Apple Macintosh Quadra 700

[Vin54]

The Macintosh Quadra 700, launched in 1991, was notable for being Apple’s first computer to feature the powerful Motorola 68040 processor and built-in Ethernet networking, making it a favorite for scientific, engineering, and graphic design professionals. Its innovative mini-tower case design allowed for greater expandability and marked a shift toward more versatile workstation form factors, while its ability to support up to 68 MB of RAM and advanced graphics capabilities set new performance standards for Macs at the time.

Manufacturer: Apple Computer
Type: Personal computer
Model: Quadra 700
Release Date: 1991
Cost at release: USD $5,700 (CAD ~$12,800 adjusted for inflation)
MIPS: 22

Hardware Specifications

CPU: Motorola 68040 CPU at 25 MHz
RAM: 4 MB RAM standard, expandable up to 68 MB
Hard Drive: Internal 80 MB or 160 MB SCSI hard drive
Media:1.44 MB 3.5-inch floppy disk drive
Sound: Built-in 8-bit mono sound
Networking: Built-in AAUI Ethernet and serial ports
Graphics: 640 × 480 pixel video output, supporting up to 16-bit color
Mini-tower case design

Operating System & Programming Languages

Operating System: System 7.0.1 as its standard operating system and was later capable of running up to Mac OS 8.1, as well as Apple’s Unix-based A/UX
Supported Languages: C and C++ (via Macintosh Programmer’s Workshop or CodeWarrior), Pascal (with Apple’s Pascal compiler), Real Basic, Perl, AppleScript, and HyperTalk (via HyperCard). These options made the Quadra 700 a versatile development platform for both professional and hobbyist programmers of its era.

Notables

First Macintosh with a mini-tower case, influencing future computer designs.
Debuted the Motorola 68040 processor in Macs, providing a major performance leap over previous models.
First Macintosh with built-in Ethernet (AAUI port), enabling easier networking without expansion cards.
Featured dedicated onboard video memory (VRAM) with expandability, allowing for higher color depths and resolutions, which was rare at the time.
Used a modified case from the Macintosh IIcx/IIci, with cosmetic changes for vertical orientation.
Had several internal Apple code names, including “Shadow,” “Spike,” “IIce,” and “Evo 200”.
Popular among professionals in science, engineering, and graphic design for its speed and expandability.
Owners could upgrade the CPU and video memory, and even convert it to a PowerPC system with third-party cards.
The Quadra 700’s popularity helped accelerate the industry shift toward tower-style computers for workstations

Donated by: Arlen Michaels

Vintage Computing Collection