Macintosh Quadra 700 and Portrait Display Macintosh Quadra 700 and Portrait Display

Macintosh Quadra 700 Explained

On October 21, 1991, Apple unveiled a new addition to its Macintosh Quadra series, the Macintosh Quadra 700. Although its lifespan was relatively short, spanning just over a year and a half before its discontinuation on March 15, 1993, this powerhouse personal computer left an indelible mark on the industry. With its robust specifications and innovative features, the Quadra 700 represented the pinnacle of technology for its time. Let’s take a closer look at this iconic machine.

The Macintosh Quadra 700 was an impressive computing marvel, armed with a 25 MHz Motorola 68040 processor and a generous 4 MB of RAM. Its processing power and memory allocation were more than sufficient to handle the demanding tasks of its era. The Quadra 700 was also equipped with a range of storage options, including hard drives with capacities of 80 MB, 160 MB, or a staggering 400 MB, as well as a 1.44 MB floppy drive for additional data storage.

Upon its release, the Mac Quadra 700 carried a hefty price tag, starting at $5,700. While this made it an extravagant choice for many, those who could afford it were treated to a state-of-the-art personal computer that pushed the boundaries of technology and performance. Apple’s dedication to quality and innovation was evident in every aspect of the Quadra 700.

The Quadra 700 and its sibling, the Quadra 900, made history as the first Macs to incorporate built-in ethernet capabilities, utilizing Apple’s AAUI connector. This breakthrough feature allowed users to connect to networks and the emerging world of online communication, laying the foundation for the interconnected world we live in today. Apple’s commitment to pushing the envelope of connectivity was ahead of its time.

Visually, the Quadra 700 shared its chassis with the Mac IIci, a sleek and compact minitower design. However, unlike the IIci, the Quadra 700 did not feature front-accessible hard drive bays. Apple made a conscious decision to optimize internal space and streamline the Quadra 700’s design, prioritizing functionality without compromising on performance.

One noteworthy distinction between the Quadra 700 and its predecessor, the IIci, was the former’s ability to support a two-page display without requiring an additional video card. This feature provided users with a convenient and efficient way to multitask and enhance their productivity. The Quadra 700’s versatility and expandability set it apart as a groundbreaking machine in its time.

Today, the Macintosh Quadra 700 is 32 years old, having long been discontinued by Apple. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Quadra 700 left an enduring legacy for those fortunate enough to experience its power and capabilities. It served as a workhorse, pushing the boundaries of what personal computers could achieve and cementing Apple’s reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

The Macintosh Quadra 700, released in 1991, stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to technological innovation and pushing the limits of personal computing. With its formidable specifications and forward-thinking features, the Quadra 700 secured its place in history. Although it may no longer be in production, the Quadra 700’s impact and influence can still be felt, reminding us of the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives the tech industry forward.

Macintosh Quadra 700 and Portrait Display
Source: applemuzeumpolska.pl – Macintosh Quadra 700 and Portrait Display

Macintosh Quadra 700 Details

IntroducedOctober 21, 1991
DiscontinuedMarch 15, 1993
Model Identifier22
Model NumberM5920
Order NumberM5921LL/A (no hard drive)
M5922LL/A (80 MB hard drive)
M1201LL/A (160 MB hard drive)
Original Price$5,700
ColorsPlatinum
Weight13.6 Ibs.
6.168 KG
Dimensions5.5” H x 11.9” W x 14.4” D
13.97 cm H x 30.22 cm W x 36.57 cm D

Mac Quadra 700 Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorMotorola 68040
Processor Speed25 MHz
ArchitectureUnknown
Number of Cores1
System Bus25 MHz
Cache8 KB L1
CoprocessorIntegrated FPU

Storage & Media

Storage80 MB
160 MB
400 MB
Media1 – 1.44 MB Floppy

Memory

Built-in Memory4 MB
Maximum Memory68 MB
Memory Slots4 – 30 pin SIMMs
Minimum Speed80 ns
ROMUnknown
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in DisplayNone

Graphics

Graphics CardNone
Graphics Memory512 KB (Upgradeable to 2 MB via six sockets)
Display Connection1 – DB-15

Expansion

Expansion Slots2 – NuBus
1 – PDS (Cache Bus)
Hard Drive InterfaceSCSI

Software

Original OSSystem Software 7.0.1
Maximum OSMac OS 8.1
FirmwareMacintosh ROM

Connections

EthernetAAUI-15
ModemNone
ADB2
Serial2
SCSI1 – DB-25
Floppy PortNone
Audio InNone
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm stereo output jack
Display1 – DB-15

Power

Backup Battery3.6 V lithium
Maximum Continuous Power50 W
Line VoltageUnknown

Further Reading and References

Would you like to know more about Apple products? Stay up-to-date with the latest Apple News. Check our blog for the latest releases and updates in the world of Apple.

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: June 3, 2023