Apple Macintosh LC 520 Computer

The LC 520, also known as Performa 520, was a personal computer, a part of Apple Computer’s LC line of Macintosh computers. It was Apple’s attempt to create a viable all-in-one computer. The LC 620 came in one-piece case and proved to be a popular home model.

Contents

1 Retro Mac Review: Macintosh Performa 575 [Video]
2 Macintosh LC 520 (Performa 520)
3 Links

Retro Mac Review: Macintosh Performa 575 [Video]

Video uploaded by Cason Asher on August 18, 2014.

Macintosh LC 520 (Performa 520)

Many 520-style Macs have been produced since. The Macintosh LC 520 was the first of the LC 500 series. The LC 500 case design was larger than the compact Macs, with a significantly larger screen.

Release Date

June 28, 1993.

Specifications

Codename: Hook.
Processor: CPU: Motorola MC68030. CPU Speed: 25 MHz. FPU: 68882. Bus Speed: 25 MHz. Register Width: 32-bit. Data Bus Width: 32-bit. Address Bus Widht: 32-bit. Level 1 Cache: 256 bytes data, 256 bytes instruction
ROM: 1 MB.
RAM type: 72 pin SIMM. Minimum RAM Speed: 80 ns.
RAM: Onboard RAM: 4 MB. Maximum RAM: 36 MB.
OS: Minimum OS: 7.1. Maximum OS: 7.6.1.
Slots: RAM slot – 1. Expansion Slots: 1 LC PDS.
Video: Monitor: 14-inch CRT (built-in). VRAM: 512-768 kB (one socket). Max Resolution: 640 x 480
Storage: Hard Drive: 80-160 MB. Floppy Drive: 1.4 MB SuperDrive. Optical Drive: 2x CD-ROM. Featured a caddy-loaded CD-ROM drive, unlike newer members of the series.
Display: 14-inch Sony Trinitron RGB display.
Input/output: ADB: 2. Serial: 2 Mini DIN-8. SCSI: DB-25
Audio out: Stereo 8 bit mini.
Audio in: mono 8 bit mini.
Speaker: Mono.
Microphone: Mono.
Battery: 3.6V Lithium.
Power: 40 Watts.
Dimensions: 17.9-inches Height x 13.5-inches Width x 16.5-inches Depth.
Weight: 40.5 lbs.

Apple Model, Discontinuation, Price

Apple Model Number: M1640.

Discontinuation: Terminated in February 1994. Replaced by both the faster Macintosh LC 550 and the new, 68LC040-equipped Macintosh LC 575.

Original Price: US$1,999.

Features

The logic board of the 520 is essentially that of the Macintosh LC III, based on a Motorola 68030 CPU and an optional Motorola 68882 FPU.
All Macintosh LC 500 series shared the same all-in-one desktop case that included a 14-inch CRT display, CD-ROM drive, and stereo speakers.

Miscellanea

The LC-500 series included four main models, the 520, 550, 575, and 580, with the 520 and 550 both using different speeds of the Motorola 68030, and the 575 and 580 sharing the 33MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor but differing on the rest of the hardware.
The same case was later used for the LC 550, the Macintosh TV, the LC 575 and its successor, the LC 580 as well. Apple later offered a logic board upgrade package to the LC 575 logic board.
All of LC-500 series were also sold to consumers under the Macintosh Performa brand (namely Performa 520), under slightly different model numbers. These computers all shared the same all-in-one desktop case that included a 14″ CRT display, CD-ROM drive, and stereo speakers.
This model featured a caddy-loaded CD-ROM drive, unlike newer members of the series.
The Macintosh LC 500 series was Apple’s mid-1990s upper low end-range series, positioned below the Centris and Quadra but above the Classic II and Color Classic models.
The LC models became very popular in schools for their small footprint, lack of cable-clutter, and durability
The LC 520 got its start as a design project codenamed “Mongo”. The Apple Industrial Design Group (IDg) began exploring the adaptation of the Color Classic’s design language, dubbed Espresso, for a larger display version with a CD-ROM drive. Because Apple Industrial Design Group detested the design, they began the re-design project that would become the Power Macintosh 5200 LC series.
LC 520 was initially sold only in Japan and Canada, and to U.S. educational institutions.
This computer looked like the Macintosh TV that came in an LC-520 style case except was colored differently.
Initially sold only in Japan and Canada, and to U.S. educational institutions for $1,999.