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PowerBook 140
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PowerBook 140
Apple Macintosh PowerBook 140
DeveloperApple Computer
Product familyPowerBook
TypeLaptop
Release date140: October 21, 1991 (1991-10-21)
145: August 3, 1992 (1992-08-03)
145B: June 7, 1993 (1993-06-07)
Introductory price140: US$3,199 (equivalent to $7,385 in 2024)[1]
145: US$2,149 (equivalent to $4,815 in 2024)[2]
145B: US$1,649 (equivalent to $3,589 in 2024)
Discontinued140: August 3, 1992 (1992-08-03)
145: June 7, 1993 (1993-06-07)
145B: July 18, 1994 (1994-07-18)
CPUMotorola 68030 @ 16 MHz (140)
25 MHz (145/145B)
Display9.8" monochrome LCD
Graphics640×400
Weight6.8 lb (3.1 kg)
PredecessorMacintosh Portable
PowerBook 100
SuccessorPowerBook Duo
PowerBook 160

The PowerBook 140 is a notebook computer that was released in the first line of PowerBooks. It was the mid-range PowerBook, between the low-end 100 and the high-end 170. As with the PowerBook 170, it featured an internal floppy drive, unlike the 100. Codenames for this model are: Tim Lite, Tim LC, Replacements, and Leary. In 1992, it was replaced by the PowerBook 145, which was essentially a speed bump, though the PowerBook 160 essentially superseded it as the new mid-line model.

Features

[edit]

Intended as a replacement for the Macintosh Portable, the 140 form factor close to the 170, though it compromised a number of the high-end model's features to make it a more affordable mid-range option. The most apparent difference was that the 140 used a cheaper, 10 in (25 cm) diagonal passive matrix display instead of the active matrix version used on the 170 that had better readability. Internally, in addition to a slower 16 MHz processor, the 140 also lacked a Floating Point Unit (FPU) and could not be upgraded. It also came standard with a 20 MB hard drive compared with the 170's 40 MB drive.

The 140 was introduced with System 7.0.1, specifically to support new power management and other unique hardware features. However, due to the RAM prices in 1991, combined with its already high list price, the 140, like the 100 and 170, only had 2 MB RAM soldered directly onto the logicboard, which critics felt was restrictive for use with System 7. Furthermore, since localized versions of System 7 were not yet available worldwide, the Japanese 6.0.7 KanjiTalk version of Apple's System software, was modified to support all three new PowerBooks and released as version J-6.0.7.1.[3][4] As a result, this version was unofficially adapted for use with the standard 6.0.7 allowing many users to run System 6 on their PowerBooks, rather than upgrading on-board RAM with an expensive proprietary RAM card (a 2 MB card was US $300).[5]

Design

[edit]

Though released at the same time as the PowerBook 170 and PowerBook 100, both the 140 and 170 were designed entirely by Apple, while the 100 was miniaturized by Sony from the full-sized Macintosh Portable. As a result, the 140 represents the first true notebook computer created by Apple, with the 100 actually representing the first design improvements, though its internal architecture is the oldest in the series. 140 was designed by Gavin Ivester of the internal Apple Industrial Design Group.

PowerBook 145

[edit]

The PowerBook 145 was a speed-bumped 140, increasing the processor speed from 16 MHz to 25 MHz. The standard hard drive was upgraded from 20 MB to 40 MB. The 145 also introduced a new feature for the battery-conscious: users would be able to configure the 145 to sleep or completely shut down whenever the clamshell unit was closed. Though a direct descendant of the 140, the 145 was actually the replacement for the PowerBook 100 as the low-end model, the 140 having been superseded by the new mid-level PowerBook 160.

It was replaced by the PowerBook 145B in June 1993. The only codename for this model is: Colt 45.

PowerBook 145B

[edit]

The PowerBook 145B was the same as the PowerBook 145 that came before it, but with a lower price and additional 2 MB of RAM soldered to the motherboard. The only codename for this model is Pikes Peak.

Unlike previous Mac models but like the Performas, the 145B did not ship with a full set of system disks. System 7.1 was preinstalled on the internal hard disk, and a single system startup disk was included. The package also included two utilities that provide basic backup and restore functions. Although the 145B shipped with System 7.1, it can, in fact, run System 7.0.1, however it will incorrectly report as a 140 in “About This Macintosh...”

The 145 was superseded by the PowerBook 150 as the next low-end PowerBook.

Specifications

[edit]

According to Apple, all of these models are obsolete.[a][6]

Model PowerBook 140 PowerBook 145 PowerBook 145B
Processor Motorola 68030, running at 16 MHz Motorola 68030, running at 25 MHz
RAM 2 MB on board, can be expanded to 8 MB 4 MB on board, can be expanded to 8 MB
ROM 1 MB
Hard disk 20-80 MB 40–120 MB
Floppy disk 1.44 MB Superdrive
Systems supported System J-6.0.7.1, System 7.0.1–Mac OS 7.6.1 System 7.1–Mac OS 7.6.1
ADB Yes (1 port)
Serial Yes (2 ports)
Modem optional (used for this model's expansion port)
Screen passive matrix, 1bpp 640×400

Timeline

[edit]
Timeline of portable Macintoshes
Mac transition to Apple siliconiMac ProApple WatchiPadiPhoneMac ProPower Mac G5Power Mac G4Power Macintosh G3Power MacintoshCompact MacintoshMacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)12-inch MacBookMacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook (2006–2012)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook (2006–2012)MacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook (2006–2012)PowerBook G4PowerBook G4PowerBook G4iBook G4iBook G4PowerBook G4iBook (white)iBook (white)iBook ClamshelliBook ClamshellPowerBook G3PowerBook G3PowerBook G3PowerBook 3400cPowerBook 1400PowerBook 2400cPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 5300PowerBook 190PowerBook DuoPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 150PowerBook DuoPowerBook DuoPowerBook 180PowerBook 160PowerBook 140PowerBook DuoPowerBook DuoPowerBook 180PowerBook 160PowerBook 160PowerBook 140PowerBook Duo 230PowerBook Duo 210PowerBook 170PowerBook 140PowerBook 100Macintosh Portable
See also: List of Mac models

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

PowerBook 140

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Macintosh PowerBook 140 is a laptop computer developed and manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc., introduced on October 21, 1991, as the mid-range model in the company's first PowerBook series of portable Macintosh systems. It features a 16 MHz Motorola 68030 processor without a floating-point unit, 2 MB of soldered RAM expandable to a maximum of 8 MB via a single proprietary slot, a 40 MB or 80 MB SCSI hard disk drive, and a 1.44 MB SuperDrive floppy drive, all housed in a clamshell design weighing 6.8 pounds with dimensions of 2.25 by 11.25 by 9.3 inches. The system includes a 9.8-inch passive-matrix monochrome LCD display with a native resolution of 640 × 400 pixels at 1-bit depth, connectivity via one ADB port, an HDI-30 SCSI port, and two Mini-DIN-8 serial ports (for printer and modem), and supports Mac OS versions from 7.0.1 to 7.6.1. Powered by a nickel-cadmium battery offering approximately two hours of use and a 17-watt external power adapter, the PowerBook 140 launched at a price of $3,000 and was discontinued on August 3, 1992, after selling over a million units across the initial PowerBook lineup. The 140 emerged from Apple's "Leary" project, led by industrial designer John Medica, which aimed to create a truly portable Macintosh by rethinking with a centered in front of the keyboard and a rear-oriented power button to accommodate the user's palm rest. Unveiled alongside the entry-level 100 and premium at the 1991 trade show, it addressed limitations of prior Apple portables like the cumbersome by prioritizing compactness, battery life, and integration of essential peripherals such as the internal floppy drive absent in the base model. This innovation propelled the series to immediate commercial success, generating over $1 billion in first-year sales and enabling Apple to surpass competitors like and to claim market leadership in portables, contributing to the company's record $7.1 billion revenue in 1992. The 140's successor, the 145 with an optional , arrived in August 1992, but the original model's influence endured as a benchmark for user-centric in the early .

History

Development

The development of the PowerBook 140 was led by Robert Brunner within Apple's Industrial Design Group, with a team that included Gavin Ivester, Suzanne Pierce, Jim Halicho, and Eric Takahashi, as part of an initiative to supplant the cumbersome 16-pound with a more practical notebook form factor. The project, codenamed "Leary," was part of a semi-autonomous division initiated by CEO and led by product manager John Medica, aiming to establish Apple's entry into true portable computing, positioning the 140 as the mid-range option between the entry-level PowerBook 100 and the premium 170. Initiated in the fall of 1990, the project emphasized rapid development to capture market share from competitors like and , with a focus on creating a device under 8 pounds that delivered desktop-like functionality. Key design goals centered on enhancing portability and , incorporating a forward-shifted keyboard to enable integrated palmrests and a central for intuitive input, thereby redefining user interaction in laptops. The team prioritized fanless for silent operation and an internal 1.44 MB floppy drive to eliminate the external drive dependencies that plagued earlier portables like the . A pivotal innovation was the adoption of the "" branding, originally a placeholder that evoked both computational power and the compact, book-like portability of notebooks, which ultimately shaped the nomenclature and design philosophy for the entire 100-series lineup. This holistic approach not only addressed prior limitations in weight and accessory reliance but also set a benchmark for integrating hardware ergonomics with Macintosh software, influencing Apple's portable strategy for years.

Release

The PowerBook 140 was announced and released on October 21, 1991, at the computer expo in , , alongside the PowerBook 100 and 170, marking the debut of Apple's inaugural notebook computer line. This launch introduced a new era of portable computing for Apple, shifting from the bulkier to more compact designs aimed at business and professional users seeking mobility. Priced at an initial $3,199 (equivalent to approximately $7,385 in 2024 dollars), the PowerBook 140 was positioned as an affordable mid-range option within the lineup, offering a balance of performance and features compared to the entry-level 100 and high-end 170 models. It shipped standard with a 20 MB or 40 MB internal hard drive, appealing to users needing reliable storage without excessive cost. The model became available immediately through Apple's authorized dealers and retail stores, experiencing rapid sell-outs that signaled strong early demand among consumers and businesses. Apple anticipated shipping up to 150,000 units across the series in the first three months, contributing to the line's overall success of generating over $1 billion in sales during its debut year. The original was discontinued on August 3, 1992, after less than a year on the market, though subsequent variants like the 145 extended the platform's availability and refined its appeal.

Design

Exterior and Build

The PowerBook 140 employed a with a platinum-gray , marking Apple's inaugural in-house effort to create a that balanced durability and portability. This construction featured a top case secured by tab fasteners for a reliable closure mechanism, ensuring the device remained compact when transported. The overall form factor measured 2.25 inches in height, 11.25 inches in width, and 9.3 inches in depth when closed, contributing to its average weight of 6.8 pounds (3.1 kg). The build emphasized silent operation through a fanless , relying on low-power components like the 16 MHz processor and passive thermal management to dissipate heat without mechanical —a approach for Apple laptops at the time. Stability was enhanced by rubber elevation feet attached to the base with screws, washers, and spring clips, which raised the unit slightly off surfaces to improve and prevent slippage. Some bundles included a dedicated carrying case with a handle for easier transport, catering to mobile professionals. A key innovation in the PowerBook 140's exterior was the introduction of an integrated palmrest area below the keyboard, which repositioned the input surface rearward to create a more ergonomic typing posture and reduce wrist strain during extended use. This design choice set a for future computers, influencing the standard layout seen in subsequent Apple models and competitors by prioritizing user comfort in a constrained form factor.

Input Devices

The PowerBook 140 featured a full-sized built-in keyboard with a standard Macintosh layout, including dedicated function keys along the top row. The low-profile chiclet-style keys provided 3.0 mm of travel with an 18 mm vertical pitch and 18.63 mm horizontal pitch, enabling comfortable typing despite the portable form factor. A software-activated option allowed the top row of keys to function as a ten-key pad when enabled via the key, accommodating users needing numerical input without expanding the keyboard footprint. The primary was a centrally located embedded in the palmrest area, measuring 30 mm in diameter for precise cursor control. Positioned forward of the keyboard, it supported one-handed operation with index and middle fingers for movement and the thumb on the lower button for clicking, eliminating the need for an external during mobile use. The ergonomic layout positioned the keyboard toward the rear of the , creating a spacious palmrest in front of the to support the user's wrists and reduce strain during extended sessions. This design, including two-level tilt adjustment via rear elevation feet, represented a novel approach to that influenced industry standards for subsequent laptops. While the system included one Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port supporting up to three external devices with a maximum 200 mA current draw, the emphasis remained on the integrated keyboard and to prioritize mobility and seamless interaction without peripherals.

Models

140

The served as the baseline mid-range model in Apple's inaugural lineup, introduced on October 21, 1991, at a starting price of US$2,900. It featured a 16 MHz processor without an integrated (FPU), which set it apart from higher-end siblings like the that included an FPU for enhanced mathematical processing. This configuration positioned the 140 as a cost-effective step up from the entry-level PowerBook 100's 16 MHz 68000 processor, while offering more balanced performance than the premium 170's faster 25 MHz 68030 with FPU, targeting business users seeking portability without top-tier pricing. Standard memory was 2 MB of soldered RAM, expandable to a maximum of 8 MB through a single expansion slot using modules of 2 MB, 4 MB, or 6 MB. Storage included a 20 MB SCSI hard drive as the base option, configurable up to 40 MB at purchase or 80 MB via compatible upgrades, alongside an internal 1.44 MB floppy drive for media handling. Like other models in the series, it incorporated a for input, contributing to its compact, suitable for . Production of the original 140 ended on August 3, 1992, after approximately nine months on the market, making way for refreshed variants that addressed performance and power efficiency limitations. This discontinuation aligned with Apple's strategy to evolve the lineup amid growing competition in portable computing.

145

The 145, introduced on August 3, 1992, served as an upgraded refresh of the original PowerBook 140's base design, offering enhanced performance for mid-range users. It featured a faster 25 MHz processor, which significantly improved overall speed compared to the 140's 16 MHz version, enabling better handling of demanding tasks such as graphics applications without an integrated (FPU). This model was discontinued on June 7, 1993, acting as a transitional bridge to the subsequent 145B variant while preserving Apple's positioning in the portable computing market. Storage capacity saw a notable upgrade, with a base 40 MB SCSI hard drive available, alongside an 80 MB option, allowing for greater data accommodation than the 140's standard 20 MB drive; the system supported upgrades to larger capacities like 120 MB through compatible interfaces. Power management was enhanced with the introduction of a , activated by closing the laptop's lid, which conserved battery life—providing 2 to 3 hours of runtime from the NiCd battery—while maintaining system state to prevent upon resumption. This functionality marked an improvement over earlier portables, promoting efficient on-the-go usage without frequent shutdowns. Like its predecessor, the PowerBook 145 retained expandability up to 8 MB of pseudostatic RAM via a single proprietary slot, starting from a base of 2 MB on the logic board, to support multitasking in professional environments. The design maintained the compact, durable platinum-gray of the 140 series, with minor refinements to the keyboard layout and for improved , ensuring continuity in the lineup's aesthetic and build quality. These enhancements positioned the 145 as a reliable workhorse for business and creative professionals until the more affordable 145B succeeded it.

145B

The PowerBook 145B was introduced on June 7, 1993, as a lower-cost variant of the PowerBook 145, aimed at budget-conscious users seeking an affordable entry into Apple's portable computing lineup. Priced at $1,649—equivalent to about $3,589 in dollars after adjusting for —it represented a strategic extension of the 140 series lifecycle by balancing performance with accessibility. This model featured 4 MB of base RAM soldered to the logic board, expandable to a maximum of 8 MB via a 4 MB module, paired with a 25 MHz processor and hard drive options of 40 MB, 80 MB, or 120 MB storage. It came preinstalled with System 7.1 and incorporated enhanced capabilities from the 145, such as improved for better battery , while achieving cost reductions through production simplifications like the absence of an internal in the base configuration. The 145B effectively concluded the original 140 series, with production ending upon its discontinuation on July 18, 1994; however, Apple extended availability by offering refurbished units through subsequent years.

Specifications

Processor and Memory

The PowerBook 140 series utilized the , a 32-bit processor with an integrated paged (PMMU) but lacking a dedicated (FPU) across all models. The original PowerBook 140 featured this CPU clocked at 16 MHz, providing baseline performance for productivity tasks typical of early portable computing. Subsequent variants, the PowerBook 145 and 145B, upgraded the clock speed to 25 MHz, enhancing computational efficiency for applications like word processing and spreadsheets without introducing an FPU, which limited advanced mathematical processing to software emulation. Memory configurations in the series emphasized expandability within the constraints of portable , using pseudostatic RAM (PSRAM) to balance speed and power efficiency. The 140 and 145 included 2 MB soldered directly onto the logic board, supplemented by a single expansion slot accepting modules of 2 MB, 4 MB, or 6 MB at 100 ns access speed, for a maximum of 8 MB total. The 145B improved the base setup to 4 MB onboard, with the same slot supporting an additional 4 MB module to reach 8 MB, reflecting Apple's response to growing software demands. These PSRAM modules required careful installation to avoid compatibility issues, as the architecture did not support standard DRAM SIMMs. Performance benchmarks for the series, measured in millions of instructions per second (MIPS), underscored the incremental gains from clock speed increases. The 16 MHz PowerBook 140 achieved approximately 3.9 MIPS, suitable for light multitasking but straining under memory-intensive operations. The 25 MHz models in the PowerBook 145 and 145B delivered around 6.3 MIPS, offering about 60% better integer processing throughput while maintaining the same lack of hardware floating-point acceleration. No overclocking options were available, as the soldered CPU design prioritized thermal stability in the battery-powered chassis. Memory management leveraged the 68030's support for both 24-bit and 32-bit ing modes, enabling compatibility with earlier Macintosh systems while allowing expansion beyond the 8 MB limit of 24-bit addressing through features in later operating systems. In 32-bit mode, the processor's internal registers, 32-bit bus, and 32-bit bus facilitated a Macintosh II-style , with pseudostatic RAM refresh ensuring during portable use; served as a key workaround for the hardware's 8 MB ceiling by swapping to disk. This setup, while innovative for the era, could impact battery life under heavy swapping conditions.

Display and Graphics

The PowerBook 140 was equipped with a 9.8-inch passive-matrix LCD display utilizing Film SuperTwist Nematic (FSTN) technology, offering a of 640 × 400 pixels at 1-bit depth for black-and-white rendering. This design provided a compact, backlit screen suitable for portable use, with levels adjustable via dedicated function keys on the keyboard. The display operated in transmissive mode, relying on the system's for in various conditions. Graphics capabilities were handled by an integrated custom Display Driver Chip (DDC), which managed video signal generation, sync pulses, and refresh at 60 Hz using a 32K × 8-bit SRAM buffer for efficient operation. The DDC supported the FSTN panel without dedicated video RAM, limiting advanced to basic output, and the system lacked an external video port, restricting connectivity to the built-in screen. While the 68030 processor provided minimal for display tasks, the overall setup prioritized power efficiency over high-performance rendering. As a passive-matrix display, the PowerBook 140's screen exhibited limitations such as slower pixel response times and crosstalk-induced ghosting, where adjacent pixels could interfere and cause faint artifacts during motion or scrolling. These traits resulted in narrower viewing angles and lower contrast compared to active-matrix alternatives, though the technology proved sufficient for text-heavy applications and simple graphics in office environments. The display's design contributed to the laptop's low overall power draw of up to 17 watts, enhancing battery life for mobile productivity.

Storage and Expansion

The PowerBook 140 series incorporated an internal 1.44 MB floppy drive, enabling independent operation without reliance on external peripherals for basic data storage and transfer. This high-density 3.5-inch drive, connected via the SWIM interface, supported both Macintosh and disk formats, making it essential for in environments lacking network connectivity. The internal employed a interface through an HDI-30 connector, facilitating reliable data access within the compact chassis. The PowerBook 140 shipped with 40 MB or 80 MB options, while the 145 featured 40 MB or 80 MB, and the 145B 80 MB or 120 MB; these 2.5-inch drives delivered average access times of 45-50 ms, balancing portability with sufficient performance for productivity applications of the era. Expansion capabilities were intentionally constrained to maintain the laptop's slim profile and battery life. A single proprietary slot, akin to a simplified design, accommodated RAM modules exclusively—supporting additions of 2 MB, 4 MB, or 6 MB to reach a maximum of 8 MB total memory—but prohibited installation of other expansion cards. The external port provided connectivity for up to seven daisy-chained devices, including hard drives with capacities up to 2 GB, limited by the Hierarchical File System (HFS) volume constraints. The system included a slot for an optional internal card but no built-in modem, emphasizing core computing with optional communications hardware. A battery-backed (RTC) ensured ongoing by preserving system settings, timestamps, and calendar information across power cycles, mitigating risks from the portable design's frequent battery use.

Ports and Connectivity

The PowerBook 140 featured a limited set of external ports designed for the era's peripherals, including one (ADB) port using a mini-DIN-4 connector, which supported up to three devices such as keyboards and mice. It also included one (SCSI) port via an HDI-30 connector for connecting drives and peripherals, though the port did not supply termination power, requiring external devices to provide their own. Two mini-DIN-8 serial ports, supporting protocol and labeled for printer and use, allowed connections to printers, external modems, and networking adapters, with the modem-designated port prioritized for higher-speed communications. Additionally, the system provided an 8-bit monaural output through a stereo headphone jack (delivering mono audio) and a input jack for basic audio connectivity. Networking options were basic and relied on external hardware, as the PowerBook 140 lacked built-in Ethernet or a . networking could be achieved via a adapter connected to one of the serial ports, enabling low-speed local area networking at up to 230.4 kbps using the interface. An optional internal 2400- card was available for dial-up connectivity via a dedicated slot, but most configurations required external modems attached via the , typically limited to speeds under 9600 for standard dial-up access. Power connectivity used an external AC adapter rated at 15-17 watts and 2 amps, compatible with 100-240V input at 50-60 Hz, which supplied the necessary 7.5V DC to the system. The laptop was powered by a removable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery pack providing approximately 2-3 hours of typical runtime, depending on usage and integrated features. These connectivity features reflected the PowerBook 140's emphasis on portability over advanced I/O, often necessitating additional adapters for expanded functionality.

Software Support

Operating Systems

The PowerBook 140 shipped with Mac OS System 7.0.1, which provided initial support for its hardware features including basic power management. This version included foundational drivers for the laptop's trackball, monochrome display, and battery monitoring, enabling portable operation out of the box. Compatibility extended up to System 7.6.1, released in 1997, marking the final officially supported version for the PowerBook 140 due to its Motorola 68030 processor limitations. System 7.1 introduced 32-bit addressing, which utilized the processor's integrated paged memory management unit (PMMU) to enable virtual memory and support configurations beyond the previous 8 MB physical RAM limit. This update significantly improved multitasking efficiency on the PowerBook 140 by allowing the operating system to address up to 1 GB of virtual memory space. Subsequent updates like System 7.1 and later incorporated enhanced power management extensions, including configurable sleep mode via the Control Panel, which allowed users to set inactivity timers for entering low-power states to conserve battery life. For the related 145 and 145B models, these extensions also supported CPU throttling to dynamically reduce processor speed during idle periods, further optimizing energy use. The Japanese variant of the 140 supported the KanjiTalk-enabled System J-6.0.7.1, a modified release of System 6.0.7 tailored for the hardware's debut in that market. Apple classified the PowerBook 140 as obsolete in 2001, ceasing all hardware and software support, with no compatibility for or later versions owing to the 68030's inability to run the required 68040 or PowerPC-native code.

Bundled Software

The PowerBook 140 shipped with a minimal software bundle designed to keep costs low while providing essential tools for basic productivity and learning the Macintosh interface. This included the standard System 7.0.1 preinstalled on the internal hard drive. To assist new users, the bundle featured the Macintosh Basics interactive tour, a guided for core operations, and access to the Learning Macintosh section in the user's guide for advanced skills. No dedicated or comprehensive suite was included; users typically supplemented with third-party options like ClarisWorks for more robust tasks. PowerBook-specific utilities were limited in the initial release, focusing on OS-level features like battery status monitoring via the Finder rather than dedicated apps. The bundle emphasized portability by integrating file management tools suited for on-the-go use, such as basic backup utilities within the System Tools folder.

Reception

Reviews

Contemporary reviews from 1991 praised the PowerBook 140 for its innovative design features that enhanced usability and portability. Macworld highlighted the "sturdy, ergonomic design, excellent weight, and a centrally located trackball" that made the device easy to carry and operate, noting the palmrest as a "welcome addition" and one of the best laptop keyboards available, awarding it high marks for overall innovation. InfoWorld similarly lauded its revolutionary portability, describing it as fulfilling long-held aspirations for a capable mobile Macintosh. Critics noted drawbacks with the passive-matrix display, which suffered from slow response times leading to image ghosting during motion, limiting its suitability for dynamic graphics. Battery life was another common complaint, typically lasting only 2-3 hours under normal use, though reviewers appreciated the device's silent, fanless operation and solid build quality. User feedback emphasized the PowerBook 140's accessibility for mobile professionals, with the integrated and ergonomic layout facilitating productive on-the-go work. However, many reported frustrations with its limited expandability, such as the 8 MB RAM ceiling and lack of easy upgrades compared to desktop systems. A 1992 MacUser review encapsulated the enthusiasm, calling the PowerBook 140 "the Macintosh users dreamed of" and crediting its design with setting new standards for ergonomics and portability.

Market Impact

The introduction of the PowerBook 140 as part of Apple's inaugural PowerBook lineup in 1991 significantly boosted the company's position in the portable computing market. The entire PowerBook series, including the 140 model, generated over $1 billion in sales during its first year on the market, enabling Apple to surpass competitors and in portable by 1992, capturing approximately 40% of the laptop market. This commercial success was driven by the 140's mid-range pricing and balanced features, which appealed particularly to professionals seeking a reliable for tasks without the premium cost of higher-end models. Sales of the PowerBook 100 series, encompassing the 100, 140, and variants, reached over 100,000 units within the first three months of launch, exceeding Apple's initial expectations of 200,000 units for the first year. By April 1992, sales had surpassed 200,000 units. The 140's accessibility helped drive widespread adoption among business users, who valued its for mobile office work, further solidifying Apple's foothold in the growing segment. The PowerBook 140's legacy extended beyond immediate sales, establishing key notebook standards such as the palmrest area and centered pointing device, which influenced subsequent Windows-based designs and remain staples in modern portables. This innovative layout prioritized user , setting a benchmark that PC manufacturers quickly emulated to improve portability and usability. The model's successors, including the released in 1993, built on this foundation, evolving Apple's portable lineup while inspiring industry-wide shifts toward more cohesive form factors. Apple's emphasis on seamless hardware-software integration provided a competitive edge over the fragmented PC portable market in the early 1990s, where varying standards hindered . However, this advantage faced challenges from emerging rivals like the series, introduced in 1992, which offered lower prices and robust build quality that appealed to cost-conscious enterprise buyers by the mid-1990s.

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  31. https://gona.mactar.hu/early_Macintosh_timeline/
  32. https://vintageapple.org/macbooks/pdf/Fully_Powered_PowerBook_1993.pdf
  33. https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/16/business/apple-posts-3-1-rise-in-profit.html
  34. https://www.computerhistory.org/revolution/mobile-computing/18/317
  35. https://www.macworld.com/article/194592/10standoutmacs.html
  36. https://www.ibm.com/history/thinkpad
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