iFixit has performed a tear down of the 1984 original Macintosh 128K computer in commemoration of ‘Thirty Years of Mac’.
The original Mac retailed for $2,495—that’s $5,594.11 in today’s dollars. So what did you get for all that coin?
● 8 MHz Motorola 68000 processor
● 128 KB DRAM
● 9″ black-and-white CRT display running at 512 x 342 (72 dpi)
● 400 KB total storage via a single-sided 3.5-inch floppy disk drive
● Single-button mouse and hefty keyboard
iFixit also gave the Mac a Repairability Score like it does with its other tear downs.
Macintosh 128K Repairability Score: 7 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair).
● Once you’re inside, it’s simple and straightforward to replace any of the main components: floppy drive, power supply, logic board, or CRT display.
● No adhesive anywhere.
● User-replaceable clock battery.
● Limited upgradability: The RAM is soldered to the logic board and can’t be replaced, and there’s no slot/port to add an internal drive. However, you can expand storage via an optional external floppy drive.
● The case is fairly difficult to open, with deeply recessed screws and a tight panel fit.
● There are some dangerous high voltages on both the power supply and the CRT that make repair potentially hazardous.
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