PowerBook Duo · The Beige Era · 1993
PowerBook Duo 250
The 250 fixed the Duo’s biggest complaint by fitting a sharp active-matrix display into the tiny dockable body — still grayscale, but finally easy on the eyes.
First Duo with a crisp active-matrix screen.
PowerBook Duo 280 (1994)
PowerBook Duo 250: key facts
When was the PowerBook Duo 250 released?
The PowerBook Duo 250 arrived in October 1993. Apple discontinued it in May 1994.
How much did the PowerBook Duo 250 cost?
The PowerBook Duo 250 launched at $2,399 in 1993 — about $5,230 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Motorola 68030 at 33 MHz, 4 MB RAM, 200 MB storage, 9.1" active-matrix grayscale display.
Why does the PowerBook Duo 250 matter?
First Duo with a crisp active-matrix screen.
Full specifications
| CPU | Motorola 68030 · 33 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 MB (up to 32 MB) |
| Storage | 200 MB |
| Display | 9.1" active-matrix grayscale |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Subnotebook dockable laptop |
| Operating system | System 7 |
| Released | October 1993 |
| Discontinued | May 1994 |
| Launch price | $2,399 |
How the PowerBook Duo 250 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 50 modern phone photos.
Launched at $2,399 in 1993 — about $5,230 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 250 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-29