Apple IIcx

[Vin189]

The IIcx was crucial in popularizing the color Macintosh and emphasizing modularity and expandability, features that set it apart from earlier Macs. Its role in broadening the Macintosh line’s appeal in educational, creative, and professional environments marked a shift toward more powerful and flexible Macintosh systems, paving the way for future models. The Apple IIcx had advanced color capabilities making it a significant step forward in desktop personal computers during the late 1980s. It was designed to be a portable, high-performance machine with NuBus expansion slots, support for FPU (Floating Point Unit), and high-density floppy drives, which contributed to its reputation as a versatile, powerful system.

Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc.
Released: 1989
Type: Personal Computer
Cost at release: ~$13,500 (adjusted for inflation)
Cost with peripherals: ~$18,000 (adjusted for inflation)
MIPS: 2-3

Hardware Specifications

CPU: Motorola 68030 at 16 MHz
Memory: 1 MB base, expandable up to 10 MB using 30-pin SIMMs
Hard Drive: Optional, up to 80 MB internal SCSI hard drive
Expansion: 3 NuBus slots for graphics, network, and other cards
Graphics: Onboard 8-bit color graphics, supports external monitors via DB-15 video port
Floppy Drive: One internal 1.44 MB SuperDrive
Ports: ADB (keyboard/mouse), serial (printer/modem), SCSI (hard drive/peripherals), audio in/out
Weight: ~5.4 kg (~12lbs)

Operating System & Programming Languages

O/S: ProDOS operating system, which was designed for disk-based file management and improved compatibility with newer Apple II software. It could also run Apple DOS 3.3 for older software
Programming Languages: Applesoft BASIC (built-in), Integer BASIC, assembly language (via built-in mini-assembler), Pascal, FORTRAN, and C (with appropriate compilers/interpreters), as well as Logo and Forth.

Notables

The Apple Macintosh IIcx was notable for being the first Mac that could be set up vertically or horizontally, making it versatile for office and lab environments.
It was famously assembled by Apple executive Jean-Louis Gassee in under a minute at MacWorld 1989, showcasing its user-friendly design and modularity.
It was the first Macintosh to offer a compact, high-performance solution with expandability, making it a favorite among universities and creative professionals.
The IIcx played a key role in Apple’s evolution, paving the way for future models like the IIci and Quadra 700.

Donated by: Dr. Arlen Michaels

Vintage Computing Collection