PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1995
PowerBook 5300
The first RISC PowerBook. But it’s remembered for the wrong reasons: a couple of early units’ lithium batteries caught fire, prompting a recall.
First PowerPC-based PowerBook and first with hot-swappable expansion bays.
PowerBook 1400 (1996)
PowerBook 5300: key facts
When was the PowerBook 5300 released?
The PowerBook 5300 arrived on August 25, 1995. Apple discontinued it in September 1996.
How much did the PowerBook 5300 cost?
The PowerBook 5300 launched at $2,300 in 1995, about $4,792 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC 603e at 100 MHz, 8 MB RAM, 500 MB storage, 10.4" colour, 640×480 display.
Why does the PowerBook 5300 matter?
First PowerPC-based PowerBook and first with hot-swappable expansion bays.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC 603e · 100 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 MB (up to 64 MB) |
| Storage | 500 MB |
| Display | 10.4" colour, 640×480 |
| GPU | Built-in video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial, PCMCIA |
| Weight | 2.9 kg |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | System 7.5.2 |
| Released | August 25, 1995 |
| Discontinued | September 1996 |
| Launch price | $2,300 |
How the PowerBook 5300 compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 2,050× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 100 MHz, the clock is roughly 32× 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 125 modern phone photos.
Launched at $2,300 in 1995, about $4,792 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.
Did you know?
The battery scare made Apple switch chemistries and tighten testing for years.
Related PowerBook models
Open the PowerBook 5300 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11