Blackbird: The PowerBook 500 Series

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 […]

PowerBook Duo 280c

Apple upped the ante by moving from the 68030 to the 68LC040 processor on the Duo 280 and 280c in May 1994. (The 68LC040 is a low power version of the 68040 with the internal FPU disabled.) Other than the CPU, this is essentially a Duo 270c. Like the 270c, the 280c supports 16-bit video […]

PowerBook Duo 280

Apple upped the ante by moving from the 68030 to the 68LC040 processor on the Duo 280 and 280c in May 1994. (The 68LC040 is a low power version of the 68040 with the internal FPU disabled.) Other than the CPU, this is essentially a Duo 250. Got a PowerBook Duo? Join our PowerBook Duo […]

PowerBook 540c

Blackbird was Apple’s code name for its first line of PowerBooks based on the 68LC040 processor. (The LC version of the 68040 draws less power and has no FPU.) The 500 series included several firsts: the first portable with a trackpad, the first with a PCMCIA (later PC Card) slot, the first with stereo speakers, […]

PowerBook 540

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 and has no FPU.) The 500 series included several firsts: the first portable with a trackpad, the first with a PCMCIA (later PC Card) slot, the first with stereo speakers, […]

PowerBook 520c

Blackbird was Apple’s code name for its first line of PowerBooks based on the 68LC040 processor. (The LC version of the 68040 draws less power and has no FPU.) The 500 series included several firsts: the first portable with a trackpad, the first with a PCMCIA (later PC Card) slot, the first with stereo speakers, the […]

PowerBook 520

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 and has no FPU.) The 500 series included several firsts: the first portable with a trackpad, the first with a PCMCIA (later PC Card) slot, the first with stereo speakers, the […]