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Apple Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 vs Apple Macintosh PowerBook Duo 280

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleMacintosh PowerBook Duo 230AppleMacintosh PowerBook Duo 280
Overview
ReleasedOctober 19921994
Display
Screen size9″9″
Resolution640 × 400640 × 400
TouchscreenNoNo
Display typeBacklit supertwist passive-matrix LCD with 16 grey levelsBacklit active-matrix TFT LCD with 16 grey levels; 640 × 400 pixels. The developer note specifies a CCFL backlight and 512 KB video memory
Performance
ProcessorMotorola 68030 33 MHz (PowerBook 165)Motorola 68LC040 66 MHz (PowerBook 540c)
CPU cores11
Memory4 MB4 MB or 12 MB
Storage80 MB to 120 MB240 MB
CPU33 MHz Motorola 68030Motorola 68LC040 with integrated memory-management unit, 66 MHz internal clock and 33 MHz external bus. No FPU upgrade; the Duo Dock and Dock II floating-point coprocessors and Dock II external cache cannot be used by this processor
Memory type4 MB on the logic board and one expansion slot; Apple states a 24 MB maximum using a third-party memory card4 MB on the logic board and one Duo memory-card slot; maximum 40 MB. An 8 MB expansion card gives the 12 MB configuration; higher capacities require third-party cards
Storage typeAugust 1993 Apple Facts lists 80 MB and 120 MB internal hard-drive configurations; English support also lists a 160 MB drive. Optional external 1.4 MB floppy drive requires a Duo Floppy Adapter or Duo MiniDockInternal 240 MB SCSI hard drive. The developer note also lists 200 MB configurations, whereas Apple's support summary specifies a minimum of 240 MB and the October 1994 catalogue lists 240 MB. Optional external SuperDrive floppy needs docking accessories
Battery and size
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 4.5 hoursUp to 4 hours
Weight1.9 kg1.9 kg
Thickness36 mm–
Width × depth277 × 216 mm–
Battery life detailNickel-metal hydride battery; Apple claims an average of 2–4.5 hoursHigh-capacity Type II nickel-metal hydride battery with a maker typical-life claim of 2–4 hours in Apple Facts and Apple Directions. The later support summary lists Type III; the developer note identifies Type III as a separately available replacement
Connections
Operating systemmacOSmacOS
Port detailSerial/LocalTalk, docking connector, power input and internal modem expansion; desktop video and additional connections require a compatible dockMini-DIN eight-pin serial/LocalTalk, 152-pin docking connector, power input and optional modem port. Most desktop expansion requires a Duo dock
External displays–External display support through Duo Dock or Duo MiniDock; no built-in video connector
Keyboard–Integral keyboard with trackball and palm rests
TrackpadBuilt-in trackballBuilt-in trackball
SpeakersBuilt-in microphone and speaker; mono sound input/output8-bit monaural sound input and output with integral speaker, documented in the developer note
Microphones–Built-in microphone in Apple Facts and the developer note, despite the support summary's Mic Type none
In the boxPower adapter; an internal fax/data modem and docking accessories are optionalSystem 7.1.1 with PowerBook Duo Enabler 2.0; PowerBook Mobility Bundle preinstalled; power adapter included. Developer note lists the Express Modem with the 12 MB configuration; Apple support records introduction on 16 May 1994. Apple Directions July 1994 says the Duo 280 and 280c had begun shipping last month and were available immediately worldwide; issue dating does not establish a first-sale day. Headline retains confirmed retail-year precision. Apple Facts October 1994 lists this model as current

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