In the fast-paced world of technology, where progress marches forward with unrelenting vigor, it’s sometimes worth taking a step back to remember the devices that paved the way. One such marvel was the Apple PowerBook 5300ce, a groundbreaking notebook that, despite its short-lived reign, left an indelible mark on the tech landscape.
Back in the year 1995, when the digital realm was still finding its footing, Apple took the stage with the PowerBook 5300ce, a member of the esteemed Macintosh PowerBook series. With a starting price tag that could make one’s eyes water at $6,500, this notebook wasn’t just a piece of technology; it was a statement of Apple’s commitment to innovation.
At its core, the PowerBook 5300ce was a veritable powerhouse. Armed with a remarkable 117 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, it shattered the limits of its time. The vibrant 10.4″ color LCD display added a touch of luxury, while its 32 MB of RAM and 1.2 GB hard drive heralded a new era of computing possibilities. Not to be overlooked, the 1.44 MB floppy drive was the cherry on top, symbolizing a versatile device that could cater to professionals with diverse needs.
The PowerBook 5300ce wasn’t just another addition to the PowerBook series; it was a substantial leap forward. Apple had meticulously sculpted this masterpiece to cater to the needs of professionals who demanded nothing less than excellence. Compared to its predecessors, the 5300ce stood tall, boasting capabilities that redefined what a notebook could achieve.
Alas, like the fleeting brilliance of a shooting star, the PowerBook 5300ce’s time in the limelight was short-lived. Just over a year after its debut, it was discontinued on September 1, 1996. But the legacy it left behind continues to resonate with tech enthusiasts and Apple loyalists. The innovative spirit that birthed the 5300ce lives on in the subsequent generations of Apple devices, a testament to its influence.
Fast forward to the present day, and the PowerBook 5300ce stands as a time capsule. 29 years have passed since its introduction, yet it remains a vivid reminder of the leaps and bounds that technology has taken. With its 16-bit color support and the ability to accommodate external monitors, this relic of the past still holds some surprises for modern eyes.
The PowerBook 5300 series was more than just a lineup; it marked several firsts for the PowerBook dynasty. The integration of PowerPC processors and the introduction of “hot swappable” drive bays were milestones that shaped the trajectory of mobile computing. Yet, as with any groundbreaking venture, the initial road was not without its bumps. Battery and quality issues initially cast a shadow, prompting Apple to perform the necessary reworking to ensure the device performed as expected.
As we celebrate the 29-year anniversary of the PowerBook 5300ce, we’re reminded of how far technology has come. This remarkable notebook, with its awe-inspiring specifications and ambitious design, was a harbinger of Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
Its legacy endures, not just as a memory, but as a guiding light, encouraging us to look back and reflect on the journey that has led us to the tech-driven world we inhabit today. As we anticipate the advancements of the next 29 years, we’re reminded that innovation, no matter the era, is what propels us toward an exciting future.
Macintosh PowerBook 5300ce Details
| Introduced | August 28, 1995 |
| Discontinued | September 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 128 |
| Model Number | M2785 |
| Order Number | M3828LL/A |
| Original Price | $6,500 |
| Colors | Dark Grey |
| Weight | 6.2 Ibs. 2.812 KG |
| Dimensions | 2” H x 11.5” W x 8.5” D 5.08 cm H x 29.21 cm W x 21.59 cm D |
PowerBook 5300ce Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 117 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 33 MHz |
| Cache | 16 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 1.2 GB |
| Media | 1.44 MB floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 32 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 64 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PowerBook 53xx 120-pin connector |
| Minimum Speed | 60 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 10.4″ color active-matrix LCD |
| Resolutions | 800 x 600 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 512 KB 1 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – Type II or 1 – Type III PC Card |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
| Bays | 1 – PowerBook 5300 Bay 90-pin |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | 28.8k (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | 1 – 1 Mbps |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 1 |
| SCSI | 1 – 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 |
| Display | 1 – Mini-15 |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 76-key (U.S.) or 77-key (ISO) incl. 12 functions and 4 arrow keys |
| Trackpad | Built-in Solid-state trackpad |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.5.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| System Battery | NiMH |
| Backup Battery | 3V Lithium CR2330 |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
| Power Adapter | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh PowerBook 5300ce/117: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- PowerBook 5300 – Wikipedia
- PowerBook 5300 – Low End Mac
- Today in Apple history: Meet the ‘world-saving’ PowerBook 5300 – Cult of Mac
- The PowerBook 5300: In-Depth Review of a Candidate for Worst Apple Laptop. Famously Bad! – YouTube
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 8, 2023
