PowerBook Duo · The Beige Era · 1992
PowerBook Duo 230
The 230 shipped alongside the first Duo as the quicker option — same impossibly thin, port-light body that slid into a desktop dock when you got home.
Faster launch partner to the original Duo 210.
PowerBook Duo 250 (1993)
PowerBook Duo 230: key facts
When was the PowerBook Duo 230 released?
The PowerBook Duo 230 arrived in October 1992. Apple discontinued it in October 1994.
How much did the PowerBook Duo 230 cost?
The PowerBook Duo 230 launched at $2,610 in 1992 — about $5,899 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Motorola 68030 at 33 MHz, 4 MB RAM, 80 MB storage, 9.1" passive-matrix grayscale display.
Why does the PowerBook Duo 230 matter?
Faster launch partner to the original Duo 210.
Full specifications
| CPU | Motorola 68030 · 33 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 MB (up to 24 MB) |
| Storage | 80 MB |
| Display | 9.1" passive-matrix grayscale |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Subnotebook dockable laptop |
| Operating system | System 7 |
| Released | October 1992 |
| Discontinued | October 1994 |
| Launch price | $2,610 |
How the PowerBook Duo 230 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 $2,610 in 1992 — about $5,899 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Related PowerBook Duo models
Open the PowerBook Duo 230 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-29