Apple's New Macintosh Duo System Combines the Benefits of Notebook and Desktop Computing
Features New Docking Technology and Powerful Four-Pound PowerBook Computer
Cupertino, California--October 19, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced a Macintosh personal computer system that combines the power and versatility of desktop computing with the convenience and flexibility of notebook systems. The new Macintosh Duo System lets users insert--or dock--a Macintosh PowerBook Duo computer into a desktop station that connects to a variety of peripherals and network resources. As a result, Macintosh Duo System users can have a complete desktop system at their office, including a large color display, full-size keyboard, and expansion capabilities; and, at the same time, have a powerful notebook computer to take with them for working away from the office.
"With the Duo System, customers get the best of both worlds," said Randy Battat, vice president of Apple's portable computing division. "Users get a Macintosh desktop computer and a Macintosh PowerBook computer--in a single system. They can keep all their files with them all the time and eliminate the file management problems that come from working on two separate computers. And unlike other docking stations, the Duo System allows users to go from desktop computer to notebook computer in one simple step that protects the user from accidentally losing data or having to reconfigure start-up files and cables."
The Macintosh Duo System comprises three main components: a PowerBook Duo notebook computer, the Macintosh Duo Dock, and PowerLatch docking technology, which delivers a smooth transition between the worlds of desktop computing and notebook computing.
High-performance Four-Pound PowerBook Computers
At the heart of the Macintosh Duo System is a high-performance Macintosh PowerBook Duo computer. There are two models--the PowerBook Duo 210 and the PowerBook Duo 230. Both models weigh just 4.2 pounds (with battery) and measure just 1.4 inches thick.
Though small and light, PowerBook Duo computers match the speed of powerful desktop computers. They feature the high-performance Motorola 68030 processor, so they can make quick work of complicated computing tasks, such as financial analysis and desktop publishing. The PowerBook Duo 230 runs at 33 megahertz (MHz) and can be configured with either an 80 megabyte (MB) or a 120MB hard disk. The 210 runs at 25MHz and has an 80MB hard disk. Both come with 4MB of memory (expandable to 24MB) and a bright, backlit supertwist LCD display that supports 16 levels of gray.
Like all Macintosh computers, PowerBook Duo computers come with SystemA7 and AppleTalk networking software. This makes them easy to connect to a network and share files with other Macintosh computers. With optional AppleTalk Remote Access software, users can connect their PowerBook Duo to a network of other Macintosh computers--even when they're away from the office.
Macintosh Duo Dock
When users return to their desk, they can insert the PowerBook Duo into the Macintosh Duo Dock, which can be connected to a large color display (up to the Macintosh 16-inch Color Display), a full-size keyboard, a mouse, and available printers and servers. The DuoADock offers two NuBus expansion slots for adding features and capabilities such as multiple or larger displays, high-speed networking, video capturing, or CPU acceleration. It also features an internal floppy disk drive, and a bay for an internal 3.5-inch hard disk.
Together, the PowerBook Duo 230 and the Macintosh Duo Dock deliver performance that is second only to the Macintosh Quadra line of computers. This makes the Macintosh Duo System a perfect mid-range solution for any customer who desires strong performance and the freedom to take their work anywhere. For example, customers such as desktop publishers who need a powerful portable computer to use away from the office, yet back at their desk need access to a fully equipped desktop system that can be customized with a large color display, a second hard disk for extra storage or file back up, or specialized networking capabilities.
Advanced Docking Technology
The key to enabling Macintosh Duo System users to go from notebook computing to desktop computing easily is Apple's new PowerLatch docking technology.
Other docking systems require users to reconnect cumbersome cables and reconfigure start-up files every time they want to use their notebook in the docking station. These systems also feature mechanical docking, which requires the user to determine whether the notebook computer is properly connected to the docking station. If the connection is broken--or if a user accidentally ejects their notebook while they're working--they'll lose their data.
But with PowerLatch docking technology, Duo system users simply insert the PowerBook Duo into the Duo Dock and press the start button--no other set-up is necessary to resume access to networks, large displays or other peripherals. PowerLatch also enables the Macintosh Duo System to take advantage of a single-point docking connection between the PowerBook Duo and the Macintosh Duo Dock, so users don't need to connect any cables when switching from desktop computing to notebook computing, even when using a modem. They simply insert the PowerBook Duo into the Macintosh Duo Dock. The PowerBook Duo is then automatically pulled into the correct position and securely connected to the Duo Dock, which prevents data loss. Users are also reminded with an on-screen message not to remove the PowerBook Duo from the Duo Dock until all the documents they've been working on are saved which further protects them from losing information.
The Macintosh Duo System offers a particularly attractive computing solution for professionals who divide their time between two or more offices and always want their most current files with them. And because the Duo System lets multiple PowerBook Duo owners share the same Duo Dock, it's a cost effective solution for field sales representatives and other individuals who spend a small portion of their time at the office. The Macintosh Duo System is also a practical solution for colleges and universities where the Duo Dock stations can be installed in campus computing labs. This allows students to share stations with large displays, printers, and access to the campus mainframe computer--yet individually own their own personal PowerBook Duo computer to use in the dorm, library or other locations.
Optional Peripherals
The Macintosh Duo System also offers a number of peripherals and accessories that lets users customize their system. Most significant is the Macintosh Duo MiniDock--a mini-version of the Macintosh Duo Dock. The Macintosh Duo MiniDock enables users to connect the PowerBook Duo to a large display, full-size keyboard, mouse, and printer, yet at 1.25 pounds, it's small and light enough to carry in a briefcase along with the PowerBook Duo. With the Duo MiniDock, users can view the PowerBook Duo display and an external large display simultaneously. And, by using the SCSI port on the Duo MiniDock, the PowerBook Duo can be recognized by another Macintosh computer as an external hard disk, allowing users to exchange, copy, and rename files with ease.
The PowerBook Duo 210 and 230 each feature Apple's new EverWatch--battery saver technology, which extends the life of the nickel-hydride batteries for up to 4.5 hours by automatically turning off energy-hungry components--such as the microprocessor, hard disk, modem, and display backlighting--when they're not in active use.
An important option, also announced today, is the affordable Macintosh PowerBook Express Modem. At $319 U.S. SRP, it offers high-speed, low-power data transfer at 14,400 bits per second (up to 57,600bps with built-in data compression). And with the modem's Express Fax software, users can easily send and receive faxes at 9600bps. The modem supports the standard Hayes AT command set and industry-standard error control and data compression protocols, ensuring the highest performance and reliability.
Other optional accessories for the Macintosh Duo System include: 4MB and 8MB memory expansion kits, PowerBook Duo Floppy Adapter, external floppy disk drive, AC adapter, battery recharger, and additional nickel-hydride rechargeable batteries for the PowerBook Duo 210 and 230; math coprocessor, VRAM expansion kit, and Apple Ethernet NuBus Card for the Macintosh Duo Dock.
Pricing and Distribution
All Macintosh Duo System components will be offered worldwide through authorized
Apple resellers. In the U.S., suggested retail prices, configurations, and
ship dates are as follows: (Prices will vary outside the U.S.)
Product/Configuration
U.S. SRP Ship
Date
PowerBook Duo 210 4MB Hard Disk 80 2,249.00
Oct. 19, 1992
PowerBook Duo 230 4MB Hard Disk 80 2,609.00
Oct. 19, 1992
PowerBook Duo 230 4MB Hard Disk 120 2,969.00
Oct. 19, 1992
Macintosh Duo Dock
1,079.00 November
1992
Macintosh Duo MiniDock*
589.00 December
1992
Macintosh HDI-20 External
1.4MB Floppy Disk Drive
199.00 Oct. 19,
1992
PowerBook Duo Floppy Adapter
135.00 Oct. 19,
1992
PowerBook Duo AC Adapter
65.00 Oct. 19,
1992
PowerBook Duo Battery Recharger*
119.00 November
1992
PowerBook Duo Rechargeable Battery
69.00 Oct. 19,
1992
PowerBook Duo 4MB RAM Exp. Kit
235.00 Oct. 19,
1992
PowerBook Duo 8MB RAM Exp. Kit
459.00 Oct. 19,
1992
Macintosh PowerBook Express Modem Kit 319.00
December 1992
Macintosh VRAM Expansion Kit
99.00 Oct. 19,
1992
Macintosh Math Co-Processor
79.00 Oct. 19,
1992
*This device has not been approved by the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased until the approval of the FCC has been obtained.
Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, and AppleTalk are registered trademarks; and PowerBook, Macintosh Duo Dock, System 7, Macintosh Quadra, EverWatch and Macintosh MiniDock are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Contact:
Kate Paisley
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-5453