Blackbird was Apple’s code name for a new line of PowerBooks based on the 68LC040 processor. (The LC version of the 68040 draws less power but has no FPU.) These PowerBooks introduced a full-sized keyboard with 12 function keys, replaced the trackball with a trackpad, had a 640 x 480 screen, and even had built-in stereo speakers. They were also designed so they could later be upgraded with a PowerPC processor.

The PowerBook 550c (image ©raneko)

These were a big hit since they were the first notebook computers from any manufacturer with any of these features: a trackpad, built-in ethernet, 16-bit stereo sound, built-in stereo speakers, an internal expansion bay, and auto-sleep when the lid was closed.

In the field, users raved about the dual battery slots, providing up to 4 hours from a charged pair of batteries.

Models

• PowerBook 520, 25 MHz, b&w display
• PowerBook 520c, 25 MHz, color
• PowerBook 540, 33 MHz, b&w
• PowerBook 540c, 33 MHz, color
• PowerBook 550c, 33 MHz, color, only version with a full 68040, Japanese market only

Details

• introduced 1994.05.16
• requires System 7.1.1 or later; highest version supported without a PPC upgrade is Mac OS 8.1.
• CPU: 25-33 MHz 68LC040
• FPU: only on 550c
• ROM: 2 MB
• RAM: 4 MB, expandable to 36 MB using a special 100ns pseudostatic RAM card
• VRAM: 512 KB
• display: 9.5″ 640 x 480 except for 550c, which is 10.4″
• video: 512 KB VRAM, VID-14 port, supports 8-bit external video at 512 x 384, 640 x 480, 800 x 600, and 832 x 624 with video adapter
• SCSI hard drive varies with model
• ADB ports: 1 port for keyboard and mouse
• serial ports: 1 DIN-8 RS-422 port on back of computer
• ethernet: AAUI connector, requires adapter
• SCSI ports: HDI30 connector on back of computer
• proprietary modem slot
• power supply: M1893 or M1910

CPU Upgrades

• Apple 100 MHz 603e PowerPC Upgrade (M3081LL/A), 8 MB RAM
• NewerTech NUpowr 500/183c 603e upgrade w/128K level 2 cache
• NewerTech NUpowr 500/167 603e upgrade
• Sonnet Technologies PowerPC 100 MHz 603e upgrade, 8 MB RAM

Online Resources

• See: Online resources and links for the Blackbird: The PowerBook 500 Series

Cautions

• Batteries are prohibitively expensive, usually well over US$100 each – and the computer uses two. Condition your batteries regularly; don’t let them run down and die.
• The 100-series and 500-series PowerBooks do not provide SCSI termination power, depending on external SCSI devices to provide it. For more details, see SCSI Termination Power.

Keywords: #blackbird #powerbook500series

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