Apple Introduces Advanced Macintosh Classic II

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Oct. 21, 1991 -- PRNewswire -- Building on the success of the fastest selling computer in its history, Apple Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) today announced the new Apple Macintosh Classic II computer. The Classic II extends the capabilities of the original Macintosh Classic by incorporating more advanced features -- greater performance, virtual memory support under System 7, more memory expansion, and sound input capabilities -- while still maintaining affordability.

The announcement took place on the opening day of COMDEX, the world's largest personal computer exposition. The week-long show draws 100,000 attendees from all over the world with diverse computing interests. In keeping with its goal to reach more people with Macintosh, Apple introduced the Classic II here to attract new customers who have not historically purchased Macintosh. Apple believes the combination of more powerful capabilities in the traditional Macintosh design will expand the popularity of the Macintosh among customers in all markets.

"We've taken the best features of the original Classic and added the capabilities customers want most," said John Sculley, Apple's chairman and chief executive officer. "This advanced Mac Classic gives customers a high performance option in the all-in-one Macintosh design that will help Apple reach an ever growing number of people who want a computer that's powerful, yet highly affordable and still easy to use."

The Classic II has the same all-in-one design as the original Classic, yet features a number of higher performance features. Most notably, it is based on a 16MHz Motorola 68030 microprocessor. This provides double the performance of the Classic and gives users the power to run the most sophisticated applications. Additionally, the 030 chip supports System 7's virtual memory feature so users can run more powerful applications without buying more memory. For users who need more RAM (random access memory), the Classic II is expandable up to 10MB. The Classic II also incorporates an internal, on-board connector to support a floating point math coprocessor for users who need more number crunching power. And finally, Apple has added a microphone and sound input capability to the Classic II, allowing users to easily add sound or voice comments to documents.

As with every Macintosh, the Classic II has numerous built-in capabilities. These include AppleTalk networking, which allows customers to easily connect their systems to other computers, printers, and file servers; a SuperDrive high density floppy disk drive that is capable of reading, writing, and formatting Macintosh, MS-DOS, OS/2, and ProDOS disks; Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), which lets customers easily add peripherals to their systems such as printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, and external hard disks; Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), which gives customers a standard way to connect keyboards, mice, trackballs, modems, and graphics tablets; and sound output, which lets customers play back voice messages and sounds.

Apple is also making it easy and affordable for the hundreds of thousands of current Classic customers to upgrade to the Classic II. The company will offer a dealer installed logic board upgrade that includes a logic board with 2MB of RAM, microphone, system software and complete documentation. The Macintosh Classic will remain in the product line as the most affordable member of the Macintosh family. Pricing and Availability

The Macintosh Classic II will be available immediately through all authorized Apple resellers worldwide. In the United States, the Classic II comes equipped with Macintosh System 7.0.1 software, HyperCard 2.1 software, mouse, keyboard, microphone, complete documentation, training software, and a one-year limited warranty. Manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) and availability in the United States are as follows: Product/Configuration MSRP Availability Classic II 2MB RAM/40MB Hard Disk $1,899 Immediate Classic II 4MB RAM/80MB Hard Disk $2,399 Immediate Classic II Logic Board Upgrade $699 November (Prices, configurations and availability may vary outside the United States.)

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, and AppleTalk are registered trademarks; and SuperDrive and Apple Desktop Bus are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Classic is a registered trademark used under license by Apple Computer Inc. HyperCard is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. licensed to Claris Corp.

CONTACT: Kate Paisley of Apple Computer, 408-974-5453/ 08:19 EDT