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Desktops: Mac LC 630DOS / Mac Performa 640DOS
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History
Effectively a standard LC 630 with a DOS card installed, the LC 630 was released in limited numbers and is something of a rarity.
While offering exactly the same performance and features as the standard LC 630, the DOS card was what made the LC 630DOS something special. Although it took up the one 'standard' PDS slot, the DOS card was equipped with an Intel 486DX2 running at a very reasonable 66MHz (some machines shipped with the Cyrix 486/70 instead) and it did leave the other three slots (video in, video out and TV tuner) available.
The one real difference (in fact the only difference) between the DOS card version and the non-DOS card version of the LC 630 was in its memory slots. The non-DOS version shipped with a single slot while the DOS version had two (although it didn't raise the memory ceiling at all). The memory was also shared with the DOS card but Apple allowed the card to have its own dedicated memory and provided one 72 pin SIMM slot on the card itself.
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Specifications
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Machine |
Macintosh LC 630DOS / Macintosh Performa 640DOS |
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Introduced |
01/07/1994 |
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Retired |
19/06/1996 |
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Cost |
$1200 |
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System |
7.1-8.1 |
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Code Name(s) |
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CPU/Speed |
Motorola 68LC040 @ 33MHz, Intel 486DX2 @ 66MHz |
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Addressing |
24 or 32 bit |
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RAM Min/Max |
4Mb/52Mb (80ns - 2x72 pin SIMM slot) |
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ROM (Size) |
2Mb |
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Floppy Drive |
1xSuperDrive |
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Hard Drive |
?? |
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Drive Bay(s) |
1x3.5" Half-height, 1x5.25" Half-height |
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Network |
Localtalk |
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Audio |
8 bit 48Khz stereo, mono mic |
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Video |
1Mb |
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Resolution(s) |
512x384, 640x480 (16 bit), 800x600, 832x624 (8 bit) |
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Ports |
2xSerial, SCSI (25 pin), 1xADB, Audio (out), Audio (in) |
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Expansion Slot |
1xPDS, 1xComm Slot, 1xVideo Slot, 1xTV Tuner Slot |
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Dimensions |
4.3" x 12.6" x 16.5" |
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Weight |
19 lb |
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From Experience...
 
The museum had already entered the murky world of the MS-DOS Mac (in the form of the PowerMac 6100 DOS) but when the chance to get hold of a 630DOS (complete with 'DOS Compatible' printed on the front of the case) came along, it wasn't something that was going to be missed (especially at the bargain price that it came at). Unlike the 6100DOS, the 630DOS doesn't come with the PC side of things on a card of its own - instead both the 68LC040 and the 80486 sit on the same expansion card (well, they do in my machine anyway). Whatever the technical setup though, the integration from the user's perspective is excellent and it's a doddle to switch between MS-DOS and Mac OS. Ok so the 66MHz 486 is hardly going to break any PC speed records but it's a massive step up from software emulation.
Getting into the machine is just as much fun as any of the machines that share the same form factor (6200-6300 series etc.) and the case, while grubby in places was actually in very good shape with no cracks, dents, smashes or missing bits and pieces.
The DOS card had been the big draw for me but this little machine was well and truly tricked out coming with a network card fitted and a TV card. This was the first time I'd come across a TV tuner on a Mac and I just wish I had more time to play with it and see what it could do - maybe when I retire (in about 40 years) I might find the time =;)
The 630DOS does have the edge over the 'standard' 630 in that it comes with the DOS card and it also has better memory expansion (2 slots instead of one) but the DOS card does take up the only PDS slot so you kind of pays your money and takes your choice. Foibles aside, the 630DOS is a very nice piece of kit and it's just a shame that more MS-DOS/Mac OS machines didn't appear. As per usual, if you can get hold of one, get it.
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Links
LowEndMac.com - Looking for Apple info? Always start here
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