02/07/2025
A recent gem added to the collection: an ultra-rare clear case prototype of the original Macintosh Portable from 1989. This particular unit was given to Apple engineer Dick Craddock in appreciation of his work on the project, including the design of one of the first custom ASICs used in a portable Apple device. We are grateful to Dick and his wife for graciously donating this pristine example to the collection.
The Macintosh Portable was Apple’s first serious attempt at mobile computing. It featured a full-size keyboard, a sharp active-matrix display, and a lead-acid battery that offered up to 16 hours of runtime. At nearly 16 pounds, it was portable in name more than in practice, but it broke new ground in performance and custom hardware integration.
Today it represents an important chapter in Apple’s evolution and a reminder that innovation sometimes comes in very heavy packages.
