PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1992
PowerBook 180
The 180 made the PowerBook feel genuinely fast, giving mobile professionals a sharper screen and a 33 MHz processor.
Fast 68030 PowerBook with desktop-class performance for its day.
PowerBook 145B (1993)
PowerBook 180: key facts
When was the PowerBook 180 released?
The PowerBook 180 arrived in October 1992. Apple discontinued it in May 1994.
How much did the PowerBook 180 cost?
The PowerBook 180 launched at $4,110 in 1992, about $9,289 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Motorola 68030 at 33 MHz, 4 MB RAM, 80 MB storage, 9.8" active-matrix monochrome display.
Why does the PowerBook 180 matter?
Fast 68030 PowerBook with desktop-class performance for its day.
Full specifications
| CPU | Motorola 68030 · 33 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 MB (up to 14 MB) |
| Storage | 80 MB |
| Display | 9.8" active-matrix monochrome |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | System 7 |
| Released | October 1992 |
| Discontinued | May 1994 |
| Launch price | $4,110 |
How the PowerBook 180 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 $4,110 in 1992, about $9,289 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 180 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11