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PowerBook 3400c PowerBook 3400c

Macintosh PowerBook 3400c Datasheet

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Apple has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. One shining example of their commitment to pushing boundaries is the Macintosh PowerBook 3400c, a groundbreaking notebook introduced on February 17, 1997. This sleek marvel not only exemplified cutting-edge hardware but also laid the foundation for the high-end notebooks we know today.

The PowerBook 3400c was not just a portable computer; it was a statement. Boasting a 180 MHz / 200 MHz or 240 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, a 12.1″ color LCD display, 16 MB of RAM, and a 1.3 GB / 2 GB or 3 GB hard drive, it was a technological powerhouse in a compact form factor. This notebook also featured a 1.44 MB floppy drive, a 6x CD-ROM or 12x CD-ROM drive, and supported 16-bit color on its display, with the capability to mirror it on an external monitor.

In addition to the “hot swappable” drive bays and zoomed video support, the PowerBook 3400 series marked a shift by being the first series fast enough to replace desktop systems for most users. It introduced 1 MB IrDA and a revolutionary four-speaker sound system, setting a new standard for high-end notebooks.

With a starting price of $4,500, the PowerBook 3400c was a luxury that only a select few could afford. Despite its hefty price tag, it found favor among professionals who needed both power and portability. Issued in three models with varying processor speeds — 180 MHz, 200 MHz, and 240 MHz — the 3400c series catered to different performance needs.

The meticulous industrial design of the 3400c, inheriting elements from its predecessor, the PowerBook 5300 series, showcased a larger LCD screen and a wider removable drive bay, allowing the use of CD readers. The inclusion of a second speaker for stereo sound and the ability to use CardBus cards opened up possibilities for diverse applications.

The PowerBook 3400c, despite its short-lived existence, left an indelible mark on Apple’s history. Discontinued on March 14, 1998, it remains a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and design. Today, 27 years after its introduction, the PowerBook 3400c stands as a classic, retired from active service but revered as a pioneer in portable computing.

Its impact on the tech industry is immeasurable. The PowerBook 3400c paved the way for the laptops and notebooks we use today, setting a high bar for what a portable computer should be. As we celebrate its 27-year anniversary, we salute the PowerBook 3400c — a true classic in the annals of tech history.

Macintosh PowerBook 3400c
Source: wikipedia.org – Macintosh PowerBook 3400c

Macintosh PowerBook 3400c Details

IntroducedFebruary 17, 1997
DiscontinuedDecember 13, 1997 (180 MHz)
February 17, 1998 (200 MHz)
March 14, 1998 (240 MHz)
Model Identifier306
Model NumberM3553
Order NumberM4596LL/A
M4597LL/A 
M4595LL/A
M5550LL/A
Original Price$4,500
$5,000

$5,500
$6,400
ColorsDark Grey
Weight7.2 Ibs.
3.265 KG
Dimensions2.4” H x 11.5” W x 9.5” D
6.09 cm H x 29.21 cm W x 24.13 cm D

PowerBook 3400c Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorPowerPC 603e
Processor Speed180 MHz
200 MHz
240 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus40 MHz
Cache16 KB L1
256 KB L2
CoprocessorBuilt-in FPU

Storage & Media

Storage1.3 GB
2.0 GB
3.0 GB
Media1 – 1.44 MB floppy
1 – 6x CD-ROM or 12x CD-ROM

Memory

Built-in Memory16 MB
Maximum Memory144 MB
Memory Slots1 – PowerBook 3400
Minimum Speed60 ns
ROMUnknown
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in Display12.1″ active-matrix color SVGA LCD Display
Resolutions800 x 600

Graphics

Graphics CardNone
Graphics Memory2 MB
Display Connection1 – HDI-15

Expansion

Expansion Slots2 – Type II or 1 – Type III PC Card
Hard Drive InterfaceATA
Bays1 – 5.25-inch bay

Connections

Wi-FiNone
Ethernet10BASE-T (Optional in 180 MHz)
Modem33.6k (Optional in 180 MHz)
BluetoothNone
Infrared1 – 1.152 Mbps
ADB1
Serial1
SCSI1 – HDI-30
Floppy PortNone
Audio In1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack
1 – Built-in microphone
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack
1 – Built-in speaker
Display1 – HDI-30

Keyboard and trackpad

KeyboardBuilt-in Full-size 76-key (U.S.) or 77-key (ISO) incl. 12 function and 4 arrow keys
TrackpadBuilt-in Solid-state trackpad (Double-tap and drag)

Software

Original OSMac OS 7.6.1
Maximum OSMac OS 9.1
FirmwareMacintosh ROM

Power

System Battery32 Wh Lithium-Ion
Backup Battery7.2V 60 mAh NiMH Lithium (922-2692)
Maximum Continuous Power45 W
Line VoltageUnknown
Power AdapterUnknown

Further Reading and References

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: November 23, 2023