Apple prosumer "Macintosh IIci" (high-end features) – with BlueSCSI hard disk – a vintage gem [RARE] - Macintosh - With replacement box

[ UPGRADED & REFURBISHED ]
[ ATTENTION – a 100% working "Macintosh Iici" workstation is NOT often sold ]
>> A must-have for the die-hard-"Apple/Macintosh" collector!

Being an Apple enthusiast, I have collected RARE and VALUABLE hardware and software for my co-sentimental Apple companions. The lucky Macintosh Apple enthusiast can supplement his/her collection with this HARD-2-FIND collectable: the "Macintosh IIsi" packed with "tons of pre-installed software and games of yesteryear", ready to use – and to give you a glimp of Apple's history.

Furthermore. As a free gift you get the RARE (and hard-to-find) "world-famous" pixel-art picture of "Steven Jobs" (it's waiting for you on the hard disk).

Although there is a lot love for the cute all-in-one compact 4Mb Macs, the sequel “Mac II” was a realy different direction. It was the first Mac that supported “color” and it was a computer as how we see computers today (= open box that is expandable). But what a lot of people quickly realised. The MacII was enormous and ridiculous. What they really wanted … was something a little bit smaller (but still with lots of slots).

These Macs were the so-called mini-Mac II’s:
… and this week you have the unique chance to bid on one of them: “the Mac II ci”!

Back then this specific Mac was used by the employees that were part of the PRODUCTION CYCLE (e.g. power users as Graphic Designers). They needed a better and feaster Mac. The processor of the IIci was/is shocking better & faster. And also the (show white) design line was the high-point of the period. FYI. Compacts Macintosh’s like the SE were there for the non-graphic designers.

– – SOME HISTORY & FACTS – –

// A VINTAGE GEM
If you were of the Apple-inclined around the 90s (34 years ago!) you had a few choices: a black-and-white "all-in-one" compact, like the "SE" and the "Plus" – or the much more professional (and more expensive) color-capable "Macintosh II" family. In-between there was the Macintosh "LC" (low-cost for home & educational market) and the Mac "Classic".

The "Macintosh IIci" was something that would appeal users in search for more horsepower and more expandability – and fill the gap between lower-end models and the professional market. It was extremely popular under DTP-users (desktop publishing), Graphic Designers and Musicians. The "Macintosh IIci" boasted many of the best features of its higher siblings. Such as built-in COLOR, more powerful hardware, and compatibility with the Mac II's extension cards.

// THINK SMALL
What made the IIci revolutionary was … the smaller case!

The Apple "Macintosh IIci was released "35 years" ago (1989). In essence is a compact version of the (back then more expensive and bigger) "Macintosh IIx" (1988). But you got all of the power of the IIx and most of the extension capabilities but in a smaller case. Like a lot of Apple-products of the eighties it uses the so-calles "snow-white" design language (horizontal grills on the front and grills op top and the sides).

Apple tried to make an EASIER FIT for the desktop. The "IIci" is about 2/3 of the width of the II. Furthermore. The case was designed to use in "horizontal" or "vertical" direction (which eventually let to the horizontal direction of the Quadra 700).

But apart of the "case size" there is no huge difference between the "IIx" and the "IIci" or "IIcx". Both had the same specifics. The main difference was that the IIx had six expansion slots, the "IIci" had only three slots (one is needed for the video card).

// SUPERDRIVE, A BRIDGE BETWEEN MAC & PC
One notable feature was the inclusion of the 1.4 MB SuperDrive, also known as FDHD (floppy disk, high density), which allowed the Mac IIcx to read and write to DOS-compatible disks. This was a game-changer, bridging the gap between Mac and PC worlds. The 800 KB floppy drive was replaced with a 1.44 MB SuperDrive.

// IMPORTANT – WHY BUY FROM ME?
(instead of other sellers)

I am a Mac user from way back in the Legacy Era. I offer Vintage Apple computers as I would buy them myself. My admiration for Steve Jobs' legacy is so great that I want the Macs I sell, to stand "the test of time". Furthermore I only sell items I have "passion" for.

Hardware-wise, all my sold computers are completely disassembled, cleaned – and, if necessary, repaired – in order to extend their lifespan. See pictures.

// ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST, REVISION & RECAPPING

– DUST: the inside of a 30-year-old computer looks the same as "the collection-container of a vacuum cleaner" (read: a dust bunny). And as you know "dust" can ruin your electronics;

– BOARD REVISION: both boards (analog + logic) were revised. Thus: all necessary electrolytic capacitors are replaced!

– REFURBISHED PSU (Power Supply Unit): the PSU is recapped too;

– BLUE SCSI "HARD DISK" REPLACEMENT: the (broken) original (mechanical) hard disk is replaced by a superior "BlueSCSI" drive. The is the only "correct" replacement for failing mechanical hard drives in vintage Macs. Furthermore. This SD card based modern alternative is bigger (compare the default 250 MB versus 2000 Mb), quiter (silent drive because it has no physical drive motor) and last-but-not-least … it has minimal electricity consumption. But maybe the most important feature. It will NEVER fail! You need to know that eventually "all vintage original hard disks" will stop working.

Notes:
– a "clean install" is performed. System 7.1 is installed.

All configuration is done. So the mac boots up immediately.

Long-Story Short. Computers from other vendors may look the same on the outside. I can guarantee you that the inside is very different! So if you want to enjoy your investment for as long as possible, choosing "wisely" is advisable.

// A TOOL-LESS CASE
Getting inside the CX is very easy. There is actually only one screw that needs to be removed to completely disassembled it.

// NEGATIVES?
These Macs are notorious for having their caps leaked? Another component that often goes bad is the power supply. But I fixed "both issues". Combined with the BlueSCSI this is the best possible Mac to enjoy vintage computing for a long time.

// GRAYSCALE VIDEO CARD
A possible (future) upgrade:

– Although the Mac is capable of "color" it has a "GRAYSCALE" video card. You can replace the video card if you want to enjoy colours.

// ONLY THE MAC IS AUCTIONED
Read this paragraph carefully!

Only the (ready-to-use) Mac IIsi is auctioned. The monitor, keyboard & mouse on the pictures are there for display purpose only. They are NOT included in this offer.

– An attached monitor/display must connect using a "DB15 connector" (VGA d-subs). Mac Color Display [model M1212].

– Keyboard & mouse use a ADB connection (Apple Desktop Bus)

Note: optionally I can provide the necessary accessories.

This 100 % working, professionally checked “Vintage” bundle includes “working software*”. See detailled pictures.

>> Disclaimer:
The computer only includes software & games that is classified as "abandonware" (= from the Public Domain, distributed over the internet and available freely, easily and readily). The software is supplied "free of charge" as a free service (for the retro-computing fan).

// TO SUM UP
The MAC IIci marks a crucial phase in Apple's computer line. And that makes this Apple Computer extremely RARE and EXCEPTIONAL … and therefore a good investment. In addition, the MAC IIci's that are typically sold have several cracks. This specimen has no single crack in the plastic (= rare!).

– Model Number: M5780 (assembled in Ireland);
– BLUESCSI HD 2000 Mb;
– Serial Number: CK128032765;
– Total Memory: 8 MB;
– System Software 7.1 (English version)

// IMPORTANT – A NOTE ON YELLOWED PLASTICS!
Some words on the yellowing.

Old computer cases are made of ABS plastics which contain at that time "bromine". The element bromine reacts over the time of years with UV light and causes some (not-always-even) "yellowing"*. Some sellers "Retr0bright" their computers with chemicals. I am totally agains "Retr0brighting", because it causes structural changes in the plastic, it's not permanent – and it devalues historical items! So pay attention when buying retro-computers (alarm bells should ring when the case is to "gray").

Bytheway: the yellowed plastic is not easy to capture on the photos (but it's there … believe me!). Because of the structure of the used plastic and UV-reaction-over-time … "all items and parts" (computer, keyboard, mouse and power cable) are "yellowed" differently (again: not evenly). Please, if you find a little “yellowing" a problem, it is recommended that you do NOT bid on this item.

FYI. Experienced Apple/Macintosh collectors love the "aging-bromine-yellowing". You can compare it with "patina" on vintage furnitures. For connoisseurs it transforms the-surface-of-a-piece from the ordinary to the exceptional – and it tells a story … and brings on the appeal of objects that show their age openly. But again … it is important to know that vintage Macs have PATINA.

Please check all close-up pictures!

// RETRO-COMPUTING EXPECTATIONS

– there are "normal signs of use" (which are to be expected with a device of this age). But as an experienced connoisseur I can guarantee that these items are in very good condition! There are NO cracks in the plastics. View the numerous images to make your own judgment! PS/ some tiny scratches, stains, … (and other ware-out) are difficult to capture on picture (but they are there … thus: please have realistic expectations!).

Note: 34-year old plastic is fragile (and a bit bendy).

– be aware that the mechanical parts of (almost) 34 years ago make (a lot) more noice (compared to modern computers)! Don't bid on this mac if you think that the aformentioned things will bother you. Please also have realistic expectations about "speed, etc"!

– regarding performance … This is a vintage computer (collectable) – not a modern computer.

– last-but-not-least. This Mac can NOT be shut-down using the operating system (special > shut down). "Powering off" the Mac is the only way. Don't bid if this botters you (I never found it a problem).

// PACKAGING
The IIci is packaged securely and carefully for safe shipment.
Moreover, the bundle is shipped INSURED because of its precious value.
Because of the precious content extra attention is paid to the CUSTOM packaging.
This extra cost is included in the shipping price.

"One More Thing"
– Steve Jobs quote

Don't miss this unique opportunity.
Great opportunities don't come everyday!

Let the bidding begin … for this legendary MAC IIci.

"One More Thing"
When in doubt, check my positive customer reviews ;)
(… because there are some "copycats" out there who copy my style/text and pretend to be me). There is only one "VISENTO"! That's me ;)