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Computer industry

Apple Unveils Power Macintosh Range with Revolutionary PowerPC Processor

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Apple Computer Australia is preparing to launch its new Macintosh range, powered by the innovative PowerPC processor, on 15 March with a simultaneous launch in the United States on 14 March. The new Power Macintosh line will feature three models: the 6100-60, the 7100-66, and the 8100-80, each utilizing different versions of the PowerPC 601 processor from the IBM-Apple-Motorola alliance. These groundbreaking computers are set to transform the personal computer market with their exceptional performance and capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Power Macintosh range will feature three models: the 6100-60, the 7100-66, and the 8100-80, each using different versions of the PowerPC 601 processor.
  • The 6100-60 will come in a slim-line design, using a PowerPC 601 running at 60 megaHertz and priced in the $3500-4000 range.
  • The 7100-66 will feature a 66-megaHertz version of the PowerPC 601 chip and will be a more upgradeable machine, with three slots for cards, priced in the $5000-6000 range.
  • The 8100-80 is the high-end workstation model, featuring an 80-MHz system with a 256-kilobyte level two cache, and expected to outperform Intel machines powered by 60- and 66-megaHertz Pentiums, priced over $7000.
  • The new Macs will come with System 7 Pro, a highly improved version of the Macintosh operating system, and will require upgrades to native-mode applications to achieve optimal performance.
  • Apple estimates native-mode applications will provide a 2-4 times performance boost, with some applications potentially achieving a 10times improvement.
  • Current Mac owners will be able to upgrade their machines to PowerPC performance levels by buying a replacement logic board or installing a simpler board in their processor direct slot (PDS).

Statistics:

  • The PowerPC 601 processor will power the three initial models, with the 6100-60 having a clock speed of 60 megaHertz, the 7100-66 having a 66-megaHertz version of the chip, and the 8100-80 having an 80-MHz system.
  • The prices of the three models are expected to be: $3500-4000 for the 6100-60, $5000-6000 for the 7100-66, and over $7000 for the 8100-80.
  • Apple estimates a 2-4 times performance boost for native-mode applications, with some applications potentially achieving a 10times improvement.

Sources:

  • David Frith, APPLE Computer Australia, 15 March 1994
  • Computer Daily News, faxed daily newspaper for the information technology industry
  • IBM-Apple-Motorola alliance, PowerPC design
  • Aldus, PageMaker
  • Quark, XPress
  • WordPerfect
  • Adobe, Illustrator and PhotoShop
  • GraphSoft, MiniCAD

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