PowerBook Duo · The Beige Era · 1993
PowerBook Duo 270c
The 270c squeezed active-matrix color into the slim Duo idea, making the dockable subnotebook feel properly premium.
First color PowerBook Duo.
PowerBook Duo 280 (1994)
PowerBook Duo 270c: key facts
When was the PowerBook Duo 270c released?
The PowerBook Duo 270c arrived on October 21, 1993. Apple discontinued it in May 1994.
How much did the PowerBook Duo 270c cost?
The PowerBook Duo 270c launched at $3,100 in 1993, about $6,758 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Motorola 68030 at 33 MHz, 4 MB RAM, 240 MB storage, 8.4" active-matrix color display.
Why does the PowerBook Duo 270c matter?
First color PowerBook Duo.
Full specifications
| CPU | Motorola 68030 · 33 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 MB (up to 32 MB) |
| Storage | 240 MB |
| Display | 8.4" active-matrix color |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Subnotebook dockable laptop |
| Operating system | System 7 |
| Released | October 21, 1993 |
| Discontinued | May 1994 |
| Launch price | $3,100 |
How the PowerBook Duo 270c 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 60 modern phone photos.
Launched at $3,100 in 1993, about $6,758 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 Duo models
Open the PowerBook Duo 270c in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11