Macintosh notebook computer

Tough times haven't stopped Apple Computer from coming up with interesting new systems. The PowerBook 2400c/180 is the smallest, lightest Macintosh you can buy.

At just 4.4 pounds, the 2400c is almost as light as subnotebook systems but its dimensions (10.5 by 8-4 by 1.9 inches) are a bit closer to full-size notebooks. That leaves just about enough room for a comfortable keyboard that's adequately spaced for touch-typing.

The 10-4-inch (measured diagonally) active-matrix display is on the small side, but it's bright and crisp. The 1MB of RAM on the video adapter is a bit skimpy, but the 256-color display palette should be fine for presentations meant for small groups.

Besides the VGA connector, the 2400c's back panel has a serial port, Apple desktop bus (ADB) port, SCSI port, infrared port, and 16-bit stereo in and out jacks. All these connectors eliminate the need for the add-on port extenders that often come with notebooks in this size and weight class.

In terms of raw computing power, the 2400c is well provided for. Its PowerPC 603e processor runs at 180MHz. The system comes with 16MB of RAM, upgradable to a whopping 80MB, and the 1.3GB hard disk is roomy for a system of this size.

You'll get a good assortment of software as well, starting with Apple's brand-new System 8 OS. The system also comes with ClarisWorks and the Apple Internet Connection Kit.

At a hefty estimated street price. Of $3,500, the 2400c is rather costly for a notebook with no CD-ROM drive. But it offers plenty of performance and features in a very portable package.