a precursor to modern laptops; it introduced several groundbreaking features. One of the key highlights was the inclusion of grayscale video capabilities. With a 4-bit (16 shade) internal grayscale video and support for 8-bit (256-color) video on an external monitor with impressive resolutions of up to 832 x 624, the PowerBook 160 pushed the boundaries of visual representation in portable computing.

Additionally, the Macintosh PowerBook 160 reintroduced SCSI Disk Mode, a feature previously seen only in the PowerBook 100. This innovation allowed users to connect their PowerBook 160 to other devices, effectively turning it into an external hard drive. This versatility opened up new possibilities for file sharing and data transfer, enhancing the overall functionality of the device.

Despite its significant contributions to the world of computing, the Macintosh PowerBook 160 had a relatively short lifespan. Apple discontinued the model on August 16th, 1993, marking the end of an era. However, even after 31 years, the PowerBook 160 remains a remarkable piece of Apple’s history, symbolizing the company’s commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries.

In today’s era of sleek ultrabooks and cutting-edge technology, it’s fascinating to revisit the Macintosh PowerBook 160 and recognize how far we’ve come. This classic laptop serves as a reminder of the advancements in both hardware and software that have revolutionized the way we use computers.

As we celebrate 31 years since release of the PowerBook 160, it’s worth acknowledging the profound impact it had on the laptop industry. Its influence on subsequent iterations of the PowerBook series, such as the PowerBook 180, which introduced support for external monitors and expanded memory options, cannot be overstated.

The Macintosh PowerBook 160 was more than a laptop; it was a symbol of Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. With its powerful specifications and innovative features, it became a favorite among professionals who sought portable computing power. Although discontinued long ago, the PowerBook 160 will forever hold a special place in the annals of Apple’s history. As we continue to embrace the latest advancements, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of these pioneering devices that shaped our digital landscape.

Macintosh PowerBook 160 Details

Introduced	October 19, 1992
Discontinued	August 16, 1993
Model Identifier	34
Model Number	M4500LL/A (40 MB hard drive) M4510LL/A (80 MB hard drive) M4520LL/A (120 MB hard drive)
Original Price	$2,480
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 160 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 120 MB
Media	1.44 MB floppy

Memory

Built-in Memory	4 MB of PSRAM
Maximum Memory	14 MB
Memory Slots	1 – PowerBook 1xx (70-pin connector)
Minimum Speed	85 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	128 KB
Display Connection	1 – Mini-15

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	1 – Mini-15

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 7.1
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 160: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
• PowerBook 160 – Low End Mac
• PowerBook 160 – Wikipedia
• Apple Macintosh Powerbook 160 – 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 25, 2023