Apple Macintosh Classic

Apple Macintosh Classic was introduced in 15 October 1990 as Apple's lower-priced return to the original 68000 compact-Mac architecture. It used a Motorola 68000 at 7.8336 MHz with 1MB standard; expandable to 4MB. Could boot a minimal System 6 installation directly from ROM by holding a key combination.

Its sub-$1,000 starting configuration broadened Macintosh access in homes and education, although performance changed little from older models.

Notable Features

• Could boot a minimal System 6 installation directly from ROM by holding a key combination.
• Redesigned curved case refreshed the compact Macintosh appearance.
• Low cost was achieved by omitting an internal expansion slot.

Historical Significance

• Its sub-$1,000 starting configuration broadened Macintosh access in homes and education, although performance changed little from older models.
• Its place in the range reflects Apple's progression from the original compact Macintosh toward broader professional, educational and portable markets.

Collector’s Notes

• Analog-board failures, yellowed plastics and battery damage are common restoration concerns
• Original keyboards, mice, storage devices and model-specific accessories help document a complete period configuration.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Apple Macintosh Classic
Manufacturer	Apple
Launched	Monday, October 15, 1990
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola 68000 at 7.8336 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	System 6.0.7 through System 7.5.5
I/O	SCSI, two serial, ADB and audio
Keyboard	External ADB keyboard and mouse
Storage	1.44MB floppy; optional 40MB SCSI hard disk
Sound	Eight-bit mono sound
Graphics	512 x 342 one-bit bitmapped graphics
Display	Built-in 9-inch 512 x 342 monochrome display
ROM	512KB ROM
RAM	1MB standard; expandable to 4MB
CPU Speed	7.8336 MHz