Photo: Benoît Prieur / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons · source
Macintosh IIsi
A lower-cost Mac II with sound input and built-in video.
Overview
The Macintosh IIsi was designed to bring the 68030 class of machine to a wider audience. Its slim case held a 20 MHz processor, 1 MB of memory soldered to the board, a floppy drive and room for a 40 or 80 MB hard disk.
Video output was built in and shared main memory, offering up to 8-bit color at 640 x 480, and a microphone input arrived with the system. A single expansion slot accepted either a math coprocessor or a card, and an adapter could add a NuBus slot.
It was a cost-focused machine, and some power users disliked its modest bus speed, but it sold well to offices and schools. Its successor in spirit was the Centris 610.
Why it mattered
It offered a cheaper way into the Mac II family and added built-in sound input.
At a glance
- Announced
- October 15, 1990
- Released
- October 15, 1990
- Discontinued
- March 15, 1993
- Launch price
- $2,999
- Chip / processor
- Motorola 68030, 20 MHz
- Storage
- 1.4 MB SuperDrive, 40 or 80 MB hard disk
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- 20 MHz 68030 processor
- Built-in video and sound input
- Slim, low-profile case
- Single slot with optional NuBus adapter
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Chip
- Chip
- Motorola 68030, 20 MHz
- Coprocessor
- Optional 68882 FPU on a plug-in card
Memory
- RAM
- 1 MB, expandable to 17 MB
- Storage options
- 1.4 MB SuperDrive; 40 or 80 MB internal hard disk
Display
- Type
- External monitor via built-in video (up to 8-bit color, 640 x 480)
Expansion
- Slots
- One Processor Direct Slot (optional NuBus adapter)
Design
- Dimensions
- 10 x 31 x 38 cm (4 x 12.4 x 14.9 in)
- Weight
- 4.5 kg (10 lb)
Software
- Launch OS
- System 6.0.7
- Latest supported OS
- Mac OS 7.6.1
Availability
- Announced
- October 15, 1990
- Released
- October 15, 1990
- Discontinued
- March 15, 1993
- Launch price
- $2,999
Colors
- Finishes
- Platinum
How it compares
More in the Macintosh II family
Macintosh II
The first modular, color-capable Mac with six NuBus slots.
Macintosh IIx
A 68030 upgrade to the Mac II with the SuperDrive as standard.
Macintosh IIcx
A compact, quiet Mac II you could stand on its side.
Macintosh IIci
The workhorse Mac II with built-in video and 25 MHz speed.