Macintosh PowerBook 520 Macintosh PowerBook 520

Macintosh PowerBook 520 Explained

Apple has long been synonymous with innovation in the tech world, and one of its trailblazing products that still holds a special place in the hearts of vintage tech enthusiasts is the Macintosh PowerBook 520. Released on May 16, 1994, this notebook was part of the iconic Macintosh PowerBook series, and it left a lasting impact on the portable computing landscape.

At its debut, the PowerBook 520 was the epitome of cutting-edge technology. Packed with a 25 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor, a 9.5-inch monochrome LCD display, and 4 MB or 12 MB of RAM, this notebook boasted impressive specifications ahead of its time. Its storage options were equally impressive, offering a 160 MB or 240 MB hard drive and a 1.44 MB floppy drive.

Such power and capabilities made it a preferred choice for power users who demanded high performance on the go. Creative professionals and tech enthusiasts found the PowerBook 520 to be a perfect companion for their demanding workloads, thanks to the latest software and hardware features integrated into the device.

In the mid-1990s, the PowerBook 520 stood out as a premium product, with a starting price tag of $2,250. While it may have seemed steep at the time, users quickly realized that the investment was well worth it. The PowerBook 520 provided unparalleled portability and performance, giving users the freedom to be productive wherever they went.

The legacy of the PowerBook 520 lives on today, as it marks 29 years since its initial release. Vintage tech enthusiasts still hunt for this classic gem to add to their collections. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about Apple’s commitment to delivering innovative and quality products.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the PowerBook 520 was its code name, “Blackbird.” This code name represented a new era of PowerBooks built on the 68LC040 processor. These 500 series PowerBooks were pioneers in many ways, introducing groundbreaking features that set them apart from their competitors.

The PowerBook 520 was the first-ever portable computer to feature a trackpad, a precursor to the touchpad technology that is now ubiquitous in modern laptops. It was also the first to include a PCMCIA (later known as PC Card) slot, providing expandability and convenience for users. The integration of stereo speakers and built-in ethernet made it a multimedia powerhouse ahead of its time.

Perhaps one of the most lauded features of the PowerBook 520 was its “intelligent” NiMH battery, which significantly improved battery life compared to its predecessors. Users marveled at the dual battery slots, which allowed them to enjoy up to 4 hours of uninterrupted usage with a charged pair of batteries. The PowerBook 520’s design was ahead of its time, incorporating a full-sized keyboard with 12 function keys, making it incredibly user-friendly and versatile.

Moreover, the PowerBook 520 was designed to be future-proof, as it could be upgraded with a PowerPC processor, showing Apple’s commitment to supporting its products and customers even beyond their initial release.

The PowerBook 500 series, including the PowerBook 520, was launched amidst Apple’s transition from the 68k line of CPUs to the new PowerPC chip. This promising PowerPC upgrade and the addition of the PC Card expansion generated significant excitement among customers. However, Apple faced challenges due to its overly optimistic market predictions, leading to shortages during the initial launch.

Despite its eventual discontinuation on June 10, 1995, the Macintosh PowerBook 520 remains a cherished and sought-after piece of tech history. Its groundbreaking design, powerful performance, and exceptional durability continue to resonate with vintage tech enthusiasts, making it a testament to Apple’s enduring commitment to innovation.

The PowerBook 520’s influence on the tech world is still felt to this day, and it will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the pioneers that paved the way for modern portable computing. As we celebrate its 29-year anniversary, let’s raise a toast to the legacy of the Macintosh PowerBook 520, an emblem of Apple’s unparalleled ingenuity and vision in the world of technology.

PowerBook 520
Source: oldcrap.org – PowerBook 520

Macintosh PowerBook 520 Details

IntroducedMay 16, 1994
DiscontinuedJune 10, 1995
Model Identifier72
Model NumberM4880
Order NumberM2597LL/A
Original Price$2,250
$2,400
ColorsDark Grey
Weight6.3 Ibs.
2.857 KG
Dimensions2.3” H x 11.5” W x 9.7” D
5.84 cm H x 29.21 cm W x 24.63 cm D

PowerBook 520 Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorMotorola 68LC040
Processor Speed25 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus25 MHz
Cache8 KB L1
CoprocessorNone

Storage & Media

Storage160 MB
240 MB
Media1 – 1.44 MB floppy

Memory

Built-in Memory4 MB
12 MB
Maximum Memory36 MB
Memory Slots1 – PB 5xx
Minimum Speed70 ns
ROMUnknown
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in Display9.5″ monochrome FSTN passive-matrix 4-bit LCD
Resolutions640 x 480

Graphics

Graphics CardNone
Graphics Memory512 KB
Display Connection1 – Mini-15

Expansion

Expansion SlotsModem
Optional Type II/III PC Card Bay
Hard Drive InterfaceSCSI
BaysPowerBook Expansion Bay PDS (90-pin)

Connections

Wi-FiNone
Ethernet1 – AAUI-15
ModemNone
BluetoothNone
ADB1
Serial1
SCSI1 – HDI-30
Floppy PortNone
Audio In1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack
1 – Built-in microphone
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack
1 – Built-in speaker
InfraredNone
Display1 – Mini-15

Keyboard and trackpad

KeyboardBuilt-in 64-key (U.S.) or 64-key (ISO) 3.0-mm travel keyboard
TrackpadBuilt-in trackpad pointing device

Software

Original OSSystem Software 7.1.1
Maximum OSMac OS 8.1
FirmwareMacintosh ROM

Power

System BatteryPowerBook 500 Intelligent Battery M1906 (NiMH)
Backup BatteryUnknown
Maximum Continuous Power40 W
Line VoltageUnknown
Power AdapterUnknown

Further Reading and References

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 30, 2023