PowerBook 100 (1991)
Apple released the PowerBook 100—essentially a miniaturized version of the Macintosh Portable—along with the 140 and 170 in late 1991 to positive critical acclaim and strong sales. While the PowerBook 100 lacked a built-in floppy drive, this low-end model of the original PowerBook line remained notable for its compact, sub-notebook size for the time. The original PowerBooks set the design template for many future Apple portables, especially as the first laptops to include a trackball in a prominent center position in front of the keyboard. This also left room for one to set one’s wrists while using the keyboard, making for a much more ergonomic typing experience. (Photo: Peter Brockie)
