In 1993, Apple took the tech world by storm with the introduction of its groundbreaking addition to the Macintosh PowerBook series – the PowerBook Duo 250. This remarkable notebook, designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple, was a true trailblazer, setting the stage for a new era in computing. Although it had a relatively short lifespan, the PowerBook Duo 250 left an indelible mark in Apple’s history, reminding us of the company’s innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence.
On that memorable day, October 21, 1993, Apple unveiled the PowerBook Duo 250 to the public, captivating tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a starting price of $2,500, the PowerBook Duo 250 offered an impressive array of features that set it apart from its contemporaries. Equipped with a 33 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, a 9.1″ monochrome LCD display, and a choice between a 120 MB or 200 MB hard drive, this notebook was truly ahead of its time.
One of the key highlights of the PowerBook Duo 250 was its remarkable versatility. It was not only a laptop but also doubled as a desktop computer. Users could easily dock the notebook into a dedicated Duo Dock, transforming it into a full-fledged desktop setup. This innovative feature allowed professionals to seamlessly transition between workstations, catering to their dynamic needs.
Underneath its sleek exterior, the PowerBook Duo 250 housed impressive hardware for its time. The 33 MHz Motorola 68030 processor ensured snappy performance, enabling users to tackle demanding tasks with ease. The active matrix (TFT) 640×400 4-bit grayscale display delivered crisp visuals, enhancing the overall user experience. With 4 MB of RAM, upgradable to 24 MB, the PowerBook Duo 250 offered sufficient memory to handle multitasking efficiently.
Despite its relatively short stint in the market, the PowerBook Duo 250 left a lasting impact. It served as a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries and revolutionizing the tech industry. The PowerBook Duo line paved the way for future advancements, setting the stage for the remarkable innovations we enjoy today.
As we reflect on the PowerBook Duo 250 after 30 years, it’s awe-inspiring to see how far technology has come. While the PowerBook Duo 250 may seem outdated by today’s standards, it remains a symbol of Apple’s pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. This notebook serves as a vital milestone in the evolution of portable computing, inspiring future generations of innovators to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible.
The PowerBook Duo 250 holds a special place in Apple’s rich history, embodying the company’s ethos of innovation and excellence. This pioneering notebook, introduced in 1993, showcased Apple’s unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to users. Although its time in the market was short, its impact was profound, leaving an indelible mark on the tech industry. As we celebrate the incredible strides made since then, let us remember the PowerBook Duo 250 as a reminder of Apple’s remarkable journey and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Macintosh PowerBook Duo 250 Details
| Introduced | October 21, 1993 |
| Discontinued | May 16, 1994 |
| Model Identifier | 38 |
| Model Number | M1933LL/A M4189LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,500 |
| 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 250 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 | 120 MB 200 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 | 9.1″ monochrome active-matrix 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 | 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 7.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| System Battery | PowerBook Duo Type II (NiMH) |
| Backup Battery | Unknown |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 25 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
| Power Adapter | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh PowerBook Duo 250: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- PowerBook Duo – Wikipedia
- PowerBook Duo 250 – Low End Mac
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: July 16, 2023
