Apple Macintosh XL

The Macintosh XL was a Lisa 2/10 renamed and supplied with MacWorks, allowing the larger computer to run Macintosh system software and applications. Its 10MB hard disk, large display and expansion slots offered capabilities unavailable on the compact Macintosh.

An optional square-pixel screen modification improved the Macintosh display proportions. The rebranding gave Lisa hardware a brief second life, but Apple discontinued the system as it concentrated on the main Macintosh range.

Notable Features

• MacWorks translated Macintosh ROM services for operation on Lisa hardware.
• Standard 10MB internal hard disk gave it far more storage than early compact Macs.
• Optional screen kit changed the display to 608 x 431 square pixels.

Historical Significance

• Bridged Apple's incompatible Lisa and Macintosh graphical-computer families.
• Used by developers and power users who needed a hard disk and larger display for Macintosh work.

Collector’s Notes

• Macintosh XL, Lisa 2/10 and converted systems can be difficult to distinguish without software and screen details.
• Original MacWorks media and the square-pixel screen kit are significant accessories.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Apple Macintosh XL
Manufacturer	Apple
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1985
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola 68000 at 5 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	MacWorks and classic Macintosh System Software
I/O	Two serial, mouse and three proprietary expansion slots
Keyboard	Integrated keyboard and one-button mouse
Storage	Built-in 400KB 3.5-inch floppy and 10MB hard disk
Sound	Internal mono speaker
Graphics	Bitmapped monochrome Macintosh-compatible graphics
Display	Built-in 12-inch 720 x 364; 608 x 431 with screen kit
ROM	16KB bootstrap ROM with MacWorks support
RAM	512KB to 2MB
CPU Speed	5 MHz