PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1992
PowerBook 160
The 160 added a video-out port, so a PowerBook could finally push a desktop monitor — grayscale on the built-in screen, but a real step toward the laptop-as-desktop idea.
First PowerBook (with the 180) able to drive an external monitor.
PowerBook 145B (1993)
PowerBook 160: key facts
When was the PowerBook 160 released?
The PowerBook 160 arrived in October 1992. Apple discontinued it in August 1994.
How much did the PowerBook 160 cost?
The PowerBook 160 launched at $2,479 in 1992 — about $5,603 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 160 matter?
First PowerBook (with the 180) able to drive an external monitor.
Full specifications
| CPU | Motorola 68030 · 25 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 MB (up to 14 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 | October 1992 |
| Discontinued | August 1994 |
| Launch price | $2,479 |
How the PowerBook 160 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 $2,479 in 1992 — about $5,603 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 160 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-29