Apple Macintosh LC 630

Apple Macintosh LC 630

[vin 59]

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: Dr. Arlen Michaels