On January 24th, 1984, Apple introduced the world to the original Macintosh, the first computer in the Macintosh series. This all-in-one personal computer, priced at $2,495, featured an 8 MHz Motorola 68000 processor, a 9-inch monochrome display, 128 KB of RAM, a 400 KB floppy disk drive, and the Macintosh System Software.
The original Macintosh was a revolutionary device, as it was one of the first personal computers to feature a graphical user interface. The computer came with a keyboard and mouse, and the 9-inch CRT monitor was built-in, taking up less space on a desk. The computer also featured a single 400 KB, single-sided 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, with no space for other internal storage.
The heart of the Macintosh 128K was the Motorola 68000 microprocessor, running at 7.8336 MHz and connected to 128 KB of RAM shared by the processor and the display controller. The computer shipped with the first System and Finder application, known as “System 1.0” (formally known as System 0.97 and Finder 1.0). The original Macintosh saw three upgrades to both before it was discontinued.
However, by September 1984, Apple released the Macintosh 512K, which expanded the memory from 128 KB to 512 KB. This caused the original Macintosh to be re-branded as the Macintosh 128K and nicknamed the “Thin Mac”, while the new 512K model was dubbed the “Fat Mac”. Although functionally the same, the Macintosh and Macintosh 128K were technically two different computers, with the re-badged 128K containing a redesigned logic board to easily accommodate both 128 KB and 512 KB RAM configurations during manufacturing.
The Macintosh 128K was officially discontinued on October 1, 1985, and was replaced by the Macintosh 512K. Today, 40 years after its release, the Macintosh 128K remains a significant milestone in the history of personal computing and Apple’s technological innovation.
Macintosh 128K Details
Introduced | January 24, 1984 |
Discontinued | October 1, 1985 |
Model Identifier | 1 |
Order Number | M0001 M0001P |
Original Price | $2,495 |
Colors | Beige |
Weight | 16.5 Ibs. 7.484 KG |
Dimensions | 13.6” H x 9.6” W x 10.9” D 34.54 cm H x 24.38 cm W x 27.68 cm D |
Macintosh 128K Tech Specs
Processor
Processor | Motorola 68000 |
Processor Speed | 8 MHz |
Number of Cores | 1 |
System Bus | 8 MHz |
Memory
Storage | None |
Built-in Memory | 128 KB |
Maximum Memory | 1 MB (with Macintosh Plus 1 MB Logic Board Kit) |
Memory Slots | None |
Display
Built-in Display | 9” monochrome display |
Resolution | 512 x 342 |
Pixel Density | 72 ppi |
Connections
Ethernet | None |
Modem | None |
ADB | None |
Serial | 2 – RS-422 1 – DE-9 |
SCSI | None |
Audio Out | 1 – Built-in speaker 8-bit 22-kHz |
Display | 1 – RCA composite video output |
Expansion
Slots | None |
Media | 400 KB floppy disk drive |
Accessories
Software
Original OS | Macintosh System Software |
Maximum OS | System Software 1.1 |
Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
Maximum Continuous Power | 60 W |
Line Voltage | 110-120V AC (Model M0001) 220-240V AC (Model M00001P) |
Original Macintosh on Video
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh 128K: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Macintosh 128K – Computer – Computing History
- Mac 128K – Low End Mac
- Apple Macintosh – Apple Museum
- Apple Macintosh (128k) – (ForeverMac) – Internet Archive
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: March 7, 2023