PowerBook 170

PowerBook 170 was a high-end laptop computer introduced by Apple Computer in October 1991 as part of the first generation of PowerBook models. It was positioned as the professional flagship, distinguished by its faster Motorola 68030 processor and an innovative active-matrix LCD screen. The model played a pivotal role in establishing the modern laptop form factor and revitalizing Apple's presence in the portable computing market during the early 1990s.

Overview

The launch of the PowerBook 170 was a key component of Apple's strategy to regain momentum in the portable computing segment, which had been dominated by rivals like Compaq and Toshiba. It was unveiled alongside the PowerBook 100 and PowerBook 140, forming a complete product line that addressed different market segments. The model's premium features and performance were aimed directly at business professionals, graphic designers, and power users within the Apple Macintosh ecosystem. Its success contributed significantly to a financial turnaround for Apple Computer under the leadership of then-CEO John Sculley.

Specifications

At its core, the PowerBook 170 was powered by a 25 MHz Motorola 68030 central processing unit, which was supported by a Motorola 68882 floating-point unit for enhanced mathematical performance. It came standard with 4 MB of RAM, expandable to 8 MB via a single proprietary SIMM slot. Storage options included either a 40 MB or 80 MB internal SCSI hard disk drive. The system's ROM contained the Macintosh Toolbox and was designed to run System 7, Apple's then-current operating system. Connectivity was provided through a SCSI port, a modem port, and a proprietary Apple Desktop Bus port for peripherals.

Design and features

The industrial design, led by Apple's product design team, established the iconic "blackbird" aesthetic with its dark gray case and distinctive trapezoidal shape that positioned the keyboard toward the user. Its most celebrated feature was the 9.8-inch monochrome active-matrix LCD, which offered superior contrast and faster response times than the passive-matrix screens used in its sibling models. The integrated trackball, centrally located in front of the keyboard, became a signature element of early PowerBook design. The unit also featured two internal expansion slots, known as PDS slots, for adding functionality like networking cards or FPU upgrades.

Software and compatibility

The PowerBook 170 shipped with System 7.0.1 and was fully compatible with the vast library of application software written for the Motorola 68000-based Apple Macintosh platform. It included unique system extensions like AppleTalk Remote Access for dial-up networking. The machine supported major productivity suites from Microsoft and Adobe Systems, including Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop. Its FPU made it particularly suitable for scientific, engineering, and computer-aided design applications from vendors like Wolfram Research and Autodesk.

Reception and legacy

Upon release, the PowerBook 170 received critical acclaim from publications like Macworld and InfoWorld, which praised its brilliant display and robust performance, though some critics noted its high price. It won several industry awards and was instrumental in making Apple a leader in the laptop market almost overnight. The design language and human interface concepts pioneered by the PowerBook 170 influenced subsequent portable computers from Apple, including the PowerBook 500 series and, ultimately, the MacBook Pro. It is remembered as a landmark product that defined the modern laptop and solidified the PowerBook brand's reputation for innovation.

Category:Apple Inc. hardware Category:Laptop computers Category:Products introduced in 1991 Category:Discontinued products