PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1996
PowerBook 1400
The 1400 recovered some PowerBook dignity after the 5300, with a customizable lid insert, removable media bay and CPU upgrade cards.
Swappable book-cover panel and upgradeable CPU cards.
PowerBook 2400c (1997)
PowerBook 1400: key facts
When was the PowerBook 1400 released?
The PowerBook 1400 arrived on November 20, 1996. Apple discontinued it in May 1998.
How much did the PowerBook 1400 cost?
The PowerBook 1400 launched at $2,499 in 1996, about $5,090 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC 603e at 117 MHz, 12 MB RAM, 750 MB storage, 11.3" color display.
Why does the PowerBook 1400 matter?
Swappable book-cover panel and upgradeable CPU cards.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC 603e · 117 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 12 MB (up to 64 MB) |
| Storage | 750 MB |
| Display | 11.3" color |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | System 7 |
| Released | November 20, 1996 |
| Discontinued | May 1998 |
| Launch price | $2,499 |
How the PowerBook 1400 compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 1,370× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 117 MHz, the clock is roughly 27× 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 188 modern phone photos.
Launched at $2,499 in 1996, about $5,090 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 1400 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11