Power Macintosh 5500

1997 · Mac era Power Macintosh

Introduced

1997

Original price

$ 1999

Processor

Motorola 68000

Original OS

System 1.1

Max OS

System 4.1

Colors

Beige all-in-one case

1976

1984

1998

2001

2007

2020

2026

Pre-Mac

Mac era

iMac era

iPod era

iPhone era

Silicon

Processor

ProcessorMotorola 68000

Speed8 MHz

Architecture16-bit data bus

Memory & graphics

Standard RAM512k

Display9" monochrome display

Storage

Storage400k floppy disk drive

Software

Original OSSystem 1.1

Max OSSystem 4.1

Power

DimensionsHeight: 13.5 in, Width: 9.75 in, Length: 10.75 in (computer)

Identifiers

Model N°512

Lifecycle

Introduced1997

Discontinued1986

History

The PowerMac 5500 represented an improvement over the 5400 thanks to the addition of hardware acceleration for 2D and 3D graphics. It also featured video input, NTSC video output and 16-bit audio input/output and was initially marketed exclusively in the education sector, where it was sold for $1,999 USD.

Trivia

• The PowerMac 5500 was equipped with hardware acceleration for 2D and 3D graphics, a cutting-edge technology that made it ideal for creative professionals and students. • The computer included advanced multimedia features such as video input, NTSC video output and 16-bit audio input/output, making it one of the first truly versatile Macs for audiovisual content. • Initially sold only in the educational market at the price of $1,999 USD, it represented a significant investment that allowed schools to offer professional tools to students.

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D285 · APPLE HERITAGE MUSEUM · LUGANO

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