Apple Macintosh LC 630
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The Apple Macintosh LC 630, introduced in 1994, was notable for being the last desktop model in the LC (Low Cost/Low Cost Color) line, featuring a 33 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor, up to 36 MB RAM, and pioneering the use of an IDE hard drive in a Macintosh, which made it more affordable and accessible for education and home users. Its claim to fame was its multimedia capabilities, including optional AV features, a TV tuner, and real-time video input, as well as its modular, easy-to-service design, making it popular in schools and among budget-conscious consumers.
- Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc.
- Released: 1994
- Type: Laptop
- Cost at release: USD $1,199 (CAD ~$3,000 adjusted for inflation)
- MIPS: 22
Hardware Specifications
- CPU: Motorola 68LC040, 33 MHz
- Memory: 4 MB onboard, expandable up to 36 MB (80 ns, 72-pin SIMM)
- Hard Drive: 250 MB IDE (first Macintosh to use IDE instead of SCSI for the internal drive)
- Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB manual-inject
- CD-ROM: 2x speed (optional)
- Video: DB-15 video port, supports up to 1280 x 1024 resolution (8-bit color at higher resolutions)
- Expansion: Communication, TV tuner, and video-in slots available
- Ports: ADB (keyboard/mouse), DB-15 video, DB-25 SCSI, printer, modem, speaker, headphone, remote control
Operating System & Programming Languages
- O/S: System 7.1.2P and supported versions up to Mac OS 8.1
- Programming Languages:
- C and C++ (via Macintosh Programmer’s Workshop and CodeWarrior IDEs)
- Pascal (Apple’s classic Pascal compiler)
- Assembly language
- AppleScript and HyperCard (for scripting and rapid application development)
- Perl (via MacPerl)
- BASIC (via Real Basic and other interpreters)
Notables
- The Macintosh LC 630 was also marketed as the Quadra 630 and Performa 630
- It was the first Macintosh to use an IDE hard drive instead of the more expensive SCSI, making it more affordable and accessible.
- The LC 630 introduced a new, easy-access case design with a sliding motherboard tray and was the first Mac to feature front-panel headphone and volume controls.
- It was available in a PC-compatible version with an Intel 486 processor card, allowing it to run both Mac OS and MS-DOS/Windows software.
- The LC 630 was the least expensive Mac in its lineup at launch, starting at $1,199 USD, and was especially popular in education.
- It played a key transitional role, bridging the gap between the 68k and PowerPC eras at Apple, and was the last new model in the Quadra/LC series before the Power Macintosh line took over.
Donated by: Arlen Michaels