Apple · PowerBook

Macintosh PowerBook Duo 280

Released 1994

A dockable monochrome PowerBook with a 66/33 MHz 68LC040 processor, an active-matrix greyscale display and a 240 MB SCSI hard drive.

Specifications

Screen size: 9″
Resolution: 640 × 400
Touchscreen: No
Display type: Backlit active-matrix TFT LCD with 16 grey levels; 640 × 400 pixels. The developer note specifies a CCFL backlight and 512 KB video memory

Processor: Motorola 68LC040 66 MHz (PowerBook 540c)
CPU cores: 1
Memory: 4 MB or 12 MB
Storage: 240 MB
CPU: 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 type: 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 type: 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 life (maker's claim): Up to 4 hours
Weight: 1.9 kg
Battery life detail: 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

Operating system: macOS
Port detail: 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
Speakers: 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 box: 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

Processor	Memory	Storage
Motorola 68LC040 66 MHz (PowerBook 540c)	4 MB	240 MB
Motorola 68LC040 66 MHz (PowerBook 540c)	12 MB	240 MB

Model	Size	Display	Processor	Memory	Weight	Battery	Released
AppleMacintosh PowerBook Duo 210	9″	–	Motorola 68030 25 MHz (PowerBook 145B)	4 MB	1.9 kg	4.5 h	Oct 1992
AppleMacintosh PowerBook Duo 230	9″	–	Motorola 68030 33 MHz (PowerBook 165)	4 MB	1.9 kg	4.5 h	Oct 1992
AppleMacintosh PowerBook Duo 250	9″	–	Motorola 68030 33 MHz (PowerBook 165)	4 MB – 12 MB	1.9 kg	6 h	1993