Original reflective active-matrix monochrome LCD, 640 × 400 pixels and 1-bit colour. User guide gives a 10-inch diagonal, while the developer note gives 9.8 inches; this is the original unlit display, not the later backlit model
Performance
Processor
MC68HC000 16 MHz (Macintosh Portable)
CPU cores
1
Memory
1 MB
Storage
40 MB
CPU
Motorola MC68HC000 CMOS processor at 16 MHz; no floating-point unit, MMU or CPU cache. Separate controllers handle keyboard and power management
Memory type
1 MB static RAM supplied; original Apple expansion cards give 2 MB or 5 MB total. Later combined support specifications list up to 8 MB; 256 KB ROM
Storage type
Base machine has a 1.44 MB SuperDrive floppy and no fixed drive. Optional internal 40 MB SCSI hard disk or second internal floppy drive; hard-drive configuration shown separately
Battery and size
Weight
7.16 kg
Thickness
102.87 mm
Width × depth
387.35 × 365.25 mm
Battery life detail
Lead-acid main battery and 9 V backup battery. Apple claims 6–12 hours between charges depending on use and connected peripherals; no fixed headline runtime inferred. Weight is 7.16 kg with Apple hard disk and battery, or 6.25 kg without hard disk; rear closed height is 102.87 mm and front closed height 53.34 mm
Charger
Supplied charger recharges the main battery; the computer continues drawing power from the battery rather than directly from the charger. Recharge is slower during use
Connections
Operating system
macOS
Port detail
One ADB, DB-19 external floppy, DB-25 SCSI, two Mini-DIN-8 serial ports, external video connector and stereo sound output. No Ethernet or USB. Optional internal 300/1200/2400 bit/s modem
External displays
External video requires the Macintosh Portable Video Adapter, which Apple's launch release said would become available later; not an included launch accessory
Keyboard
Keyboard and trackball can exchange sides; optional numeric keypad replaces the trackball, requiring an external pointing device
Trackpad
Built-in trackball; no trackpad
In the box
Original System 6.0.4, HyperCard and documentation; user guide describes a supplied low-power ADB mouse, while the developer note describes it as optional. Apple's US launch release dated 20 September 1989 states immediate availability through authorised dealers and VARs; exact dates in other regions were not established. User guide's metric depth 365.25 mm conflicts with its imperial 14.83-inch figure; metric value retained
Configurations
Processor
Memory
Storage
MC68HC000 16 MHz (Macintosh Portable)
1 MB
–
MC68HC000 16 MHz (Macintosh Portable)
1 MB
40 MB
Pros and cons
Pros
+Replaceable battery
+Reversible keyboard and trackball layout
+Optional internal SCSI hard drive
Cons
−Heavy portable design
−Reflective screen needs external light
−Battery required even when plugged into its charger
