Apple PowerBook 520

Apple PowerBook 520 was introduced in 16 May 1994 as part of the innovative Blackbird family and introduced Apple's first trackpad and built-in Ethernet on a notebook. It used a Motorola 68LC040 at 25 MHz with 4MB standard; expandable to 36MB. Trackpad replaced the trackball used by earlier PowerBooks.

Modern ports, stereo sound and upgradeable processor module made the 500 series a major transition toward later PowerBooks.

Notable Features

• Trackpad replaced the trackball used by earlier PowerBooks.
• Built-in Ethernet was unusual on a 1994 notebook.
• Removable processor daughtercard allowed later PowerPC upgrades.

Historical Significance

• Modern ports, stereo sound and upgradeable processor module made the 500 series a major transition toward later PowerBooks.
• Its place in the range reflects Apple's progression from the original compact Macintosh toward broader professional, educational and portable markets.

Collector’s Notes

• Battery leakage, hinge plastics and trackpad condition are major restoration points
• Original keyboards, mice, storage devices and model-specific accessories help document a complete period configuration.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Apple PowerBook 520
Manufacturer	Apple
Launched	Monday, May 16, 1994
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola 68LC040 at 25 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	System 7.1.1 through Mac OS 8.1
I/O	SCSI, two serial, ADB, modem, Ethernet and audio
Keyboard	Integrated keyboard and trackpad
Storage	Internal 1.44MB floppy and IDE hard disk
Sound	16-bit stereo sound
Graphics	640 x 480 one-bit graphics
Display	Built-in 9.5-inch 640 x 480 monochrome dual-scan LCD
ROM	2MB ROM
RAM	4MB standard; expandable to 36MB
CPU Speed	25 MHz