On October 21, 1991, Apple unveiled a new addition to its Macintosh Quadra series, the Macintosh Quadra 700. Although its lifespan was relatively short, spanning just over a year and a half before its discontinuation on March 15, 1993, this powerhouse personal computer left an indelible mark on the industry. With its robust specifications and innovative features, the Quadra 700 represented the pinnacle of technology for its time. Let’s take a closer look at this iconic machine.
The Macintosh Quadra 700 was an impressive computing marvel, armed with a 25 MHz Motorola 68040 processor and a generous 4 MB of RAM. Its processing power and memory allocation were more than sufficient to handle the demanding tasks of its era. The Quadra 700 was also equipped with a range of storage options, including hard drives with capacities of 80 MB, 160 MB, or a staggering 400 MB, as well as a 1.44 MB floppy drive for additional data storage.
Upon its release, the Mac Quadra 700 carried a hefty price tag, starting at $5,700. While this made it an extravagant choice for many, those who could afford it were treated to a state-of-the-art personal computer that pushed the boundaries of technology and performance. Apple’s dedication to quality and innovation was evident in every aspect of the Quadra 700.
The Quadra 700 and its sibling, the Quadra 900, made history as the first Macs to incorporate built-in ethernet capabilities, utilizing Apple’s AAUI connector. This breakthrough feature allowed users to connect to networks and the emerging world of online communication, laying the foundation for the interconnected world we live in today. Apple’s commitment to pushing the envelope of connectivity was ahead of its time.
Visually, the Quadra 700 shared its chassis with the Mac IIci, a sleek and compact minitower design. However, unlike the IIci, the Quadra 700 did not feature front-accessible hard drive bays. Apple made a conscious decision to optimize internal space and streamline the Quadra 700’s design, prioritizing functionality without compromising on performance.
One noteworthy distinction between the Quadra 700 and its predecessor, the IIci, was the former’s ability to support a two-page display without requiring an additional video card. This feature provided users with a convenient and efficient way to multitask and enhance their productivity. The Quadra 700’s versatility and expandability set it apart as a groundbreaking machine in its time.
Today, the Macintosh Quadra 700 is 32 years old, having long been discontinued by Apple. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Quadra 700 left an enduring legacy for those fortunate enough to experience its power and capabilities. It served as a workhorse, pushing the boundaries of what personal computers could achieve and cementing Apple’s reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.
The Macintosh Quadra 700, released in 1991, stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to technological innovation and pushing the limits of personal computing. With its formidable specifications and forward-thinking features, the Quadra 700 secured its place in history. Although it may no longer be in production, the Quadra 700’s impact and influence can still be felt, reminding us of the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives the tech industry forward.
Macintosh Quadra 700 Details
| Introduced | October 21, 1991 |
| Discontinued | March 15, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 22 |
| Model Number | M5920 |
| Order Number | M5921LL/A (no hard drive) M5922LL/A (80 MB hard drive) M1201LL/A (160 MB hard drive) |
| Original Price | $5,700 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 13.6 Ibs. 6.168 KG |
| Dimensions | 5.5” H x 11.9” W x 14.4” D 13.97 cm H x 30.22 cm W x 36.57 cm D |
Mac Quadra 700 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68040 |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| Architecture | Unknown |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 25 MHz |
| Cache | 8 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Integrated FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 MB 160 MB 400 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 68 MB |
| Memory Slots | 4 – 30 pin SIMMs |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 512 KB (Upgradeable to 2 MB via six sockets) |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – NuBus 1 – PDS (Cache Bus) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.0.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 8.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Connections
| Ethernet | AAUI-15 |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 2 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm stereo output jack |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 50 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Quadra 700: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Quadra 700 – Low End Mac
- Macintosh Quadra 700 – Wikipedia
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 3, 2023
