PowerBook 140 is a notebook computer introduced by Apple in October 1991 as part of the first generation of the PowerBook line. It was positioned as the mid-range model between the low-end PowerBook 100 and high-end PowerBook 170. Like the PowerBook 170, it included an internal floppy disk drive, unlike the PowerBook 100. However, like the PowerBook 100, it used a passive-matrix LCD, a 16 MHz processor, and 2 MB of onboard RAM, compared with the PowerBook 170’s active-matrix display, 25 MHz processor, and 4 MB of RAM. In 1992, the PowerBook 160 assumed the 140’s role as Apple’s mid-range notebook. The PowerBook 145, a revision of the PowerBook 140 with a faster 25 MHz processor and 4 MB of RAM, became Apple’s entry-level notebook. In 1993, it was succeeded by the lower-priced PowerBook 145B.
Features
Intended as a replacement for the Macintosh Portable, the PowerBook 140 shared the same basic design as the PowerBook 170 but omitted several features to reduce cost. The most visible difference was its 10 in (25 cm) monochrome passive matrix display, compared with the higher-quality active-matrix screen used in the 170. The 140 also used a slower 16 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, lacked a floating-point unit (FPU), and shipped with a 20 MB hard drive instead of the 170’s 40 MB drive.
The PowerBook 140 debuted with System 7.0.1, which added support for the PowerBook line’s power-management and hardware features. Due to high memory prices at the time, the system included only 2 MB of RAM soldered to the logic board, a limitation that some reviewers considered restrictive for running System 7. Because localized versions of System 7 were not yet available worldwide, Apple released a modified Japanese version of KanjiTalk 6.0.7 with PowerBook support. This version was later unofficially adapted for use on the PowerBook 140, allowing users to continue running System 6 rather than purchasing additional memory.[3][4][5]
Design
The PowerBook 140 was introduced alongside the entry-level PowerBook 100 and high-end PowerBook 170. Unlike the PowerBook 100, which was miniaturized by Sony from the Macintosh Portable, the PowerBook 140 and 170 were designed entirely by Apple. As a result, they were the first notebook computers designed in-house by Apple.
The PowerBook 140 was designed by Gavin Ivester of the Apple Industrial Design Group. Codenames for this model are: Tim Lite, Tim LC, Replacements, and Leary.
PowerBook 145
The PowerBook 145 was an updated version of the PowerBook 140, featuring a faster 25 MHz processor in place of the 16 MHz processor and a standard 40 MB hard drive instead of a 20 MB unit. It also added an option to automatically enter sleep mode or shut down when the display was closed.
Although derived from the PowerBook 140, the 145 replaced the PowerBook 100 as Apple’s entry-level PowerBook after the introduction of the PowerBook 160. It was succeeded by the PowerBook 145B in June 1993. The model’s codename was Colt 45.
PowerBook 145B
The PowerBook 145B was a revision of the PowerBook 145 that included an additional 2 MB of RAM soldered to the motherboard. Its codename was Pikes Peak.
Unlike earlier Macintosh models, the 145B did not include a complete set of system disks. It shipped with System 7.1 preinstalled on its internal hard drive and included a single startup disk along with backup and restore utilities.
The 145B was later replaced by the PowerBook 150.
Specifications
According to Apple, all of these models are obsolete.[a][6]
| Model | PowerBook 140 | PowerBook 145 | PowerBook 145B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Motorola 68030 @ 16 MHz | Motorola 68030 @ 25 MHz | |
| RAM | 2 MB on board, expandable to 8 MB | 4 MB on board, expandable to 8 MB | |
| ROM | 1 MB | ||
| Hard disk | 40 or 80 MB | ||
| Floppy disk | 1.44 MB SuperDrive | ||
| Systems supported | System J-6.0.7.1/7.0.1–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, 1-bit monochrome, 640×400 resolution | ||
Timeline
| Timeline of portable Macintoshes |
|---|
 |
Notes
- ^ Apple products that have been discontinued for 7 years and no longer receive hardware support or spare parts
References
- ^ LePage, Rick (October 22, 1991). “PowerBooks: price-competitive and technologically brilliant”. MacWEEK.
- ^ Martin, James A. (December 1992). “New PowerBooks: The 145, 160, and 180”. Macworld. MacWorld Communications, Inc. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ System J-6.0.7.1 ReadMe, 1991, Apple, Inc.
- ^ http://apple.ism.excite.co.jp/page/漢字Talk+6.0.7.html
- ^ “System 6 on a PowerBook 140/170”. Archived from the original on September 7, 2008. Retrieved May 31, 2008.
- ^ “Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty”. support.apple.com. March 20, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
External links
- Macintosh PowerBook 140: Technical Specifications, retrieved July 23, 2022
- Macintosh PowerBook 145: Technical Specifications, retrieved July 24, 2022
- Macintosh PowerBook 145B: Technical Specifications, retrieved July 24, 2022
- apple-history.com’s section on the PowerBook 140
- PowerBook 140 at The Computer Resource [dead link]
- A prototype PowerBook 140.
- “PowerBook 145B, 360 degree model”, Russian Vintage Laptop Museum (museum), April 6, 2017