Apple External SCSI CAse

[Aoresteen]

What is the model number for the old Apple SCSI case shown in this video:

When was the drive introduced?

What was the original capacity?

When was it discontinued?

Looks like he put a USB or Firewire drive in the case.

Thanks!

 

[~tl]

I believe it was designed by Apple, but built and sold by LaCie under the name of the "Apple External Hard Drive" and it came in 2, 4 and 9GB capacities.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=13719&coll=ap

 

[equill]

The original capacity of the M2115 external SCSI drive was 1.05GB, but given as 1050MB. I first saw one ca 1997, when so many bytes in such a small enclosure seemed almost unimaginable. Mine (bought later) is dated 1997, going by its serial number (D742nnnnnnn), and was assembled in Malaysia.

de

 

[Mac128]

equill, I suspect like all Apple hard drives, they introduced them with the most affordable technology as soon as they could and continued to upgraded them as larger drives became available and affordable within their profit margin. Here's an 850MB version:

http://myoldmac.net/cgi-data/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?=&p=551

The HDSC 20,40, 80 & 160 MB models were sold through 1989, but the M2115 case design is post Snow White, so the switch must have been in the 90s when the Classic was introduced. I wonder if they continued to sell the SC series as low cost alternatives to the LaCie. Also, there is a huge jump between storage of the 160MB SC series and the 850MB LaCie series. Could there have been larger drive versions of the SC series and even smaller drive versions of the LaCie? Or did the LaCie drives mark the jump to "professional" HDs for serious power users (and accompanying price tags)?

 

[Aoresteen]

Thanks! I have one and may get another.

 

[Sumac]

To revisit this topic, I've been trying to figure out how to open a SCSI "Apple External Hard Drive" without damaging it. I was unable to find a service manual or take-apart info online. Has anyone replaced the drive inside an M2115? Anyone have any documention for it they could share?

 

[LCGuy]

I used to know how to open these babies, I've worked on a couple myself, but I can't remember now. IIRC you're supposed to look around the case for some screws or clips. I think you had to remove the feet or something.

 

[Scott Baret]

I believe these came out later than the Classic. The design language on there seems more in line with the AV Macs circa 1993-1997.

I'm not sure on this, but I think Apple's SCSI drives (20SC, 40SC, etc) were made through 1991-1992 or so. I know the newer hard drive was sold in 1993 for a fact--I wound up getting a La Cie that year instead since it was a lot less for the exact same Quantum 160MB drive. (I believe it is a ProDrive LPS in there).

 

[LimeiBook86]

I am happy to own one of these, they're pretty simple to open. Although I regret not knowing exactly how. There are some clips like the previous poster said. Just try and open it carefully and you'll be alright. Next time I find it I'll post a guide if you'd like. :beige:

 

[equill]

To revisit this topic, I've been trying to figure out how to open a SCSI "Apple External Hard Drive" without damaging it ...

There is nothing arcane about it. The disassembly of the case is probably more obvious than is the norm with the larger SC cases. The removal of two rear screws frees the slide-off housing, leaving the front panel and one side bearing the PS and HDD. Two screws hold the copper 'fingers' that provide ground/RFI shielding continuity with the slide-off housing. Four screws hold the HDD's platform to the remaining side, and their removal allows the HDD platform to be withdrawn.

Although neat, compact and stylish, the case is much more finicky to work on than the SC cases, and nothing like as well-shielded electronically nor as sturdy, thanks to its curves, which, in time, simply fail to meet properly at the seams because there is little internal metal to confer rigidity.

de

 

[LimeiBook86]

Ok, I found my Apple External Hard Drive SCSI case today. I have posted a video on YouTube showing how you can open this case quite easily. Hope you guys find it useful. :beige: Interesting enough my drive says 850 MB on the bottom label.

 

[Sumac]

Thanks for the video, it was just what I needed! The screwdriver (gently)in the slots was the key, so to speak. Those little plastic clips inside are pretty brittle. The drive in my case is a Quantum 1080MB. Awkward case, but I love it. Thanks for starring it on YouTube. [8D]

 

[jsarchibald]

I know this thread is as old as the hills, but I have one of these and haven't tried to use it as yet. It has '500SC' silkscreened on the front, but I understand they come with a 1GB or 2GB HDD. The serial number on this one is several months earlier than the other ones I see online, can anyone shed some light on this?