Inside the Macintosh 128K
Contents
To avoid regular users from opening the Macintosh 128K (and subsequent models), Apple used Torx TT15 screws, a very unusual type of screw to be used on computers (especially at the time), which require a special TT15 screwdriver at least 9 inches (230 mm) long.
Inside the computer, you would find the most commented on (and hidden) feature of the computer – the signatures of all the members of the team that designed the Macintosh, including, of course, Steve Jobs. See Figure 9. These signatures were kept on the successors of the Macintosh 128K, including the Macintosh 512K, the Macintosh Plus, and the Macintosh SE. Interestingly, the Macintosh Plus and the Macintosh SE were released after Steve Jobs left Apple. For some reason, Steve Job’s signature was kept inside the computer even though he was not related to the development of these computers, particularly the Macintosh SE.
You will see several people selling old Macs on eBay saying “this Mac is so special that it has Steve Jobs signature” or “rare – signed by Steve Jobs.” Let’s make something clear. All early Macintoshes were signed by the whole team, so that is not a “special feature.” And since millions of these computers were sold, they are not rare.
Figure
9: The signatures of the Macintosh team
In Figure 10, you can see how the Macintosh 128K looked inside. It was comprised of two printed circuit boards: one containing the power supply and the electronics for the monitor; the other was the motherboard.
Figure 10: Inside the Macintosh 128K
In Figure 11, you can better see the power supply board, which was officially called “Sweep / Power Supply,” part number 630-0102.
Figure 11: Power supply/video monitor board
