Macintosh LC
 | |
| Macintosh LC | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Personal Computer |
| Released | October 15, 1990 |
| Discontinued | March 23, 1992 |
| Intro price | US$2,499 |
| CPU | Motorola 68020 @ 16 MHz |
| Memory | 2 MB RAM (expandable to 10 MB) |
| Storage | 40 MB or 80 MB SCSI HDD, 1.44 MB SuperDrive |
| Display | 512×384 (8-bit) or 640×480 (4-bit) |
| Sound | 8-bit stereo input/output |
| Dimensions | 2.9" H × 12.2" W × 15.3" D |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 6.0.7 – System 7.5.5 |
| Successor | Macintosh LC II |
| Codename | Elsie |
| Model no. | M0350 |
The Macintosh LC is a low-cost Macintosh personal computer released by Apple on October 15, 1990.[1] The name "LC" stands for "low-cost color," and the machine was designed to bring color Macintosh computing to education and home markets at a more affordable price point than the Macintosh II series.[2] The internal codename "Elsie" was a phonetic play on "LC."
Architecture and Processor
[edit | edit source]The Macintosh LC uses a Motorola 68020 processor running at 16 MHz. However, the system has a significant bottleneck: the 68020's 32-bit data bus is connected through a 16-bit memory controller, effectively limiting memory bandwidth.[3] This design decision reduced costs but limited performance compared to full 32-bit implementations.
The Gestalt ID for the Macintosh LC is 19.
Memory and Storage
[edit | edit source]RAM Configuration
[edit | edit source]The LC shipped with 2 MB of RAM standard, expandable to 10 MB. Memory expansion uses two 30-pin SIMM slots, which must be populated in pairs using matching SIMMs. The machine uses 100ns or faster SIMMs.
| Configuration | Slot 1 | Slot 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| 4 MB | 2 MB | 2 MB |
| 10 MB | 4 MB + 2 MB onboard | 4 MB |
Video RAM
[edit | edit source]The LC includes 256 KB of VRAM standard, expandable to 512 KB with an optional VRAM SIMM. Video memory determines available color depth:
- 256 KB VRAM: 512×384 at 8-bit (256 colors) or 640×480 at 4-bit (16 colors)
- 512 KB VRAM: 512×384 at 8-bit or 640×480 at 8-bit
Storage Systems
[edit | edit source]Standard storage options included:
- 40 MB or 80 MB internal SCSI hard drive
- 1.44 MB SuperDrive (reads/writes 400K, 800K, and 1.44 MB disks)
Input/Output and Expansion
[edit | edit source]Port Configuration
[edit | edit source]- 1× Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port
- 1× External SCSI (DB-25)
- 1× Audio input (3.5mm stereo minijack)
- 1× Audio output (3.5mm stereo minijack)
- 2× Serial ports (Mini DIN-8)
- 1× Video output (DA-15)
Expansion
[edit | edit source]The LC features a single LC Processor Direct Slot (LC PDS), a 96-pin expansion slot. This slot accepts LC-specific expansion cards including:
- Ethernet adapters
- Video capture cards
- Apple IIe Card (for Apple II compatibility)
Design and Form Factor
[edit | edit source]The LC introduced Apple's "pizza box" form factor—a compact, horizontally-oriented case designed to fit under a monitor. The case measures 2.9 inches high, 12.2 inches wide, and 15.3 inches deep. This form factor was used throughout the LC line and influenced subsequent compact Macintosh designs.
General Maintenance
[edit | edit source]For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, and connector care, refer to the dedicated Macintosh LC General Maintenance page.
Troubleshooting
[edit | edit source]A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing common issues with the Macintosh LC is available on the Macintosh LC Troubleshooting page.
Capacitor Replacement
[edit | edit source]The Macintosh LC logic board contains 17 surface-mount electrolytic capacitors that commonly fail due to age. Detailed replacement guidelines can be found on the Macintosh LC Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Technical Details
[edit | edit source]System Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Motorola 68020 @ 16 MHz |
| FPU | None (not supported) |
| Data Bus | 32-bit (16-bit memory controller) |
| Address Bus | 32-bit |
| System Bus | 16 MHz |
| ROM | 512 KB |
| RAM | 2 MB (max 10 MB) |
| VRAM | 256 KB (max 512 KB) |