Macintosh LC

Macintosh LC -Apple’s Affordable Color Macintosh

Released in October 1990, the Macintosh LC (short for Low Cost) was Apple’s entry into the budget personal computer market. Designed primarily for education, it was sold to schools at a price point comparable to the Apple IIGS, making color-capable Macs more accessible than ever.

• Launch Price: $2,399 (equivalent to $5,320 in 2024)
• Apple IIe Compatibility: The optional Apple IIe card enabled full Apple IIe emulation, further enhancing its appeal for schools

MACINTOSH LC AT A GLANCE

• CPU: Motorola 68020 @ 16 MHz (no FPU)
• Data Bus: 16-bit
• Cache: 256-byte L1 cache
• RAM: 2 MB (expandable to 10 MB via 2×30-pin SIMMs)
• ROM: 512 KB
• Storage: 1.44 MB floppy drive, 40/80 MB SCSI hard drive
• Graphics: 8-bit color (VRAM upgradeable to 16-bit)
• Sound: 8-bit mono speaker and microphone input
• Operating System: Ships with System 6.0.6, supports up to Mac OS 7.5.5
• Form Factor: Slim “pizza box” case (easy to upgrade)
• Expansion: 1× PDS (Processor Direct Slot), no NuBus slots

Macintosh LC Family Timeline

Display & Graphics Capabilities

Standard Configuration

• 256 KB VRAM
• 512×384 resolution
• 8-bit color (256 colors)

With VRAM Upgrade

• 512 KB VRAM
• 512×384 in 16-bit color
• 640×480 in 8-bit color

Audio Capabilities

The LC features a surprisingly loud and clear built-in speaker:

• 8-bit mono output
• Mono microphone input

Ports & Connectivity

• 1× ADB (keyboard/mouse)
• 1× DB-25 SCSI port
• 2× DIN-8 serial ports (RS-422)
• 1× LocalTalk over serial
• 1× PDS slot (supports Ethernet)
• 1× Audio-in (8-bit mono)
• Battery: 3.6V lithium
• Power Supply: 50W
• Last Mac to support dual internal floppy drives

Related Macintosh LC Models

Macintosh LC II

• CPU: Motorola 68030 @ 16 MHz
• RAM: 4 MB (vs. 2 MB in original LC)
• Mac OS: Ships with 6.0.8, supports up to 7.6.1
• Improved performance over LC due to 68030 CPU, despite retaining a 16-bit bus

Macintosh LC III

• CPU: 68030 @ 25 MHz
• RAM: 4 MB (expandable to 36 MB)
• ROM: 1 MB
• Price at Launch: $1,349 (approx. $2,800 today)
• Mac OS: 7.1 to 7.6.1
• Notable Upgrade: 32-bit data bus for better performance

Macintosh LC III+

• CPU: 68030 @ 33 MHz
• ROM: 1 MB
• Mac OS: 7.1 to 7.6.1
• Essentially an LC III with a faster processor

Macintosh LC 580

• Released: April 1995
• CPU: 68LC040 @ 33 MHz
• RAM: 8 MB (expandable to 52 MB)
• Graphics: 1 MB VRAM
• Storage: 500 MB IDE HDD, 1.44 MB floppy, 2× CD-ROM
• Form Factor: New all-in-one design
• Mac OS: Ships with System 7.5
• Launch Price: $1,300 (approx. $2,500 in 2024 dollars)

Macintosh LC 630 (with PC Emulation)

• Unique Feature: Built-in Intel 486DX2 @ 66 MHz for PC/DOS emulation
• CPU: 68LC040 @ 33 MHz
• RAM: 4 MB (expandable to 36 MB)
• ROM: 1 MB
• VRAM: 1 MB
• Storage: 250 MB IDE HDD, 2× CD-ROM, 1.44 MB floppy
• Mac OS: Ships with System 7.1
• PC Emulation: 32 MB of RAM dedicated to DOS/Windows
• Price: $2,080 (approx. $4,060 today)
• Case: Updated desktop case distinct from earlier LC designs

The Performa Connection

• Many LC models were rebranded as Macintosh Performa systems for the consumer market
• These LCs were sold in big-box retailers like Sears and Circuit City, often bundled with software and peripherals

■ Macintosh LC I/II/III/III+/580/630

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