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Apple Macintosh PowerBook Duo 2300c/100 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 2300c/100AppleMacintosh PowerBook Duo 280
Overview
ReleasedAugust 19951994
Display
Screen size9.5″9″
Resolution640 × 480640 × 400
TouchscreenNoNo
Display type9.5-inch backlit active-matrix colour LCD; 256 colours at 640 × 480 or 32,768 colours at 640 × 400.Backlit active-matrix TFT LCD with 16 grey levels; 640 × 400 pixels. The developer note specifies a CCFL backlight and 512 KB video memory
Performance
ProcessorPowerPC 603e 100 MHz (PowerBook Duo 2300c/100)Motorola 68LC040 66 MHz (PowerBook 540c)
CPU cores11
Memory20 MB4 MB or 12 MB
Storage1.1 GB240 MB
CPU100 MHz PowerPC 603e with 32 KB L1 cache and 33 MHz data path.Motorola 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 typeJapanese 20 MB factory configuration, expandable to 56 MB; 8 MB on the logic board and one Duo RAM slot.4 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 type1.1 GB internal hard drive in the Japanese configuration; external floppy drive and CD-ROM access require accessories or a dock.Internal 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 hoursUp to 4 hours
Weight2.2 kg1.9 kg
Thickness38 mm–
Width × depth277 × 216 mm–
Battery life detailRemovable Type III nickel-metal hydride battery; Apple quoted two to four hours per charge.High-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 detailRS-422 serial/LocalTalk, 152-pin Duo dock connector, power input and built-in 14.4 kbps Express modem in the Japanese configuration; no built-in Ethernet.Mini-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
Trackpad–Built-in trackball
SpeakersBuilt-in mono speaker and microphone; stereo output through an optional Duo Dock.8-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 boxJapanese 20 MB/1.1 GB configuration supplied with KanjiTalk 7.5.2, Express modem, Type III battery and power adapter.System 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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