???? – 1994retired
Macintosh LC 500 series
“It bulged so your classroom didn't have to.”
“AV stood for audio and video; for fans it stood for ahead of its time”
The Macintosh Quadra 660AV — born as the Macintosh Centris 660AV — was a personal computer that could take video in and out, with enhanced audio to match. Apple rebranded it from Centris to Quadra in September 1993 without changing anything inside, a costume swap it wore with dignity. It debuted alongside the Quadra 840AV, the AV in its name promising media powers most machines didn't have.
By September 1994, just months after the Power Macintosh 6100/60AV arrived, the 660AV was discontinued. Apple offered a US$1,399 Power Macintosh Upgrade Card so loyal owners could match the 6100/60AV's specs without abandoning their beloved machine. Alongside the Quadra 630, it served those who weren't ready for PowerPC — a patient farewell to a faithful friend.
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“It bulged so your classroom didn't have to.”
“Twice the speed, $700 less — it left before the students even noticed.”
“One machine, four names, four feet, and no case screw — Apple's cheapest way in never had to shout.”