# PowerBook 180c
**Wikidata**: [Q3400849](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3400849)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/powerbook-180c

## Summary
The PowerBook 180c is a laptop computer manufactured by Apple Inc., notable for being the first PowerBook model to feature an active matrix color display. Released as part of the PowerBook 180 series, it targeted professionals requiring color accuracy in a portable form factor. It combined a 10.4-inch color screen with a 25 MHz Motorola 68040 processor, offering improved performance for its time.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer**: Apple Inc.
- **Display**: 10.4-inch active matrix color LCD (640x400 resolution).
- **Processor**: 25 MHz Motorola 68040.
- **Memory**: 4 MB RAM (expandable to 16 MB) and 500 MB hard drive.
- **Classification**: Subclass of the PowerBook 180, designed for professional use.
- **Documentation**: Profiled by the Centre for Computing History and EveryMac.com.
- **Display Innovation**: First PowerBook with an active matrix color screen, distinct from passive matrix or monochrome models.

## FAQs
### Q: What made the PowerBook 180c unique compared to other PowerBooks?
A: The PowerBook 180c was the first in its line to feature an active matrix color display, offering superior color accuracy and brightness compared to earlier models with monochrome or passive matrix screens.

### Q: Who was the target audience for the PowerBook 180c?
A: It was designed for professionals requiring color capabilities in a portable computer, such as graphic designers, engineers, and business users needing to review color documents on the go.

### Q: What were the key technical specifications of the PowerBook 180c?
A: It included a 25 MHz Motorola 68040 processor, 4 MB of RAM (expandable to 16 MB), a 500 MB hard drive, and a 10.4-inch active matrix color display with a resolution of 640x400 pixels.

## Why It Matters
The PowerBook 180c played a significant role in Apple’s lineup by addressing the demand for portable color computing in professional environments. Its active matrix display set it apart from competitors and earlier models, offering clearer visuals and better performance for tasks like graphic design and data analysis. While not the most powerful laptop of its era, it carved a niche for users who prioritized color accuracy without the bulk of desktop systems. This focus on specialized needs reflects Apple’s broader strategy of blending innovation with user-centric design, even in a market dominated by grayscale and lower-quality color screens.

## Notable For
- **First Active Matrix Color Display**: Introduced active matrix technology to the PowerBook line, enhancing color reproduction and screen usability.
- **Professional-Grade Portability**: Combined a color screen with a portable form factor, catering to mobile professionals.
- **Technical Balance**: Offered a midpoint between the grayscale PowerBook 180 and higher-end desktop systems, optimizing performance for specific workflows.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- **Processor**: 25 MHz Motorola 68040.
- **Memory**: 4 MB RAM (expandable to 16 MB via SIMMs).
- **Storage**: 500 MB SCSI hard drive.
- **Display**: 10.4-inch active matrix color TFT LCD, 640x400 pixel resolution.
- **Graphics**: Supported 256 colors, leveraging the active matrix technology for sharper images.

### Market Positioning
The PowerBook 180c was positioned as a premium option within the PowerBook 180 series, emphasizing its color display as a key differentiator. It appealed to users who required color accuracy but did not need the processing power of desktop workstations. This made it a tool for niche professional markets rather than general consumer use.

### Legacy and Impact
While not a mainstream commercial success due to its high cost and specialized appeal, the PowerBook 180c demonstrated Apple’s commitment to innovation in display technology. It paved the way for future color laptops and reinforced the importance of screen quality in portable computing. Today, it is recognized by computing history archives like the Centre for Computing History as an early example of color display integration in laptops.