PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1993
PowerBook 145B
A cost-trimmed take on the 140 and 145, the 145B was the cheap, dependable grayscale PowerBook that schools and first-time buyers actually bought in volume.
Budget workhorse that pushed PowerBook prices down.
PowerBook 150 (1994)
PowerBook 145B: key facts
When was the PowerBook 145B released?
The PowerBook 145B arrived in June 1993. Apple discontinued it in July 1994.
How much did the PowerBook 145B cost?
The PowerBook 145B launched at $1,399 in 1993 — about $3,050 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Motorola 68030 at 25 MHz, 4 MB RAM, 80 MB storage, 9.8" passive-matrix grayscale display.
Why does the PowerBook 145B matter?
Budget workhorse that pushed PowerBook prices down.
Full specifications
| CPU | Motorola 68030 · 25 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 MB (up to 8 MB) |
| Storage | 80 MB |
| Display | 9.8" passive-matrix grayscale |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | System 7 |
| Released | June 1993 |
| Discontinued | July 1994 |
| Launch price | $1,399 |
How the PowerBook 145B compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 4,100× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 25 MHz, the clock is roughly 128× 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 20 modern phone photos.
Launched at $1,399 in 1993 — about $3,050 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Related PowerBook models
Open the PowerBook 145B in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-29