Apple Launches Macintosh Performa Line

New Family of Computers Designed for Families; Features Apple's First
Macintosh with Built in CD ROM Option

(Product Specifications available at end of this release)

NEW YORK, New York--September 14, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. today
introduced a new family of Macintosh computers targeting the consumer
marketplace. Initially available only in the U.S., the new Apple Macintosh
Performa series of computers is designed to reach first-time buyers and
new users in the home, offering specific solutions for families with
school-age children.

Based on some of Apple's most popular Macintosh industrial designs and
configurations, the Performa family consists of three models: the
Macintosh Performa 200, Macintosh Performa 400, Macintosh Performa 600 and
Macintosh Performa 600 CD. The Performa 600 CD is Apple's first Macintosh
with an internal CD-ROM drive. In addition to reading many formats of
CD-ROM discs and playing audio discs, the CD-ROM drive also supports
Kodak's Photo CD technology.

Every Macintosh Performa includes enhanced system software, pre-loaded
applications, one year of service and support, and will be distributed in
nearly 2,000 consumer retail outlets nationwide.

"Research suggests more than half of the families in our target market have
not yet found a computer solution compelling and flexible enough to meet
their needs at home, though many have used a computer either at work or at
school," said Keith Fox, vice president of Consumer Markets for Apple USA.
"With the needs of those customers in mind, we developed the Macintosh
Performa. Performa simplifies both the purchase decision and the buying
process. We believe the Performa offers the right combination of
technology and support to appeal to the estimated 7 million American
families which, research tells us, have the buying power but have not yet
adopted a PC for their homes."

Each Macintosh Performa is packaged as a complete solution, including
ready-to-run hardware, optimized system software and at least one
integrated application that provides for word processing, spreadsheet,
database, graphics and communications functions. The goal of Performa is a
successful first time experience with the Macintosh and to help users to
get "up and running" quickly.

A special version of the System 7 operating system was developed to make
the easy-to-use Macintosh even easier to use for newcomers to computer
technology.

Starting from the time a user first turns on their new Macintosh Performa,
optimized system software is there to help. For example, a new program
called Launcher makes it easier for users to find and launch their
preinstalled applications. And, when a user saves a document in an
application, it can always be found in a documents folder located on the
Desktop. In addition, Apple's recently introduced At Ease software is
bundled with every Performa. At Ease is the best way for users to easily
protect applications and information while sharing their computer with
other family members.

As part of the Performa package, customers receive one year toll-free
support and in-home service from Apple.

"We made sure we did our homework when we developed the Macintosh Performa
line," said Eric Harslem, vice president for desktop computing, Macintosh
Hardware Division. "Performa gives you the full power of Macintosh and the
ability to perform any home-based assignment, whether it's a spreadsheet
brought home from the office, a child's homework or entertainment for the
whole family."

Performa runs the same library of Macintosh software including more than
6,000 business applications and 2,000 commercially available education
software programs. As the largest supplier of education technology to
grades K-12 in the U.S., Apple enjoys the support of a growing cadre of
publishers of commercially available curriculum materials. In addition
there are hundreds of entertainment and personal enjoyment titles growing
in availability. Apple USA is also working with publishers to encourage
distribution of these titles where families shop.

The Power of a Built-in CD ROM Drive 

The internal CD-ROM of the Performa 600 CD further adds to the flexibility
of the Performa family and provides a richer, more exciting computing
environment. With this product, Apple becomes one of the first and only
computer manufacturers with the technology to read multi-session Photo CD
discs. Particularly in the areas of education and "infotainment", there
are a wealth of new titles incorporating photography, full motion video,
audio and text. From eight to 10 CD-ROM-based titles will be bundled with
each Performa 600 CD, depending on where the computer is purchased.

Said Harslem, "More and more applications are taking advantage of the
ground-up integration of multimedia hardware in all Macintosh
computers--sound input and output, CD-ROM capability and high quality
video displays coupled with the unique capabilities of our QuickTime
multimedia architecture. QuickTime has been widely acclaimed by many
application and content developers. Apple is taking a leadership role in
encouraging developers to take advantage of these technologies to produce
new types of applications and content such as electronic books that offer
truly compelling benefits to customers both at home and at work."

Macintosh Performa Family Traits 

All three Performa models use the powerful Motorola 68030 microprocessor,
and share the I/O ports and expansion slots that customers expect to find
in other Macintosh family members. In addition, each Performa features
Apple's SuperDrive, a 3.5" floppy disk drive capable of using disks from
Windows, DOS and Apple II computers.

* The Performa 200 offers a black and white, all-in-one design based on the
popular Macintosh Classic II. The 200 offers an excellent choice for
space-conscious families who value its small footprint that fits into
tight quarters and can be easily transported from room to room.

* The Performa 400 is based on the best-selling Macintosh LC II, offering
an affordable, expandable modular color solution. The Performa 400 is
capable of displaying 256 colors.

Both the Performa 200 and 400 models come standard with 4 MB of RAM and 80
MB hard disk drives.

* The Performa 600 is based on a new flexible design that features a 32MHz
68030 microprocessor. The 600 can also accommodate internal 5.25"
peripherals such as the optional CD-ROM drive. The Performa 600 comes with
4 or 5 MB of RAM (depending or retail specifications), and a 160 MB hard
disk. The Performa 600 CD features 5 MB of RAM and 160 MB hard disk
standard.

Display and Printer Options 

Along with the new CPUs, Apple is offering two new 14-inch color display
options: the Performa Display and Performa Display Plus. Both are
affordable high resolution solutions featuring 640 x 480 pixel screen
resolution and a flicker-free refresh rate. The Performa Display Plus,
with 0.29 mm dot pitch, adheres to the most stringent international
guidelines for magnetic field emissions, SWEDAC MPR-2. The Performa
Display features a 0.39 mm dot pitch and offers a lower cost option for
the cost conscious consumers.

Apple is making available two of its most popular printing options through
the mass merchandise channels to complete the Apple Macintosh Performa
solution: the Apple StyleWriter and Personal LaserWriter LS. Both printers
offer true "plug & play" single-cable convenience and high quality
laser-quality output.

Availability and Price 

Initially available only in the U.S., the Performa family will be sold in
consumer channels including general merchandise stores; consumer
electronics outlets and office product superstores. (See related release
today: Apple USA Authorizes Eleven Retailers). The Performa 200 and
Performa 400 are available immediately in participating retail locations.
The Performa 600 and the Performa 600 CD will be available in retail
locations in late October.

Apple has no suggested retail price (SRP) for the line. Retailers will
price according to their specific solution offerings and have the option
to pre-configure systems tailored to their customers. However, Apple
expects the Performa family to be priced in a range from $1,250 for the
entry level Performa 200 to $2,500 for the Performa 600 with CD-ROM
(monitor not included). All models are packaged with a keyboard, mouse,
microphone, on-screen training and a complete set of manuals in the box.
In addition, each Performa has system software and selected applications
pre-installed by Apple at its factories.

Apple Computer, 20525 Miriana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014
408-996-1010
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Product Specifications

Performa 200

16MHz 68030 microprocessor
4MB RAM expandable to 10MB
80MB hard drive
SuperDrive internal floppy
Sound In/Out/Microphone
Apple Keyboard II
Enhanced System 7.0 installed
Availability: September 14, 1992

Performa 400

16MHz 68030 microprocessor
4MB RAM expandable to 10MB
80MB hard drive
SuperDrive internal floppy
One expansion slot
Built-in video support (256 colors)
Sound In/Out/Microphone
Apple Keyboard II
Enhanced System 7.0 installed
Availability: September 14, 1992

Performa 600

32MHz 68030 microprocessor
4/5MB RAM expandable up to 68MB
160MB hard drive
SuperDrive internal floppy
Three NuBus expansion slots
Accelerator slot
Built-in video support (256 colors)
Sound In/Out/Microphone
Apple Extended Keyboard II
Enhanced System 7.0 installed
Availability: October, 1992

Performa 600 CD

32MHz 68030 microprocessor
5MB RAM expandable up to 68MB
160MB hard drive
SuperDrive internal floppy
Three NuBus expansion slots
Accelerator slot
Built-in video support
1MB of VRAM (for more than 16,000 colors on a 14-inch display)
Sound In/Out/Microphone
Internal AppleCD 300i
Apple Extended Keyboard II
Enhanced System 7.0 installed
Availability: October, 1992

Performa Plus Display

640 x 480 pixels
67 Hz refresh rate
0.29 mm dot pitch
SWEDAC MPR-2 compliant
Availability: September 14, 1992

Performa Display

640 x 480 pixels
67 Hz refresh rate
0.39 mm dot pitch
Availability: September 14, 1992

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