In 1993, Apple revolutionized the personal computer market with the introduction of the Macintosh Performa 466. Part of the Macintosh Performa series, this computer showcased Apple’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology. Though short-lived, the Performa 466 remains a significant piece of Apple’s history and symbolizes the company’s unwavering dedication to innovation.
Released on October 18th, 1993, the Macintosh Performa 466 boasted an impressive range of features that made it a formidable computer during its time. Priced at $1,300, this personal computer offered users a powerful experience. Equipped with a 33 MHz Motorola 68030 processor and a Motorola 68882 FPU coprocessor, the Performa 466 delivered impressive processing power for its era.
Furthermore, the Performa 466 featured 4 MB of RAM, allowing users to handle complex tasks and multitasking with relative ease. With a 160 MB hard drive and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, users had ample storage space and convenient data transfer options at their disposal. Its sleek “pizza box” case design made the Performa 466 a compact and easily upgradable machine, catering to the needs of a diverse user base.
Despite its promising start, the Macintosh Performa 466 faced an untimely demise. Merely one month after its release, Apple discontinued the model on November 1st, 1993. This short lifespan in the market may have left some users disappointed, but it also adds to the mystique and rarity surrounding the Performa 466 today.
Fast forward to the present day, and the Macintosh Performa 466 has become a relic of the past. As it celebrates its 30-year anniversary, this iconic machine continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts and technology aficionados alike. It stands as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of excellence and its unwavering commitment to pushing technological boundaries.
Looking back at the Performa 466, we can appreciate the impact it had on shaping the future of personal computing. It laid the foundation for subsequent advancements and innovations in the Macintosh line of computers, leaving an indelible mark on Apple’s storied history.
An interesting footnote in Performa 466’s story is its educational counterpart, the LC III+. Providing an enhanced learning experience, the LC III+ catered specifically to educational institutions. Sharing many similarities with the Performa 466, the LC III+ offered students and educators the opportunity to explore the world of computing with Apple’s reliable technology.
The Macintosh Performa 466 may have had a short-lived stint in the market, but its significance cannot be overlooked. This groundbreaking machine showcased Apple’s commitment to delivering powerful technology to its users. Today, as we remember the Performa 466, we honor its role in Apple’s history and the lasting impact it had on the evolution of personal computing. The Macintosh Performa 466 will forever remain a symbol of Apple’s innovative spirit and dedication to providing top-notch technology to its customers.
Macintosh Performa 466 Details
| Introduced | October 18, 1993 |
| Discontinued | November 1, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 62 |
| Model Number | M1254 |
| Order Number | M2156LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,300 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 8.8 Ibs. 3.991 KG |
| Dimensions | 2.9” H x 12.2” W x 15.3” D 7.36 cm H x 30.98 cm W x 38.86 cm D |
Mac Performa 466 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 33 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 33 MHz |
| Cache | 0.5 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Motorola 68882 FPU (Optional) |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 160 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 36 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 72 pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 512 KB (Upgradeable to 768 KB via one socket) |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC III PDS (Cache Bus) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm mono input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm mono output jack |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 50 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 466: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Macintosh Performa 400 Series Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: July 9, 2023
