PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1991
PowerBook 140
The 140 brought the new PowerBook layout to a cheaper tier than the 170, helping Apple define the modern laptop shape.
Midrange member of the original PowerBook trio.
PowerBook 160 (1992)
PowerBook 140: key facts
When was the PowerBook 140 released?
The PowerBook 140 arrived in October 1991. Apple discontinued it in August 1992.
How much did the PowerBook 140 cost?
The PowerBook 140 launched at $2,899 in 1991, about $6,784 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Motorola 68030 at 16 MHz, 2 MB RAM, 20 MB storage, 9.8" passive-matrix monochrome display.
Why does the PowerBook 140 matter?
Midrange member of the original PowerBook trio.
Full specifications
| CPU | Motorola 68030 · 16 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 2 MB (up to 8 MB) |
| Storage | 20 MB |
| Display | 9.8" passive-matrix monochrome |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | System 7 |
| Released | October 1991 |
| Discontinued | August 1992 |
| Launch price | $2,899 |
How the PowerBook 140 compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 8,190× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 16 MHz, the clock is roughly 200× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
All of this storage holds about 5 modern phone photos.
Launched at $2,899 in 1991, about $6,784 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.
Related PowerBook models
Open the PowerBook 140 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11