Details are starting to emerge about Apple Computer Inc’s planned new PowerBooks – codenamed Blackbird – and the new 68040 Duos, scheduled for launch on May 16. The new machines, based on the 68LC040 processor, will be the fastest PowerBooks ever, and will be upgradable to the PowerPC RISC. According to MacWeek, current PowerBook Duo owners will be able to upgrade to the 68040 and PowerPC chips for around $1,000 – although all-in-one PowerBook users won’t be able to upgrade. the new portable machines are expected to include a range of new features. These include Trackpad, a touch-sensitive glass panel that replaces the trackball, and – for the first time – the use of PCMCIA cards. The new models are expected to range from the 25MHz 520, which comes with a 9.5 passive matrix mono screen, and will cost $2,200, up to the 540c, which will cost $5,000 and comes with 9.5 active matrix colour screen and 33MHz processor.
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