The PowerBook 190 was Apple’s last model based on a Motorola 68040 CPU. The base model has a 640 x 480 4-bit passive matrix grayscale display; the 190cs has an 8-bit color display.

Apple eliminated the internal modem bay and the ethernet port found in the PowerBook 500 series that preceded the 190, forcing buyers to acquire these items separately. Because the PC Card uses a 16-bit bus, ethernet performance is roughly 25% slower than on the PowerBook 540 .

Because the 190 and 5300 share the same case any many other enclosures, it is possible to upgrade your 190 with 5300 components by swapping in the video card (which adds support for an external monitor) and/or an active matrix screen. You can also install the infrared circuitry if you have a reason to. (Thanks to Jonathan Fletcher for sending in this tip!)

Specs (via Low End Mac)

• Cpu: 33 MHz 68LC040
• Fpu: none
• Ram: 8 MB, expandable to 40 MB
• Rom: 2 MB
• Display: 9.5″ 640 x 480 84 ppi grayscale passive matrix
• Gestalt Id: 122
• Adb Ports: 1 port for keyboard and mouse
• Weight: 6.0 pounds
• Expansion Bay: same as PowerBook 5300
• Serial Ports: 1 DIN-8 RS-422 port on back of computer
• Pc Card Slots: 2
• Scsi Ports: HDI30 connector on back of computer
• Infrared: only supports Apple’s IRtalk
• Power Supply: M3747 or M3037
• See: Online resources and links for the PowerBook 190