PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1997
PowerBook 2400c
A cult-favorite subnotebook, especially in Japan, the 2400c delivered serious PowerPC performance in a very small pre-Air package.
Tiny high-end PowerBook built with IBM Japan.
PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet) (1998)
PowerBook 2400c: key facts
When was the PowerBook 2400c released?
The PowerBook 2400c arrived on May 8, 1997. Apple discontinued it in March 1998.
How much did the PowerBook 2400c cost?
The PowerBook 2400c launched at $3,500 in 1997, about $6,965 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC 603e at 180 MHz, 16 MB RAM, 1.3 GB storage, 10.4" active-matrix color display.
Why does the PowerBook 2400c matter?
Tiny high-end PowerBook built with IBM Japan.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC 603e · 180 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 MB (up to 80 MB) |
| Storage | 1.3 GB |
| Display | 10.4" active-matrix color |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Subnotebook |
| Operating system | System 7 |
| Released | May 8, 1997 |
| Discontinued | March 1998 |
| Launch price | $3,500 |
How the PowerBook 2400c compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 1,020× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 180 MHz, the clock is roughly 18× 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 325 modern phone photos.
Launched at $3,500 in 1997, about $6,965 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 2400c in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11