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Apple PowerBook 540 Specs

All PowerBook Models | All 1994 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others


Apple PowerBook 540The Apple Macintosh PowerBook 540 features a 33 MHz 68LC040 processor, 8 MB or 12 MB of RAM, and a 240 MB hard drive in a sleek portable case with a 9.5" grayscale active-matrix display.

The PowerBook 540 is similar to the PowerBook 520, but has a faster processor and a higher quality 6-bit and active-matrix display.

The PowerBook 500 series introduced the "trackpad" -- where the cursor followed the movement of your finger on a "pad" rather than a plastic ball. The trackpad was a revolutionary input device and has been used since in the vast majority of modern notebooks. The PowerBook 500 series also introduced dual swappable "bays" that could be used to hold either one battery and a PCMCIA adapter or dual batteries to extend runtime.


  • Tech Specs
  • Ports

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


May 16, 1994 October 17, 1994
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 1994.
33 MHz* 68LC040
Details: *This model has a 32-bit processor and a 32-bit data path. Sometimes this model is designated as having a 66 MHz processor, since the clock input runs at 66 MHz. However, the processor itself is not "clock doubled," so technically it only is a 33 MHz processor.
Third-Party* None
Details: *Third-party upgrades and accelerators were available.
33 MHz N/A
Details: N/A
Macintosh ROM 2 MB
Details: N/A
8k N/A
Details: N/A
DRAM Card* 70 ns
Details: *Supports a single 70 ns DRAM card.
8 MB, 12 MB 36 MB*
Details: *With 4 MB of onboard memory and a 32 MB memory module.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
4 MB 1*
Details: *One PowerBook 500 series memory slot.
Dedicated* Onboard
Details: *Video function provided by onboard VRAM.
512k* 512k*
Details: *512k of VRAM supports an external color monitor (8-bit, 256 colors). The video cannot be upgraded.
9.5" Grayscale 640x480
Details: 9.5" grayscale active-matrix (6-bit, 64 grays) LCD. An upgrade to an active-matrix color display also was available (M3063LL/A).
Dual/Mirroring* 832x624*
Details: Simultaneously supports native resolution on the internal display and a maximum of 832x624 on a color external display. Other supported resolutions are 512x384, 640x400, 640x480 and 800x600, all at 8-bit color.
240 MB SCSI
Details: N/A
None 1.44 MB (Manual)
Details: N/A
19.6k (Optional*) AAUI-15
Details: *An internal 19.6k modem was standard in the high-end M3120LL/A configuration. AAUI-15 Ethernet standard.
2 Type II PC Card* 1**
Details: *2 Type II PC Card (1 Type III) expansion slots provided by PCMCIA adapter in a "swappable" bay (M2995LL/A).

**This model has a custom "swappable" bay that can be used to hold a second battery or a PCMCIA adapter along with other options.
Notebook PowerBook 520
Details: N/A
M2807LL/A* PowerBook 540/540c
Details: *M2807LL/A refers to the configuration with 4 MB of RAM and a 240 MB hard drive. M3120LL/A refers to the configuration with 12 MB of RAM, a 240 MB hard drive and an internal modem.
M4880 72
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the M4880 Model Number and 72 Gestalt ID.

For more about identifiers and how to locate them on modern Macs, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
NiMH 3-4 Hours*
Details: *With one battery installed. With dual batteries installed, the runtime will be roughly twice as long.
7.1.1 7.1.1-8.1
Details: Earlier and later versions of the Macintosh System/Finder and Mac OS are not supported.
2.3 x 11.5 x 9.7 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg)
Details: In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (5.8 cm, 29.2 cm, 24.6 cm).
US$3150, US$4580 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.


1 (Mini-15) None
Details: N/A
1 1 (HDI-30)
Details: N/A
1 None
Details: Single serial port can be used with either a serial printer or modem.
1 (RJ-11)* 1 (AAUI-15)
Details: *An internal 19.6k modem was standard in the high-end M3120LL/A configuration. Optional in other configurations.
None None
Details: N/A
1 (Line Level) None
Details: N/A
1 (16-Bit Stereo) None
Details: N/A
1 None
Details: N/A
N/A 1
Details: 110V-240V AC, 50-60 Hz Frequency, 40 Max Watts.

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