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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, and one remarkable testament to this commitment is the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh. Launched in 1997, this iconic computer marked a celebratory milestone for Apple, encapsulating 20 years of groundbreaking technology.
March 20, 1997, saw the debut of the 20th Anniversary Macintosh, a true work of art in the world of computing. Priced at a hefty $7,499, it stood as a testament to Apple’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge technology with a touch of luxury. Beyond its price tag, this Macintosh was a visual delight, boasting a sleek and futuristic design that set it apart from its contemporaries.
Beneath its elegant exterior, the Twentieth Anniversary Mac was a powerhouse of technology. Featuring a 250 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, a 12.1-inch color LCD display, 32 MB of RAM, a 2 GB hard drive, 4x CD-ROM drive, and 2 MB ATI Rage IIc graphics, it delivered lightning-fast speeds and top-of-the-line performance. The unique combination of components, including the Power Mac 6500’s motherboard, made it a standout in the computing world.
The 20th Anniversary Mac was not just a computer; it was a futuristic concept brought to life. With features borrowed from the PowerBook 3400 and the Power Macintosh 6500, it presented a unique blend of technology. The external power supply, cleverly integrated into a subwoofer manufactured by Bose, contributed to its compact footprint. The small keyboard, devoid of a numeric keypad but featuring a touchpad and leather palm rests, added a touch of sophistication.
Despite its initial marketing as an elite system with a concierge service for personalized delivery and setup, sales of the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh were slow. Apple, acknowledging the need to adapt, eventually lowered the price of its premium product. The discontinuation in March 1998 marked the end of its brief time on the market. However, this unique Macintosh has not faded into obscurity; it has become a sought-after collector’s item, cherished by dedicated Macintosh enthusiasts.
Today, as the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh turns 26, it stands as a timeless symbol of Apple’s innovative spirit. Despite its challenges, it remains a piece of technological history, remembered for its avant-garde design and cutting-edge features. The legacy of this iconic computer lives on in the hearts of collectors who appreciate its uniqueness and the mark it left on the computing world. The Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh may have had a short-lived presence, but its impact is everlasting.
Twentieth Anniversary Mac Details
| Introduced | March 20, 1997 |
| Discontinued | March 14, 1998 |
| Model Identifier | 512 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Order Number | M3459LL/A |
| Original Price | $7,499 |
| Colors | Platinum Black |
| Weight | 14.9 Ibs. 6.758 KG |
| Dimensions | 17.25” H x 16.5” W x 10” D 43.81 cm H x 41.91 cm W x 25.4 cm D |
20th Anniversary Mac Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 250 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 50 MHz |
| Cache | 32 KB L1 256 KB L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 2 GB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 4x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 32 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 128 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 168 pin DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 60 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 12.1″ color active-matrix TFT Display |
| Resolution | 800×600 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage IIc |
| Graphics Memory | 2 MB SGRAM |
| Display Connection | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – 7″ PCI 1 – Comm. II Slot |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | 33.6k (External) |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 2 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | None |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 140 W |
| Line Voltage | 90-130/180-264 V |
Further Reading and References
- Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh – Wikipedia
- 20th Anniversary Mac – Low End Mac
- Apple Macintosh Twentieth Anniversary Edition – The Centre for Computing History
- Today in Apple history: Twentieth Anniversary Mac lands with a thud – Cult of Mac
- Apple’s Most Futuristic-Looking Computer Came Out 20 Years Ago – Vice
- The mystery of the iMac’s granddaddy: The Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh – MacWorld
- Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh – SixColors
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Last updated: November 23, 2023
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