The Mac II

Codename: Little Big Mac, Milwaukee, Ikki, Cabernet, Reno, Becks, Paris, Uzi
CPU: MC68020
CPU speed: 16 Mhz
FPU: 68881
motherboard RAM: 0 MB
maximum RAM: 20 MB (68 MB via FDHD upgrade kit)
number of sockets: 8 -- 30 pin SIMM
minimum speed: 120 ns
ROM: 256 k
L1 cache: 0.25 k
L2 cache: n/a
data path: 32 bit (not 32-bit clean)
bus speed: 16 Mhz
slots: 6 NuBus
SCSI: DB-25
Serial Ports: 2
ADB: 2
Floppy: 1 or 2 800k 3.25" (upgrade to SuperDrive)
HD: optional 40-80 MB internal
CD-ROM: none
Monitor: external
Sound Output: stereo 8 bit
Sound Input: none
Ethernet: none
Gestalt ID: 6
power: 230 Watts
Weight: 24 lbs. Dimensions: 5.5" H x 18.7" W x 14.4" D
Min System Software: 2.0
Max System Software: 7.5.5
introduced: March 1987
terminated: January 1990

Introduced in March 1987, The Mac II was the ultimate expandable Mac. Based on the new 68020 processor, the Mac II was the first 32-bit Mac (although it was not "32-bit clean). The Mac II included 6 Nubus slots, which allowed for a number of different Apple and Third Part expansion cards. The Mac II was the first Mac with color capabilities--a graphics card could be installed capable of handling up to 16.7 million colors! It originally sold for $3,898 for the basic system, and at $5,498 for 1 MB of RAM, one 800K floppy disk drive and one 40 MB internal SCSI hard disk drive.

Picture: AppleDesign

Date: Sat, Nov 7, 1998, 12:44 AM
From: Ross D. Chesley
Subject: Mac II

The Macintosh II certainly did have expansion slots, but that was never the reason that anyone I knew wanted it.

When it was released, it was the first Mac that had color. This was its major impact. Up to that point, we were designing with the Mac 128K, 512K, 512Ke, and Mac Plus which all use the 9" monochrome internal display with 512Kx384K resolution. It was totally cool to have a 640x480 standard resolution and a choice of 256 colors.

The second major fun was installation of multiple monitors. This Mac introduced this unique idea.

The other benefit was that the Mac II was fast--16MHz CPU, optional math coprocessor, expanded memory capacity (most of us used 5MB or 8MB). I also remember that this was the first Macintosh that allowed consumers to open the lid and see inside without voiding the warranty.

Also, this Mac introduced many to dealer installed options including RAM, hard disk upgrades, and third party monitors and video cards.