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Apple PowerBook 170 Specs

All PowerBook Models | All 1991 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others


Apple PowerBook 170The Apple Macintosh PowerBook 170 features a 25 MHz 68030 processor and 68882 FPU co-processor, 4 MB of RAM, a 40 MB hard drive, and an internal 1.44 MB floppy drive in a compact portable case with a 9.8" monochrome active-matrix display.

Most notably, the PowerBook 170 was the first PowerBook-branded Apple portable with an active-matrix display, which is decidedly crisper than "fuzzy" passive-matrix displays. It was the first PowerBook with a standard internal modem as well.


  • Tech Specs
  • Ports

Click on the category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.


October 21, 1991 October 19, 1992
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 1991.
25 MHz 68030
Details: This model has a 32-bit processor and a 32-bit data path.
Soldered 68882
Details: N/A
25 MHz N/A
Details: N/A
Macintosh ROM 1 MB
Details: N/A
0.5k N/A
Details: N/A
PSRAM Card* 100 ns
Details: *Supports a single 70-pin 100 ns PSRAM card.
4 MB 8 MB*
Details: *With 2 MB of onboard memory and a 6 MB memory module.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
2 MB 1*
Details: *One PowerBook 100 series 70-pin memory slot.
Dedicated* Onboard
Details: *Video function provided by onboard VRAM.
N/A N/A
Details: The video cannot be upgraded.
9.8" Monochrome 640x400
Details: 9.8" monochrome active-matrix (1-bit) LCD.
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
40 MB SCSI
Details: N/A
None 1.44 MB (Auto)
Details: N/A
2400 Baud* None
Details: *Internal 2400 baud modem standard.
Modem None
Details: N/A
Notebook PowerBook 140
Details: N/A
M1057LL/A PowerBook 140/170
Details: The Apple order number should be unique to this system.
M5409 21
Details: Please note that these identifiers commonly refer to multiple models.

Also see: All Macs with the M5409 Model Number and 21 Gestalt ID.

For more about identifiers and how to locate them on modern Macs, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
NiCad 2-3 Hours
Details: N/A
7.0.1 7.0.1-7.5.1, 7.5.3-7.5.5
Details: Earlier and later versions of the Macintosh System/Finder and Mac OS are not supported.
2.25 x 11.25 x 9.3 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg)
Details: In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (5.7 cm, 28.6 cm, 23.6 cm).
US$4600 N/A*
Details: *As a collector's item, it still may retain value.

Photo Credit: Apple Computer, Inc.


Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.


None None
Details: N/A
1 1 (HDI-30)
Details: N/A
2 None
Details: Serial ports are marked by printer and modem icons.
1 (RJ-11) None
Details: *Internal 2400 baud modem standard.
None None
Details: N/A
1 (Omni) None
Details: N/A
1 (8-Bit Mono) None
Details: N/A
1 None
Details: N/A
N/A 1
Details: 110V-220V AC, 50-60 Hz Frequency, 17 Max Watts.

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