In the mid-90s, when the tech landscape was evolving at an unprecedented pace, Apple took a daring leap into the future with the Macintosh PowerBook 5300cs. This groundbreaking notebook computer, which graced the scene from 1995 to 1996, was more than just a device; it was a testament to Apple’s unyielding commitment to innovation and design. Let’s dive into the tale of the PowerBook 5300cs, a device that defied norms and left an indelible mark on the tech industry.
Introduced on August 28, 1995, the Apple Macintosh PowerBook 5300cs dazzled enthusiasts with its cutting-edge features. This compact marvel housed a mighty 100 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, an impressive 10.4″ color LCD display, and an 8 MB or 16 MB RAM that guaranteed a high-performance computing experience. Not to mention the 500 MB or 750 MB hard drive, which was ample storage for the era, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive that epitomized convenience.
During its brief but impactful existence, the PowerBook 5300cs set new standards in portable computing. Its specs, once considered top-of-the-line, were a harbinger of the digital revolution that was to come.
Regrettably, the PowerBook 5300cs journeyed through the tech realm for only a year, being discontinued on August 5, 1996. Despite its short stint, its influence was profound. The notebook paved the way for a future where sleek, high-performance laptops would become a ubiquitous part of our lives.
Unveiling a new age of innovation, the 5300cs grappled with battery and quality issues upon launch. These early setbacks prompted Apple to take a closer look, resulting in reworking and refinement that breathed life into the device. The journey from hurdles to triumph was a testament to Apple’s dedication to delivering excellence to its users.
Fast forward 28 years, and the Macintosh PowerBook 5300cs remains more than just a relic of the past. This forgotten pioneer still echoes in the halls of Apple’s modern creations. Its DNA, its relentless pursuit of excellence, and its groundbreaking spirit have found their way into the company’s latest products, shaping the tech experiences we treasure today.
One of the most remarkable features of the PowerBook 5300cs was its support for 8-bit color on the integrated display, coupled with the ability to scale up to 16-bit color on an external monitor through an optional video card. This adaptability was a harbinger of a future where flexibility would be key to unlocking the true potential of devices.
The Macintosh PowerBook 5300cs will forever stand as a symbol of Apple’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. Despite its short-lived market presence, its legacy lives on, an embodiment of the pioneering spirit that defines the company.
From its daring PowerPC processors to its innovative “hot swappable” drive bays, the 5300 series laid the foundation for Apple’s subsequent triumphs. Although it initially grappled with setbacks, it emerged stronger, setting a standard for reliability and performance that became synonymous with the brand.
In an industry driven by rapid change, the Macintosh PowerBook 5300cs remains an inspiring tale of determination, innovation, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. It’s a testament to the fact that some stories, even in the ever-shifting world of technology, are too impactful to fade away.
Macintosh PowerBook 5300cs Details
| Introduced | August 28, 1995 |
| Discontinued | August 5, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 128 |
| Model Number | M2785 |
| Order Number | M3824LL/A M3825LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,800 $3,500 |
| Colors | Dark Grey |
| Weight | 6.2 Ibs. 2.812 KG |
| Dimensions | 2” H x 11.5” W x 8.5” D 5.08 cm H x 29.21 cm W x 21.59 cm D |
PowerBook 5300cs Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 100 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 33 MHz |
| Cache | 16 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 500 MB 750 MB |
| Media | 1.44 MB floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 8 MB 16 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 64 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PowerBook 53xx 120-pin connector |
| Minimum Speed | 60 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 10.4″ DualScan color passive-matrix LCD |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 512 KB 1 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – Type II or 1 – Type III PC Card |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
| Bays | 1 – PowerBook 5300 Bay 90-pin |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | 28.8k (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | 1 – 1 Mbps |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 1 |
| SCSI | 1 – HDI-30 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – Mini-15 |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 76-key (U.S.) or 77-key (ISO) incl. 12 function and 4 arrow keys |
| Trackpad | Built-in Solid-state trackpad |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.5.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| System Battery | NiMH |
| Backup Battery | 3V Lithium CR2330 |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
| Power Adapter | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh PowerBook 5300cs/100: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- PowerBook 5300 – Wikipedia
- Apple Macintosh Powerbook 5300cs – OldCrap
- Today in Apple history: Meet the ‘world-saving’ PowerBook 5300 – Cult of Mac
- PowerBook 190/5300 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: August 29, 2023
