List of Macintosh models by case type

This list of Macintosh models by case type contains all case designs used by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh computers. The list is sectioned by general case layout, but inside the sections the order is chronological. Models that used multiple names (like most Performas) are only listed once. Where available, the "form factor" from Apple's datasheets has been used to determine the case designation and the computers that used it. For all-in-one models and notebooks that have the same basic case design, but differ in size, only one type is listed. Also, some models that only differ slightly or internally are listed together, like the two iMac G3s and the Power Mac G4s.

All-in-one

"All-in-one" in the Apple sense means that the display is integrated in the computer case. The keyboard always remains detachable. That includes all Compact Macintoshes, the Macintosh LC 500 series and the iMac series, among others.

Desktop

"Desktop" is used in the sense of a horizontal case capable of being placed under the monitor. The Macintosh II series were the first Macintoshes to use such a case, but true desktop cases are not in Apple's lineup today. However, this section also includes modern cases that are too small to be placed under a normal display.

Tower

A "tower" is a vertical case intended for placement beside the display or under a desk. This section contains both full sized towers and so-called "minitowers". Towers were first used for the high-end Macintosh Quadra models, but all later high-end Macintoshes (such as the Power Mac series) also used the tower design.

Portable

"Portable" in this case means computers that are able to run on internal batteries - modern computers like the Mac mini are arguably more portable than the "luggable" Macintosh Portable, but have no integrated batteries. All modern portable Macintoshes use the notebook design, which the PowerBook series helped to establish.

Rackmount

"Rackmount" computers use cases that are designed to be screwed into a standard 19-inch rack, a form factor that is mostly used for servers. The Xserve series is the only Macintosh ever specifically designed in this way, with all of the computer models having a height of only one rack unit.

See also

* Macintosh
* List of Macintosh models grouped by CPU
* List of products discontinued by Apple Computer
* Timeline of Apple Macintosh models

Footnotes

References

* [http://support.apple.com/specs/ Specifications] of all Apple hardware since 1997, Apple Inc.
* [http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ Mac Systems: Apple] , EveryMac.com
* Glen Sanford, [http://apple-history.com/ Apple History] , apple-history.com
* [http://www.mac2sell.net Argus Mac] , Guide to used Mac
* Dan Knight, [http://lowendmac.com/profiles.htm Computer Profiles] , LowEndMac, Cobweb Publishing, Inc