Color Classic

"Apple Macintosh Color Classic -Compact Design Meets Color"

Released in February 1993, the Macintosh Color Classic brought color to Apple’s iconic all-in-one design, blending functionality with a sleeker, modern aesthetic. Priced at $1,399 at launch, the Color Classic remained in production until May 1995, though it continued to be sold in Europe and Japan until January 1998. This was the first compact Macintosh to feature a built-in color display, housed in a curvier, more contemporary case.

AT A GLANCE

• The final model of the original compact Macintosh family
• Display: 10" Sony Trinitron RGB (8.2" viewable)
• Resolution: 512 × 384 pixels (upgradeable to 640 × 480 via hardware mod)
• Processor: Motorola 68030 @ 16 MHz (optional Motorola 68882 FPU)
• Memory: 4 MB RAM (expandable to 10 MB), 1 MB ROM
• Storage: 40, 80, or 160 MB hard drive
• Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB SuperDrive (auto-inject)
• Expansion: One LC-style PDS (Processor Direct Slot)
• Operating System: Up to Mac OS 7.6.1
• Bundled with: Apple Keyboard II and ADB Mouse II

The logic board is nearly identical to the Macintosh LC II, allowing for easy upgrades or replacements without opening the entire case.

Related Models: Color Classic II

In 1993, Apple released the Color Classic II, a more powerful version with a 33 MHz 68030 processor. This model was sold in Japan, Canada, and parts of Europe—but never officially in the U.S.

Display & Graphic Modes

• Native Resolution: 512 × 384 pixels
• VRAM: Standard supports 4-bit (16 colors); expandable to support higher color depths
• Upgrade Options: Modding the internal display or adding a video card enables 640 × 480 resolution—ideal for many classic Mac games and software
• External Display Support: Available via video expansion cards

Sound Capabilities

• Built-in Audio: 8-bit mono speaker and integrated mono microphone
• Sound Output: Mono jack

I/O Ports

• PDS expansion slot
• Printer port
• Modem Port
• 2 X ADB ports (Mouse and keyboard)
• SCSI (DB-25)
• Sound Out (mono)

Expansions & Upgrades

The single PDS slot opens doors to several enhancements:

• CPU upgrades (68040, PowerPC)
• Ethernet networking cards
• Video cards for external monitors
• Apple IIe emulator cards
• Internal display upgrades for higher resolutions (640×480)

Modifications

• The “Mystic” Mod:
  Replaces the logic board with that of a Macintosh LC 575, giving the system a 68LC040 CPU at 33 MHz. With this mod, the Color Classic can run up to Mac OS 8.1.

   

• The “Takky” Mod:
  An advanced modification that installs a PowerPC-based motherboard (601, 603, or 604). This unlocks support for Mac OS 9.1, transforming the Color Classic into a far more capable machine.

■ Macintosh Color Classic

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