Macintosh 8600/200
Information about my old Power Macintosh computer
In the late 1990s, I purchased a Power Macintosh 8600/200 as my first PowerPC computer. I remember buying it through my company and getting a slight price break. I placed the order shortly after I started working there, and the CIO had to approve the sale because I was still a new employee.
This was one of my favorite computers. It was fun doing all sorts of video and graphic work. I did some programming, but most of the time, I was decoding VHS tapes and playing around with Photoshop.
When I left California, I donated the computer to Oakland Schools because I wasn't using it much and it would have taken up valuable space in my car. Fun fact: this is the only Macintosh computer I have ever parted with.
Here are some interesting specs from my computer:
Computer Specifications
- 200-MHz PowerPC 604e microprocessor
- 32MB of RAM, expandable to 512MB via 8 DIMM sockets
- 256K level 2 cache on DIMM socket
- Internal 2GB SCSI hard disk
- Integrated Iomega Zip drive
- Three PCI expansion slots compatible with PCI 2.0-compliant cards
- S-video input and output connectors
- Mini jacks for stereo audio input and output
- 24-bit video input and output
Apple's Technical Information Library
If your profession demands a high-performance, expandable computer that's optimized for complex work with media and other demanding tasks, choose the Power Macintosh 8600/200 system. This high-performance computer includes built-in video-in and video-out capabilities in an innovative new design. It includes features that make it an ideal choice for in-house publishing, media authoring, and technical applications. And because its processor is mounted on a removable card for easy and inexpensive upgrade to faster processor cards (as available), you can protect your investment for the future.
The new tower design of the Power Macintosh 8600/200 provides incredibly easy system access for upgrades and servicing, new security features, and a built-in Iomega Zip drive for fast, easy storage or backup. In addition, built-in near-broadcast-quality video-input/output capabilities, high-resolution graphics, an AV-capable hard disk drive, a 12x-speed CD-ROM drive, and CD-quality stereo sound add vitality to professional projects and--with Apple's QuickTime software--make media authoring easy.
The three industry-standard Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) high-performance expansion slots on these systems let you customize them easily to meet your needs more precisely. You can find PCI cards for a variety of uses, including graphics, storage, and high-speed networking. And if you want to use your Power Macintosh 8600/200 to run MS-DOS and Windows applications as well as software written for the Macintosh, you can install a PC Compatibility Card from Apple in one of the PCI slotsÐand switch instantly between computing environments. In addition, connecting your Power Macintosh 8600/200 computer to an Ethernet network is easy because it includes both AAUI and 10BASE-TO connectors.
Today, more and more computer users are discovering the wealth of information and communications resources and opportunities offered by the Internet. The Power Macintosh 8600/200 makes it easy to get involved in this rapidly expanding community, because it comes with all of the software you need for easy Internet access.
The Power Macintosh 8600/200: exceptional performance for media authoring or any work with video, audio, or graphics--to enhance your creativity.
Features
High performance
- 200-MHz PowerPC 604e processor
- Built-in Iomega Zip drive
- Built-in floating-point processor and 64K cache
- 256K level 2 cache on a DIMM
- Built-in graphics acceleration
Communications and multimedia
- 64-bit VRAM graphics subsystem
- Two high-speed serial ports compatible with GeoPort and LocalTalk cables
- 12x-speed CD-ROM drive
- 16-bit stereo audio input and output
- 24-bit composite and S-video input and output
- Support for speech-recognition and text-to-speech capabilities
- Optimized for QuickTime Conferencing software
Expandability
- Removable processor card allows easy upgrades
- Three industry-standard PCI expansion slots
- SCSI connector for hard disks, CD-ROM drives, and other SCSI devices
- Internal expansion bays for additional storage devices (3.5-inch and 5.25-inch)
Compatibility
- Includes 10BASE-T and AAUI Ethernet connectors
- Supports Open Transport networking software (TCP/IP and AppleTalk)
- Runs 680x0 Macintosh applications as well as applications accelerated for Power Macintosh computers
- Reads Mac OS, Windows, MS-DOS, OS/2, and ProDOS floppy disk formats
- Runs MS-DOS and Windows applications via optional PC Compatibility Cards
- Comes with all of the software required for Internet access
System 7.5.5 software
- Makes working with different applications consistent, so they're easier to learn and use
- Allows easy customization of your Macintosh to reflect the way you work
- Provides active assistance in learning new features with Apple Guide
- Includes MacLinkPlus file translation software from DataViz
Ordering Information
- Power Macintosh 8600/200: Order No. M5453LL/A
Power Macintosh 8600/200 computer with 32 MB of RAM, a built-in 1.4 MB Apple SuperDrive floppy disk drive, an internal 2 GB hard disk drive, an internal 12x-speed CD-ROM drive, an internal Iomega Zip drive, and a PlainTalk microphone. Includes keyboard and mouse; system software version 7.5.5 or later; Internet access software; complete setup, learning, and reference documentation; and limited warranty.
Optional Enhancements
- GeoPort Telecom Adapter Kit: Order No. M5438LL/A
- PC Compatibility Card Solutions
- PC Compatibility Card with Pentium 100-MHz processor: Order No. M4092LL/A
- PC Compatibility Card with 100-MHz 586 processor: Order No. M4091LL/A
- Apple QuickDraw 3D Accelerator Card - Order No. M4333LL/A
Product specifications are subject to change. Check with your Apple reseller for the most current information about product specifications and configurations.