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Info_Mac IV CD-ROM (Pacific HiTech Inc.)(August 1994).iso
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Power Macintosh PRs 3⁄14 folder
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Apple Debuts Power Mac 3⁄14⁄94
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1994-03-14
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THIS RELEASE MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE AND FIRST CALL ON MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1994
AAT 3:03 AM, EST
Apple Debuts Power Macintosh Line
Three New Models Combine the Power of RISC with Mainstream Software,
Including Macintosh, DOS, and Windows; Prices Start at Less than
$2,000
NEW YORK, New York--March 14, 1994--Apple Computer, Inc. today
unveiled Power Macintosh --a new line of Apple Macintosh personal computers
that offers the power of workstation computers, the affordability of
mainstream personal computers, and the capability to run applications
for Macintosh, MS-DOS, and Microsoft Windows.
The company believes that Power Macintosh represents the platform for
the next generation of personal computing. Power Macintosh running System 7
marries, for the first time, the power of RISC (reduced instruction
set computing) technology with a mainstream personal computing
operating system. As such, Apple believes that it has established a
foundation that is, at once, so robust and approachable that it will
catalyze the development of richer applications, more intuitive
software, and--ultimately--wholly new ways of using computers.
The three new Power Macintosh models--the Power Macintosh 6100/60,
7100/66, and 8100/80--join the midrange and high-end of the Macintosh family.
Fueled by the PowerPC 601 microprocessor, which was jointly
developed by Apple, IBM, and Motorola as part of their historic 1991
alliance, Power Macintosh computers offer the highest performance of
any personal computer available today.
When running new versions of application software optimized for
PowerPC, Power Macintosh systems offer two to four times the
performance of today’s Intel 486 and Motorola 680x0-based personal
computers. Power Macintosh computers also outperform systems based
on Intel's advanced microprocessor, Pentium. Applications that require
complex computation, such as graphics and engineering applications, may run
up to 10 times faster on Power Macintosh than on current personal
computer offerings. More than 150 software developers worldwide have
committed to shipping PowerPC optimized or "native" versions of their
applications.
Apple is also providing a bridge from its Power Macintosh systems to
thousands of existing applications for DOS and Windows with a new
software program called SoftWindows from Insignia Solutions.
SoftWindows comes bundled with certain Power Macintosh configurations
and is also sold separately.
"This introduction marks a major milestone in personal computing,"
said Michael Spindler, Apple’s president and CEO. "Just as Macintosh
changed the course of computing ten years ago, today we are defining
a new era in personal computing with Power Macintosh. For customers,
this means unequalled price/performance today, preservation of their
past investment in Apple products, and unmatched potential for future
growth. And for DOS and Windows customers, Apple offers a smooth on-
ramp to the platform.
"Unlike previous new platform introductions in the industry, this is
a rare occasion when a new platform comes to market with thousands of
applications already available on day one, and allows customers to
carry forward their previous investments," Spindler added.
With their cross-plaftorm compatibility, Apple expects the new
systems to attract Macintosh, DOS, and Windows users. Power Macintosh
computers should be particularly popular in professional and
mainstream business sectors with customers whose appetite for
increased speed and power was only previously met through more costly
workstations. These customers would typically use computers for
high-performance tasks, including publishing, graphic arts, science
and research.
Mainstream Operating System
Power Macintosh computers run an optimized version of the Macintosh
System 7 operating system. This means Power Macintosh users can enjoy
the ease of use, simple plug-and-play, and thousands of software
applications that have distinguished the Macintosh platform to date.
Additionally, System 7.1.2, the version of the Macintosh operating
system for Power Macintosh, has key features, such as the QuickTime
multimedia architecture and QuickDraw graphics architecture, that
have been tuned for even better performance. Apple plans to add
additional new features for the PowerPC processor and introduce new
technologies that capitalize on its advanced power.
Exceptional Compatibility
Because Power Macintosh computers run the mainstream Macintosh
operating system, these new systems are compatible with previous
Motorola 68000-based Macintosh systems. This means that Power
Macintosh customers can choose from thousands of current Macintosh
applications, peripherals, and cards--including Apple’s existing
family of LocalTalk , Ethernet and Token-Ring products--and run them
unaltered.
With the addition of the SoftWindows emulation software, DOS and
Windows users have the ability to run most of their current
applications on their Power Macintosh computers with performance
similar to that of Intel 386 and 486 computers, depending on the
application and system configuration.
"At Ernst & Young we have always been strong advocates of the
Macintosh. Apple’s PowerPC strategy again proves we were right in
our platform choice. Moreover, with Power Macintosh running
SoftWindows at 486 speeds, we are able to run DOS-based, CD-ROM
applications so well that we'll likely replace many of our last
remaining Intel PCs," said Yves Tiberghien, senior manager, Ernst &
Young Accountants, Belgium.
Strong Developer and Applications Support
Virtually all the major players in the software developer community
today have announced strong support for the platform worldwide,
including industry leading vendors such as Adobe, Aldus, Claris,
Lotus, Microsoft, Quark, and WordPerfect. More than 50 native
applications are scheduled to ship at or within 30 days of
introduction, with hundreds slated to be available in the first six
months. Native applications (meaning those written specifically to
tap the power of PowerPC) span a broad range of titles and
categories, including publishing, education, multimedia, technical
markets and general business (see related release, March 14, 1994,
"Hundreds of Optimized Applications Announced for PowerPC").
"The speed and performance inherent in the new applications are
extremely important in high-end applications such as publishing.
With Power Macintosh, Apple has not only removed a performance
bottleneck, but is providing an open road for future advancements,"
said Terry Schwadron, managing editor of the Los Angeles Times and
president of the Worldwide Publishing Consortium (WWPC), a nonprofit,
independent consortium of key publishing solutions providers.
The first wave of Power Macintosh applications will primarily take
advantage of improved speed. Apple expects that, in the future, Power
Macintosh will enable new and enhanced capabilities in the area of
intelligent software, animation and high-resolution video, integrated
video and telecommunications, and advancements in speech recognition
and language processing.
Availability and Pricing
Power Macintosh systems and a range of PowerPC 601 processor-based
upgrades will be offered worldwide through Apple authorized
resellers. Systems are available immediately in the U.S. and other
selected regions worldwide.
The U.S. Apple price ranges from $1,819 for the Power Macintosh
6100/60 base system equipped with 8MB of DRAM and a 160MB hard disk,
to $4,249 for the Power Macintosh 8100/80 base system offered with
8MB of DRAM, a 250MB hard disk and 2MB of VRAM.
Product availability and pricing will vary outside of the U.S.
Server Products
Apple Business Systems also announced that it plans to introduce
Apple Workgroup Servers based on the PowerPC microprocessor in May.
The client software for Apple client/server applications, including
AppleShare , AppleSearch and Apple Remote Access, is compatible with
Power Macintosh systems today. Apple server software, including
AppleShare and AppleSearch, will also be upgraded to run under
emulation on the servers and will be available in May. Specifics on
the various server upgrade options will be made available in the
coming weeks.
Headquartered in Cupertino, CA, Apple Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL)
develops, manufactures, and markets personal computer, server, and
personal interactive electronics systems for use in business,
education, the home, science, engineering and government. A
recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, Apple
does business in more than 120 countries.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For more detailed product information and pricing,
see the Product Specifications, Upgrades and Pricing attachment. If
you are interested in receiving Apple press releases or product data
sheets by fax, call 1-800-AAPL-FAX (1-800-227-5329) and enter I.D.
number 6172.
-30-
Apple, the Apple logo, AppleShare, LocalTalk, Macintosh, Macintosh
Quadra, and Performa are registered trademarks of Apple Computer,
Inc. AppleSearch, GEOPort, Macintosh Centris, PlainTalk, Power
Macintosh, QuickDraw, and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer,
Inc. MS-DOS is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of
Microsoft Corporation. NuBus is a trademark of Texas Instruments.
SoftWindows is a trademark used under license. PowerPC and PowerPC
601 are trademarks of International Business Machines, used under
license therefrom. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective holders.
END
ATTACHMENT
Power Macintosh
Product Specifications, Upgrades and Pricing
- Power Macintosh 6100/60
The most affordable Power Macintosh computer runs at 60-MHz, offers full
storage and expansion features (including one 7" NuBus slot and an optional
built-in CD-ROM) in a slim-line design.
The base model, equipped with 8MB of DRAM and 160MB hard disk, has an Apple
price of $1,819.
Apple Price/CPU Only
8/160 $1,819.00
8/250CD $2,289.00
8/250CD/AV/2MB VRAM $2,599.00
16/250/SoftWindows $2,519.00
- Power Macintosh 7100/66
Running at 66-MHz, this is ideal for general business computing. Based on
Apple’s Macintosh Quadra® 650 design, it offers greater expansion (three NuBus
slots) and support for more colors and larger displays. The Apple price for a
configuration with 8MB of DRAM, 250MB hard disk, and 1MB of VRAM starts at
$2,899.
Apple Price/CPU Only
8/250/1MB VRAM $2899.00
8/250CD/1MB VRAM $3179.00
8/500/CD/AV/2MB VRAM $3989.00
16/250/SoftWindows/1MB VRAM $3379.00
- Power Macintosh 8100/80
Based on the familiar Macintosh Quadra 800 mini-tower design and running at
80-MHz, this is the highest-performance Power Macintosh model with the most
flexibility. It accommodates three NuBus expansion slots, built-in video
support for up to 16.7 million colors, extensive storage options, dual-channel
SCSI and Level 2 cache memory. A configuration with 8MB of DRAM, 250MB hard
disk, and 2MB of VRAM starts at $4,249.
Apple Price/CPU Only
8/250/2MB VRAM $4249.00
8/250CD/2MB VRAM $4519.00
16/500CD/AV/2MB VRAM $5659.00
16/1000CD/2MB VRAM $6159.00
16/500/SoftWindows/2MB VRAM $5309.00
- Configuration Details
All models come equipped with a built-in floating-point math coprocessor;
on-board Ethernet; 16-bit, CD-quality stereo sound; and connections for the
Apple GeoPort Telecom Adapter, so users can send faxes from the computer and
connect to on-line information. In addition, there are separate configurations
of each Power Macintosh model to support a CD-ROM drive, SoftWindows,
and Apple AV Technologies—speech, telecommunications, and advanced video
capabilities. PlainTalk speech-recognition and text-to-speech software comes
standard with AV systems, and is also sold separately for all models.
In addition to Apple’s existing family of LocalTalk®, Ethernet, and
Token-Ring products, Apple plans to offer a high performance, 7” Token-Ring
card for all NuBus-based Macintosh systems. The new card includes driver
software that supports Novell Inc’s Netware protocols when used in
conjunction with Insignia Solutions’ SoftWindows product. This new driver is
planned to be included with version 1.4.4 of Apple’s Network Software Installer
disk and will provide performance enhancements and Netware support for the
existing Apple Token-Ring 4/16 NB card.
- PowerPC 601 Processor Upgrades
Apple announced it has begun shipping a range of logic board and processor
upgrades based on the
PowerPC 601 chip for many current Macintosh systems. Logic board upgrades,
which provide
existing Macintosh models with the full functionality of PowerPC technology,
are available for the Macintosh Quadra 840AV, 800, 660AV, 650, and 610 models;
the Macintosh Centris 660AV, 650, and 610 computers; the Macintosh IIvx and
IIvi, and Performa 600 products.
Lower-cost processor upgrade cards are now available for the Macintosh
Quadra 950, 900, 800, 700, 650, and 610 models, as well as the Macintosh
Centris 650 and 610 computers. The processor upgrade card takes advantage of
the processor-direct slot (PDS).
Additionally, Apple Business Systems will provide PowerPC microprocessor
upgrades to customers of Apple’s Workgroup Server 60 and 80 models. These
PowerPC processor upgrades will allow customers of Motorola 68000 server
systems to upgrade to servers running Macintosh System 7 on PowerPC.
In the future, Apple plans to provide PowerPC technology upgrade products
for the Macintosh Quadra 605; LC 550, 575, and 520; and the Performa 550.
Apple also plans to continue to work on upgrades for other Macintosh models.
In addition, Apple is working in conjunction with third-party developers to
provide an array of options for customers to upgrade to PowerPC technology.
Apple Price
Power Macintosh Upgrade Card $699.00
Power Macintosh 6100/60 Logic Board Upgrade $999.00
8MB DRAM
Power Macintosh 6100/60AV Logic Board Upgrade $1399.00
8MB DRAM/2MB VRAM
Power Macintosh 7100/66 Logic Board Upgrade $1499.00
8MB DRAM/1MB VRAM
Power Macintosh 7100/66AV Logic Board Upgrade $1699.00
8MB DRAM/2MB VRAM
Power Macintosh 8100/80 Logic Board Upgrade $1899.00
8MB DRAM/2MB VRAM, 256K Cache
Power Macintosh 8100/80AV Logic Board Upgrade $1999.00
8MB DRAM/2MB VRAM, 256K Cache
- Power Macintosh Accessories
Power Macintosh 6100/60 NuBus Adapter Card $99
Power Macintosh 256K Cache Card $299
(for the 6100/60 & 7100/66)
Power Macintosh Display Adapter $29
NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in receiving Apple press releases or
product data sheets by fax, call 1-800-AAPL-FAX (1-800-227-5329) and enter I.D.
number 6172.
-30-
Apple, the Apple logo, AppleShare, LocalTalk, Macintosh, and Macintosh Quadra
are registered trademarks of, and AppleSearch, AudioVision
GEOPort, Macintosh Centris, PlainTalk, and Power Macintosh are trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc. Insignia Solutions, Insignia and SoftPC are
registered trademarks of Insignia Solutions, Inc. NuBus is a trademark of
Texas Instruments. SoftWindows is a trademark used under license.
PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, used
under license therefrom.