January 16, 1986
Macintosh Plus released
Apple released the Macintosh Plus on January 16, 1986 — the first Mac with 1 MB RAMRandom access memory — fast volatile memory used while programs run., a SCSI port, and the extended keyboard.
What it was for
The Plus was the Mac developers actually used for desktop publishing and HyperCardApple software for building interactive stacks of cards — an early hypermedia and scripting tool. stacks — enough memory to run MultiFinder and SCSI hard drives. It extended the Macintosh platform through the late 1980s before the SE and II arrived.
Companies
- Apple
Why it's here
The Mac Plus made the original Macintosh platform practical for daily professional work.
Why it mattered
SCSI and expanded RAMRandom access memory — fast volatile memory used while programs run. turned the Mac from a demo machine into a production tool.
What it solved
Original Macs lacked memory and storage expansion for serious applications.
Media
ImageMacintosh PlusFelix Winkelnkemper, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Related
- Macintosh 128K releasedJanuary 24, 1984
- Apple II introducedApril 16, 1977
- Susan Kare designs Macintosh icons1984