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On October 19th, 1992, Apple unveiled the Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230, a remarkable addition to their PowerBook series of computers. Though it has been three decades since its introduction, the Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 remains a significant piece of Apple’s history, showcasing the company’s drive for innovation in the realm of portable computing.
The Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 boasted impressive specifications for its time. It housed a 33 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, a 9.1-inch monochrome LCD display, 4 MB of RAM, and a hard drive with a capacity of either 80 MB or 120 MB. What truly set it apart was its ability to transform into a desktop computer by simply connecting it to the dedicated Duo Dock. This innovative feature made it an attractive choice for users seeking versatility and convenience.
When the PowerBook Duo 230 was released, it carried a hefty price tag of $2,610, positioning it as a high-end option in the portable computing market. Apple aimed to offer a powerful and flexible machine that catered to the needs of professionals and tech enthusiasts alike. However, as technology advanced, newer and more capable models replaced the Duo 230, leading to its discontinuation on July 27th, 1994.
Despite its eventual discontinuation, the Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 has left an indelible mark on Apple’s history. It stands as a testament to the company’s relentless pursuit of innovation and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of portable computing. The Duo 230 represented a pivotal moment in Apple’s trajectory, setting the stage for the revolutionary advancements that followed.
Notably, the PowerBook Duo 230, alongside the PowerBook Duo 210, introduced the concept of a dockable Mac. By eliminating the internal floppy drive, along with other weight-saving measures, Apple managed to achieve an impressive weight of just 4.2 pounds. However, this design decision also resulted in the inability to use a floppy drive, SCSI device, external display, or network without the addition of a DuoDock.
The Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 featured a 4-bit passive-matrix screen, reminiscent of its predecessor, the PowerBook 160, which weighed around 6.8 pounds. While the display lacked the color and vibrancy we are accustomed to today, it provided users with a functional and portable computing experience.
As the Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 commemorates 30 years since its release, it serves as a powerful reminder of Apple’s trailblazing efforts in the realm of portable computing. Despite being discontinued, its impact on the industry and the legacy it forged within Apple’s history cannot be overstated. The Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 stands as a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to innovation, serving as a foundation for the transformative technological advancements that have shaped our modern world.
Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 Details
| Introduced | October 19, 1992 |
| Discontinued | July 27, 1994 |
| Model Identifier | 32 |
| Model Number | M4195LL/A (80 MB hard drive) M4196LL/A (120 MB hard drive) |
| Original Price | $2,610 |
| Colors | Grey |
| Weight | 4.2 Ibs. 1.905 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.4” H x 10.9” W x 8.5” D 3.55 cm H x 27.68 cm W x 21.59 cm D |
PowerBook Duo 230 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 33 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 33 MHz |
| Cache | 0.5 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 MB 120 MB |
| Media | None |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 24 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – Duo |
| Minimum Speed | 70 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 9″ monochrome passive-matrix reflective LCD |
| Resolutions | 640 x 400 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | None |
| Display Connection | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | Modem Dock (152-pin PDS) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
| Bays | Unknown |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | Internal modem/fax card |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | None |
| Serial | 1 |
| 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 | PowerBook Duo Type I (NiMH) |
| Backup Battery | Unknown |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 25 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
| Power Adapter | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- PowerBook Duo 230 – Low End Mac
- PowerBook Duo 230 – Wikipedia
- Apple Macintosh Powerbook Duo 230 – OldCrap
- Apple PowerBook Duo from 1992, how does it look today? – Medium
- Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 – Remi’s Classic Computers
- PowerBook 200 Series Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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Last updated: June 25, 2023