Apple Computer Inc yesterday launched the widely-expected low-end multimedia computer, the 630, and the PowerBook 150. The Macintosh 630s start at $1,300, and are configured and marketed under three brand names – Performa, Macintosh LC, and Macintosh Quadra – for in the home, education and business respectively. The 630, replacing the Quadra 660 AV, uses a 66MHz/33MHz 68LC040, an IDE controller designed to improve system input-output performance, 8Mb memory and a 340Mb IDE drive. Software, slots, built-in signal processor and GeoPort are the same as on the 660 AV. The PowerBook 150 is priced at $1,450, and is aimed at higher-education students, home and small office users, and desktop users with casual second system needs, and first time mobile users. It has a new motherboard design, an IDE controller, and a pointing device similar to that on the PowerBooks 520 and 540; it has a 33MHz 68LC030, 8.4 mono screen, 4Mb and 80Mb disk.
