• Internal modem slot, internal memory expansion slot for RAM expansion to 36MB, one
serial/LocalTalk port (for printer or modem), one video-out port, one SCSI port, one
ADB port
In additional to this feature set, Apple is including a number of software packages on the hard drive of each machine to get users started on the right foot. The PowerBook mobility bundle includes:
• Apple Remote Access Client 2.0, for connecting to Remote Access servers
• PowerBook Control Strip 1.0, which allows users to easily access power-management
functions from the desktop, as well as other control-panel functions such as moni-
toring network activity.
• PowerBook File Assistant, which offers easy file-sychronization between the
PowerBook and a desktop Macintosh
• Macintosh PC Exchange, for easy access to PC disks
• MacLink Plus/Easy Open Translators, providing DOS and Windows file conversion
• Macintosh Easy Open 1.0.4, which provides users with a number of translation options
when they do not have the proper application to open a file. (i.e., allowing you to open a
WordPerfect 6.0 file with Microsoft Word 5.1 for the Macintosh)
• Launcher, which provides a single place for users to launch applications
• HyperCard Player 2.2, for playing HyperCard stacks
• MacCheck 1.0.5, for diagnosing software and hardware problems
The PowerBook 520’s
The PowerBook 520 is Apple’s entry-level ‘040 notebook computer. Coming in one configuration only, the 520 includes a 25MHz ‘040, 4MB RAM, 160MB hard drive, a 640x480 dual-scan passive matrix display with 16 shades of gray and one battery providing up to 3.5 hours of life. The PowerBook 520 can be bought for approximately $3095.00 Cdn. (2269.00 U.S.)
The PowerBook 520c is identical in configuration to the 520 save for the display, which is a 640x480 dual-scan passive matrix display with 256 colors. The 520c retails for approximately $4050.00 Cdn. ($2869.00 U.S.)
The PowerBook 540’s
The PowerBook 540 is Apple’s mainstream ‘040 notebook computer. Coming in one configuration only, the 540 includes a 33MHz ‘040, 12MB RAM, 240MB hard drive, a 640x480 active matrix display with 64 shades of gray, a 19.2k internal Global Village modem, and two batteries providing up to 6 hours of life. The PowerBook 540 retails for approximately $5375.00 Cdn. ($3849.00 U.S.)
Apple’s top-of-the-line notebook computer is the PowerBook 540c. Nearly identical in configuration to the 540, the 540c offers a 320MB hard drive and a 640x480 active matrix display with 256 colors (the 540c can also display thousands of colors in a 640x400 resolution). Though impressive, the 540c is far from inexpensive at $7475.00 Cdn. ($5539.00 U.S.)
Upgradeablity
Apple is proclaiming the 500 series to be “Ready for PowerPC Upgrade”. Expected next spring, Apple’s PowerBooks based upon the PowerPC 603 processor will offer greater speed and features such as speech recognition and GeoPort serial ports. Apple is expected to offer daughter-card upgrades for the 500-series to give these machines identical functionality.
Apple has also indicated that the 520, 520c and 540 can be upgraded to the 540c’s active-matrix color display.
These upgrade options are good news for buyers who would like to “grow” with a laptop computer. While traditional portable machines have been ‘finite’ in the sense that one had relatively few options for performance upgrades, it is good to see a company like Apple thinking ahead for its customers.
The Duo 280 and 280c
On May 16th, Apple also introduced two new 33MHz ‘040 Duo models and a new Duo Dock.
The Duo 280, like the Duo 250 (sold in the US.), sports a 640x400 active matrix display with 16 shades of gray. Including a 33MHz ‘040 processor (no math co-processor), the Duo 280 come in only one configuration: 12MB RAM, 240MB hard drive and Apple’s 14.4k Express Modem. The Duo 280 retails for approximately $4275.00 Cdn. ($3159.00 U.S.)
The 280c is nearly identical to the 270c, including a 640x480 active matrix display with 256 colors (or thousands of colors, at a 640x400 resolution). The 280 also sports a 33MHz ‘040 (no math co-processor), 12MB RAM, a 320MB hard drive and an Apple 14.4k express modem. The Duo 280c sells for approximately $5795.00 Cdn. ($4299.00 U.S.)
The Duo Dock II improves upon the design of the original Duo Dock by offering an Ethernet port. In addition, 1 MB of VRAM is now standard on the logic board, providing thousands of colors on displays up to 17” in size. The Duo Dock II is approximately $1450.00 Cdn. ($899.00 U.S.)
The new Duo models are also being touted as being “Ready for PowerPC upgrade”. Apple will offer a complete PowerPC 603 logic-board upgrade for all Duo models, including the 210, 230, 270c, 280 and 280c.
Speed Issues
Because the new Duos use a 32-bit path throughout the logic board, they actually achieve slightly better speeds than the PowerBook 500’s, which utilize a 32-bit daughter-card combined with a 16-bit mother board. The reason for the slower mother board in the 500’s is too ensure compatibility with a PowerPC 603 daughter-card upgrade.
Availability
All new PowerBook models are expected to be available in quantity by the end of May.
