PowerBook 170

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Overview

The PowerBook 170 was the only first generation PowerBook to sport an active matrix screen. With a 25 MHz 68030, it was 2/3 faster than the PB 140. Between the faster CPU, faster screen, and addition of a floating point unit, the PB 170 was nearly twice as fast as the 140. It was replaced by the popular PB 180 in October 1992.

Details

introduced October 21, 1991 at $4,600; discontinued October 19, 1992
requires System 7.0.1 to 7.6.1
CPU: 25 MHz 68030
FPU: 68882
performance: 4.0 (relative to SE); 6.4, Speedometer 3.06; 0.40, Speedometer 4; 3.9 MIPS
see Benchmarks: PowerBook 170 for more details
ROM: 1 MB
RAM: 2 MB, expandable to 8 MB using a special 100ns pseudo static RAM card
display: 9.8" 1-bit 640x400 active matrix
20 MB or 40 MB hard drive standard
ADB port for keyboard and mouse
DIN-8 serial ports on back of computer
PowerBook SCSI connector on back of computer
proprietary modem slot
Gestalt ID: 21
Size (HxWxD): 2.25" x 11.25" x 9.3"
weight: 6.8 pounds

Online Resources

PowerBook 140/170 memory pricing, RAMseeker
Faster browsing on older Macs, Mac Online Technical Journal
Email lists: PowerBooks, Classic Macs Digest, Vintage Macs
Current memory upgrade prices from MacSeek
Links to System 7.0.1
Apple Specs for PowerBook 170
Apple TIL 14133: PowerBook 14x/16x/170/180 Q&A

Cautions

The 100-series and 500-series PowerBooks do not provide SCSI termination power, depending on external SCSI devices to provide it. For more details, see SCSI Termination Power.
Macs with black-and-white only displays (1-bit, no grays) may find Netscape Navigator 3 makes it impossible to view some pages and sites. The workaround is to use Navigator 2.
Serial port limited to 57.6 kbps; use of a 56k modem may be limited. See 56k modem page.
Dead backlight? Visit JKL Components for replacement lamps.
Apple will discontinue support and parts orders for this model after 31 August 1998. After that, you may be able to find dealers with parts inventory either locally or on our parts and service list.

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