Previously published in Computer Credible, March 1994.
Copyright (c) 1994 Douglas E. Welch
dewelch@pop.com
76625,3301
Today this image has totally changed. There are a large number of Macintosh systems available and they come in a staggering number of configurations. Instead of stuffy computer stores the Macintosh is now sold almost everywhere including office product stores and department stores that contain more socks than they do computers. Gone now are the salespeople who could explain the finer features of each model. They have been replaced with the average retail clerk who, unless they happen to be a computer hobbyist, barely knows how to turn on the computer.
In an effort to make purchasing a Mac easier in this new confusing world Apple has introduced and entire line of computers specifically for the home computer market. The Apple Performa series, while based on standard Macintosh models, is designed to provide anyone the ability to set up their Mac and immediately go to work. The reduced costs of these systems also opens the Mac world to more people than ever before.
All-in-one
The Performa series was designed specifically for new computer users. It contains not only the computer itself but also a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Most systems also come bundled with a collection of software including the ClarisWorks integrated software suite, Quicken financial management software and several others. Some systems even include a data/send-only FAX modem as well. If you were purchasing a standard Mac system all this additional equipment would be purchased separately, usually at a much higher cost.
The Performa systems also have special features to assist the new computer user in getting started. All systems include the AtEase program launcher, a menu driven interface that launches programs with a single click of the mouse. Support for reading and writing DOS formatted disks is also included.
There are some limitations to the Performa systems that should be mentioned. Since they are based on low-end Macintosh models some do not support the use of NuBus peripheral cards and most systems do not include a floating point processor (FPU) that helps speed up numeric calculations. Without an FPU software such as computer-aided design (CAD) and spreadsheets run more slowly.
The displays bundled with the Performa systems are of a lesser quality than their standard Mac cousins. The quality of a computer display is defined by the dot pitch rating of the monitor. The smaller that dot pitch the clearer the screen. While Performa models have a dot pitch of .39 mm or .28 mm the standard Apple Color Display has a dot pitch of .26 mm. You may want to compare the monitors in person to see if you can detect any difference.
Should you or shouldn't you?
As with any computer purchase, or any purchase for that matter, you must decide what is best for you. If you are just starting out with computers or are perhaps purchasing one for a high school or college student the Mac Performa models might be just what you need. While they have limited expandability and are slower than most standard Mac models by the time most people are ready for a new computer they will want to move up to a more powerful system anyway. It is more than likely that a Performa system would work well without any special attention for at least 3 years.
Cousins
Below is a chart that shows how the various Performa models relate to their standard Mac cousins.
Performa Standard Processor SpeedThis raw data shows the basic similarities between the types of processors and the speed at which the systems run. This can be useful when discussing your purchase with other Macintosh users who are more familiar with the standard models. It can also be used to compare prices between purchasing a complete Performa system or building your own standard Macintosh from separate components.
200 Classic II Discontinued 400 LC II 68030 16 405 LC II 4/80 68030 16 410 LC II 68030 16 430 LC II 4/120 68030 16 450 LC III 4/120 68030 25 460 LC III 68030 33 466 LC III 68030 33 467 LC III 68030 25 475 LC 475 68040 25 476 LC 475 68040 25 550 LC 520 68030 33 575 LC 575 68040 33 577 LC 575 68040 33 578 LC 575 68040 33 600 IIvx Discontinued 630 Quadra 630 68040 33 635/CD Quadra 630 68040 33 636/Hi-Ed Quadra 630 68040 33 638/CD-V Quadra 630 68040 33 61XX (6110, 6112, 6115, 6117, 6118) Power Mac 6100 Power PC 601 60
As with any computer purchase make sure you clearly understand your needs before you shop. Allow yourself room and speed to grow as you become more proficient with the computer. While a Performa system might not last forever it is a good start. Be prepared to upgrade to a new Macintosh system, most likely a standard Mac model, within 5 years. Don't be afraid to ask friends, relatives or user group members what recommendations they might have. They have been through this before and might have some insights for you.
Most of the product information for this column came from the AppleFax service at 1-800-505-0171. This service can provide information and specifications for most Apple systems and peripherals. Additional information was gathered from the Apple Computer Web Site at http://www.apple.com/