PowerBook Duo 280c
by Steve Hildreth
The Duo 280-series were the first, and only, 68040-powered Duos. Outwardly similar in appearance to the 270c, they included a PowerPC-upgradable motherboard, more memory and hard drive, a Type III battery, and an optional 14.4k modem. The PDS slot handled all docking options and the external floppy drive. The 280c included a nice 8.4 inch active-matrix display that is pleasant to work with, but only for short periods of time. The small size dictates that you'll be docked while at home and using an external monitor. On the road though, the color screen is a nice alternative to a grayscale display. The 280c included all the other features of the 270c including a marble-sized trackball and smaller keyboard. Due to their faster video circuitry, the 280's were slightly faster than their 500-series counterparts. A PowerPC-upgraded 280c is still a relatively powerful subnotebook and a nice alternative to the heavier 500-series for those who spend lots of time lugging a Kensington or Targus case through airports.
Although PowerPC upgrades are relatively plentiful for the 500-series PowerBooks, Duo upgrades are another matter entirely. According to one of our readers: "I just called Apple to see about the upgrade for the 280c, spoke to Michelle in the powerbook group and was redirected to Newer Technologies where Jason told me that they never upgraded 280c powerbooks and that while Apple had promised an upgrade (including a sticker on the face of some 280c machines) that few or none were ever produced and that the only upgrade is a motherboard swap to a 2300c. Jason also said that Apple was always passing customers off on third party vendors, just to get rid of the inquiry. He gave me the number for ICN and said they were doing some upgrades for the Duo line. As an aside, Jason indicated that any Duo could be upgraded in this way, not just the 280c." Apple, we love ya, but tsk tsk.
Rating
At the time: A-
Ports
1 serial
internal modem
processor direct slot (PDS) for dock or floppy drive
Display
Active-matrix 1000s colors
8.4"
640x480 resolution
Weight
4.8 pounds
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