PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1993
PowerBook 165c
The 165c put color on a PowerBook for the first time. The passive-matrix screen smeared and the battery drained fast, but it proved a laptop did not have to be grayscale.
First color PowerBook.
PowerBook 150 (1994)
PowerBook 165c: key facts
When was the PowerBook 165c released?
The PowerBook 165c arrived in February 1993. Apple discontinued it in December 1993.
How much did the PowerBook 165c cost?
The PowerBook 165c launched at $3,399 in 1993 — about $7,410 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Motorola 68030 at 33 MHz, 4 MB RAM, 80 MB storage, 8.9" passive-matrix 256-color display.
Why does the PowerBook 165c matter?
First color PowerBook.
Full specifications
| CPU | Motorola 68030 · 33 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 MB (up to 14 MB) |
| Storage | 80 MB |
| Display | 8.9" passive-matrix 256-color |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | System 7 |
| Released | February 1993 |
| Discontinued | December 1993 |
| Launch price | $3,399 |
How the PowerBook 165c compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 4,100× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 33 MHz, the clock is roughly 97× 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 $3,399 in 1993 — about $7,410 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 165c in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-29