Macintosh XL
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| Macintosh XL | |
|---|---|
| Name | Macintosh XL |
| Developer | Apple Computer |
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer |
| Family | Apple Lisa |
| Type | Personal computer |
| Generation | Lisa 2 |
| Releasedate | January 1985 |
| Price | US$3,995 |
| Discontinued | April 1985 |
| Os | Lisa Office System 3.1, MacWorks |
| Cpu | Motorola 68000 @ 5 MHz |
| Memory | 1 MB (expandable to 2 MB) |
| Storage | 10 MB internal hard drive |
| Display | 12-inch monochrome, 720 × 364 |
| Predecessor | Apple Lisa |
| Successor | Macintosh Plus |
Macintosh XL was a rebranded version of the Apple Lisa 2/10 personal computer, marketed by Apple Computer in early 1985. It was created to clear remaining Lisa 2 inventory by running a software emulation environment called MacWorks, which allowed it to operate as a high-end Macintosh 512K compatible. The model was sold for only a few months before being discontinued, representing a unique transitional product between the Apple Lisa and Macintosh lines.
History
Following the commercial struggles of the original Apple Lisa, Apple Computer sought to repurpose unsold inventory of its more affordable Lisa 2 model. Under the leadership of Steve Jobs and John Sculley, the company developed the MacWorks software, which enabled the Motorola 68000-based hardware to run software designed for the Macintosh 512K. This reconfigured system was renamed and introduced at the January 1985 Apple Special Event as a premium Macintosh model. Production was halted in April 1985 after approximately 3,000 units were sold, partly due to the impending launch of the Macintosh Plus and a legal settlement with Xerox regarding the graphical user interface technology.
Technical specifications
The hardware was identical to the Lisa 2/10, built around a Motorola 68000 microprocessor running at 5 MHz. It included 1 MB of RAM, expandable to 2 MB via a proprietary expansion slot, and featured a built-in 10 MB internal hard drive, a significant advantage over floppy-based Macintosh 512K systems. The display was a 12-inch monochrome monitor with a resolution of 720 by 364 pixels. Standard connectivity included two Apple Desktop Bus ports for peripherals like the Apple Mouse and Apple Keyboard, as well as a parallel port and an optional AppleTalk networking card.
Software
The system originally shipped with the Lisa Office System 3.1, but its primary software distinction was the inclusion of MacWorks, developed by a team that included engineers from Sun Microsystems. This environment effectively turned the computer into a Macintosh 512K emulator, allowing users to run popular applications like MacWrite and MacPaint. However, compatibility was not universal, and some software designed for the native Macintosh ROM experienced performance issues. The dual-boot capability between the Lisa Office System and the MacWorks environment provided unusual flexibility for its era.
Reception and legacy
Initial reception from publications like Byte (magazine) and InfoWorld was positive, praising the combination of a hard disk drive and large screen with Macintosh software compatibility at a reduced price. However, its market life was extremely brief, and it is primarily remembered as a clever inventory clearance strategy by Apple Computer. The Macintosh XL holds a cult status among collectors of vintage Apple Inc. hardware, and its development directly influenced the creation of the Macintosh Plus, which incorporated lessons learned about storage and expandability. The short-lived model remains a footnote in the transition between the ambitious Apple Lisa and the ascendant Macintosh family.