Pre-production Macintosh Classic

[MJ313]

So not long ago I got an early production Macintosh Classic with a July 1990 Serial. Other then a couple stickers it wasn't very interesting. But it's useful now as a comparison.

This second acquisition is a much more interesting Classic. unity has graciously provided me with a lot of information on these types of machines, which has helped us kinda/sorta figure out what it is. (thanks!)

Interesting bits:

- It's missing the front label

- It's missing a serial number on the back

- The knob adjustment panel is smooth plastic

- The inside is bronze (or copper?)

- The interior metal chassis is different and lacking in some cutouts/refinements

- The fan assembly is metal and lacks any finger guard

- The logic board is an -01 and compared to my early production -03 it is noticeably lacking traces and vias in certain areas, as well as has completely different arrangement of resistors on certain areas on the back.

I got it from an ex-Apple employee.

 

[olePigeon]

Looks like the proto has a filter or screen in front of the fan that the production models don't have.

 

[MJ313]

Actually, the production machine has the plastic fan containment unit and fan finger guard/filter/screen.  The pre-production machine has the metal fan holder aparatus and shows no such regard for safety or health.

 

[unity]

Wait, is that fan holder metal?

 

[bibilit]

yes, it's what i was looking at, the back casing is reporting it as a Classic ?

 

[Paralel]

That's funny, the fan holder on the pre-pro model looks to be of a far better quality than the final.

 

[MJ313]

Yes, the fan holder on the pre-production is metal. It's got two pieces that kind of interlock. While it looks nicer it's kind of rough if you look up close.

 

[MJ313]

yes, it's what i was looking at, the back casing is reporting it as a Classic ?

Correct! It's hard to see but it's the usual Macintosh Classic engraving's:

 

[uniserver]

can we see the top side of the pre production main board?

 

[MJ313]

Boss, it's the 5th picture in the OP.

Here are some differences.

-03 production board:

-01 board:

More:

-03 production board:

-01 board:

And F2/F1 are reversed on the -01 board.

Here's a shot of the back with the resistors in different places:

 

[uniserver]

ah ok thx boss.

 

[uniserver]

kinda cool man... this machine is right up HAP's alley

 

[MJ313]

Possibly so, but I have a hunch he'd be more into a clear one... Just a wild guess... Shot in the dark.

 

[uniserver]

wow ... yeah you have a point...

a clear one would be kinda nice

 

[Paralel]

Oh, a clear one. That's cool. That's one I'd like to have.

 

[Macdrone]

I have a classic board thats an -A not 1 or 3.  Its not golden but the fact its board is a different color may be location.  I know my Apple 128 (looks like the original mac in the guide that says Apple not Macintosh on the back label) has no RFI spray inside.  The metal frame for the fan is neat.  

Nice Classic.  Looks like you have a great conversation piece there.

 

[CompuNurd]

The question is: would you rather have a clear Mac, or a Delorean?

 

[MJ313]

Looks like you have a great conversation piece there.

Thanks! And this is my conversation about it. No one in my real life would give two flips about it.

Oh... and it got NO FEETS! :O

 

[Paralel]

...No one in my real life would give two flips about it.

Heathens.

I always bore at least some of my friends with my 68k Mac interest.