Storage · The Beige Era · 1988
AppleCD SC
AppleCD SC gave Macs access to the enormous new world of CD-ROM reference discs, clip art and software collections.
Apple’s first CD-ROM drive.
Apple PowerCD (1993)
AppleCD SC: key facts
When was the AppleCD SC released?
The AppleCD SC arrived in March 1988. Apple discontinued it in 1991.
How much did the AppleCD SC cost?
The AppleCD SC launched at $1,199 in 1988, about $3,231 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: 650 MB storage, SCSI.
Why does the AppleCD SC matter?
Apple’s first CD-ROM drive.
Full specifications
| CPU | — |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | 650 MB |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | SCSI |
| Weight | Varies by model |
| Dimensions | External CD-ROM drive |
| Operating system | Driver/firmware support |
| Released | March 1988 |
| Discontinued | 1991 |
| Launch price | $1,199 |
How the AppleCD SC compares to today
All of this storage holds about 163 modern phone photos.
Launched at $1,199 in 1988, about $3,231 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
Early CD-ROM speed was “1x” because there was nothing to compare it to yet.
Related Storage models
Open the AppleCD SC in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11