Apple Macintosh LC III
The Apple Macintosh LC III, released in 1993 as an evolution of the LC series, stands out in vintage computing history for delivering high-performance 68030 computing at 25MHz with a full 32-bit data bus, 72-pin SIMM RAM expandability up to 36MB, and an optional 68882 FPU socket, all in the compact, affordable “pizza box” form factor ideal for educational labs.
[Vin176]
- Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc.
- Type: Personal Computer
- Release Date: 1993
- Cost at release: $3,250 (adjusted for inflation)
- MIPS: 12-15
Hardware Specifications
- CPU: 25 MHz Motorola 68030 with 32-bit data bus​
- FPU: Optional 68882 (socket on logic board)​
- RAM: 4 MB soldered onboard, expandable to 36 MB via one 72-pin SIMM (80-100 ns)​
- VRAM: 512 KB onboard, expandable to 768 KB via one 256 KB SIMM​
- ROM: 1 MB​
- Display Support: 512×384 (16-bit), 640×480 (8/16-bit), 640×870 (4/8-bit), 832×624 (8/16-bit)​
- Storage: 40/80/160 MB SCSI HDD, 1.4 MB SuperDrive floppy​
- Expansion: 114-pin PDS (compatible with 96-pin LC cards), SCSI, ADB, 2x serial​
- Dimensions: 2.9″ x 12.2″ x 15.3″ (7.4 x 31 x 39 cm)​
- Weight: ~4.0 kg
Operating System & Programming Languages
- OS: System 7.1 (requiring System Enabler 003) and supported up to System 7.6.1 natively
- Programming Languages:
- Common languages included HyperCard (HyperTalk), BASIC variants like True BASIC or MS BASIC via emulators, and Pascal (via Macintosh Programmer’s Workshop).​
- Supported C/C++ (Think C, CodeWarrior, MPW), assembly (Motorola 68000 family), and scripting like AppleScript (from System 7.1+).​
- Could run Forth, Lisp (via MacScheme), Logo, and Smalltalk through available applications and development environments for 68k Macs.
Notables
- Apple’s first use of 72-pin SIMMs (up to 36MB RAM); introduced 114-pin PDS slot for full 25MHz access; one of the last 68030-based “marque” Macs before 68LC040 shift.​
- “Elsie III” (from LC “Elsie” line); “pizza box” for compact form factor.​
- Factory silkscreen error caused one electrolytic capacitor to be installed backwards (proven by hobbyists); optional 68882 FPU socket rare for budget LCs.​
- Replaced successful LC II (2x faster per MacWorld); sold ~1M LCs in 1992; dominated education market, bridging Apple II to multimedia era; Performa 450 consumer variant.​
Donated by: Dr. Arlen Michaels