Macintosh Classic

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This article is about a particular model of computer. For the "classic" Macintosh operating system, see Mac OS.

Macintosh Classic

Manufacturer	Apple Computer
Introduced	October 15, 1990
Discontinued	September 14, 1992
Price	US$999 to 1500 USD
CPU	Motorola 68000, 8 MHz
RAM	1 MiB, expandable to 4 MiB, 120 ns 30-pin SIMM
OS	System 6.0.7

The Macintosh Classic (code-named XO and Civic) was the first Apple Macintosh personal computer introduced at a price under US$1000. Demand for another "all-in-one"/"compact" Mac, such as the popular Macintosh Plus and the SE, spurred the introduction of the Classic. Limitations of the form factor prohibited major innovations in this model, which had the same 9-inch display, 512×342-pixel one-bit video, and 4 MiB memory ceiling as its predecessors. Unlike other Macs, memory expansion was only possible with a special memory expansion card only available on the more expensive model, or as an option installed later.

Architecturally, it was very similar to an SE. Changes include a fixed hard drive bay, lighter chassis, brightness knob removed (for cost reasons), and surface-mounted circuits with minor changes (such as the aforementioned RAM card). The brightness knob was replaced by the PWM circuit that formerly controlled the floppy disk rotation speed, a function obviated by the use of a SuperDrive. Brightness settings were controlled using a control panel, which is operable only on this model and the newer Macintosh Classic II.

The RAM card was the only card designed for the lone expansion slot on the motherboard. Unlike the Macintosh SE there was no way to add an extra card for video, Ethernet, or another option. Classics had 1 MiB on the motherboard and another 1 MiB on the card itself. There were two slots on the card which could hold either 512 KiB or 1 MiB SIMMs. A jumper needed to be set properly to read the amount of memory installed.

Although the Classic shipped with System 6.0.7, it could run earlier versions as well. A case in point is the hidden ROM disk (see below) which included a copy of System 6.0.3. System 7.5.5 is the latest supported version on this model.

One unique feature of the Classic was the ability to start from a ROM disk by holding down the ⌘⌥XO (Command+Option+X+O) keys during the boot process. This would boot the Mac Classic into a special combination of the System and Finder that only the Mac Classic can run. The 40 MB hard disk drive model cost US$1500, while the US$1000 model was a stripped-down 1 MiB model without a hard drive.

The Classic was very popular in schools. The price was right for most districts, and the computers would often be purchased in large quantities. In addition, schools acquired these computers through other programs on a regular basis. Supermarkets such as Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle ran programs such as "Apples For the Students" in which a portion of the profits made at their stores would benefit local school districts. The Classic was the most popular computer to distribute through this and other programs, mostly because of its low cost.

1 Technical Specifications
2 See also
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Technical Specifications

CPU: 8 MHz Motorola 68000
ROM: 512 KiB
RAM: 1 MiB, expandable to 2 or 4 MiB using 120 ns 30-pin SIMMs
Display: 9" b&w screen, 512 x 342 pixels
Audio: 8-bit mono 22Khz
Hard drive: 40 MB
Floppy: 1.4 MB double sided
Size (HxWxD): 13.2" x 9.7" x 11.2"
Weight: 16 lb (7.3 kg)
Gestalt ID: 17
Addressing: 24-bit only
Battery: 3.6 V lithium
Expansion slots: none
Upgrade path: none
Interfaces:
- ADB port for keyboard and mouse
- Two mini-DIN-8 RS-422 Serial ports
- DB-25 SCSI connector
- Headphone 3.5 mm jack socket