Apple full-working UPGRADED qwerty "Blackbird" Powerbook 520: the first TRACKPAD laptop - Macintosh

[ ATTENTION – a 100% working "POWERBOOK 520" is NOT often sold ]

Meet THE "POWERBOOK 520"!
The perfect gift for a Mac fan …
A True Collector’s Piece from Apple’s Early Portable Era.

FORWORD
Please don't make any assumptions, but READ the accompanying text – and look at the photos "very carefully" to avoid disappointments.

// A True Collector’s Piece from Apple’s Early Portable Era
Step back into Apple’s pioneering notebook history with this PowerBook 520, part of the iconic 500-series that introduced the trackpad and marked a major leap in portable design. This system still powers on and operates, offering a genuine retro computing experience — perfect for collectors and Apple enthusiasts alike.

– Fully working unit – boots and functions as expected for its age
– Functional floppy drive – note: requires paperclip method for manual eject
– Includes vintage Italian “Tucano” laptop bag – stylish and period-correct
– Comes with original M1893 Power Adapter

As a nearly 30-year-old Apple oldtimer, it shows normal cosmetic wear:
– Rear port cover missing
– Display has visible unevenness and flaking of the anti-glare layer — not comparable to modern screens, but typical for the model & era
– Aesthetic marks consistent with age and use (see pictures)

Important note:
Vintage screens and plastic finishes can appear better in photos depending on lighting. Please set expectations accordingly and do your own research if you are unfamiliar with this model’s typical aging characteristics.

Despite these expected imperfections, this machine remains a fantastic representation of Apple’s early notebook design — both for display and as a piece of computing history.

Mechanically, it remains a beautiful reminder of Apple’s innovative past and looks fantastic as part of a vintage Mac collection or retro exhibition setup. A rare opportunity to own an early Apple notebook complete with period accessories — an essential piece for the serious Apple collector.

// HISTORY
More then 30 years ago (on May 16, 1994) Apple introduced the FIRST portable computer to have STEREO speakers, a TRACKPAD*, and ETHERNET networking built-in.

* The PowerBook 520 serie introduced the "trackpad" - where the cursor followed the movement of your finger on a "pad" rather than a plastic ball. The trackpad was a revolutionary input device and has been used since in the vast majority of modern notebooks. The PowerBook 500 series also introduced dual swappable "bays" that could be used to hold either one battery and a PCMCIA adapter or dual batteries to extend runtime.

Note: the trackpad is still 100% functional!

The "POWERBOOK 520" is a nice addition to any Apple/ Macintosh collection.

// 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.

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.

This Vintage computer is in Great Working Condition! Perfect for any Retro computing or Apple enthusiast or vintage tech collectors (important: Non-collectors, this is not a modern computer and cannot do what a recent computer can do).

// SPECS (M4880)

– Supported Mac OS: 7.1.1-8.1 – Turns on and chimes and boot into OS 7.5.1 (ENGLISH)
– 20 MB RAM (default back then was only 4MB)
– 500 Mb hard disk (default back then was 160 MB or 240 MB)
– 9.5" grayscale FSTN passive-matrix (4-bit, 16 grays) LCD*

* Note: while working the screen shows some "lines". E.g. squared boxes of the opened windows. These lines disappear after closing the windows. Furthermore: see the detailed pictures to se

This laptop was the first in the industry to include:

– 16-bit stereo sound @ 44.1 kHz (typical was 8-bit mono @ 22 kHz);
– Trackpad
– Stereo speakers (located in upper corners of screen);
– Ethernet via AAUI (a transceiver was used to connect to either UTP or coaxial type wiring);

**This model has a custom "swappable" bay that can be used to hold a second battery or a PCMCIA adapter along with other options.

// INCLUDING M1893 POWER AC ADAPTER
BE AWARE – THE BATTERY DOESN'T HOLDS CHARGE
After 30-years – the battery doesn’t hold a charge anymore.
PS/ vintage laptops that holds charge after all this time doesn't exist*!

FYI: there are experts who can re-build the battery (all necessary parts are included in this bundle).

Note: the laptop needs to be plug-in (with the special "adapter" to get power).

// MANUAL SCREEN ADJUSTMENT !
Since the internal battery* is empty … the Powerbook will start up with an "over-bright" screen. Therefore – after startup – its necessary to use the CONTRAST knob (on the screen) to adjust the screen.

* the internal battery is responsible for the correct date, personal settings, and settings regarding the operating system.

Thus: use the CONTRAST knob to adjust the screen.

// IMPORTANT
As these are "vintage items", they are being sold as. Normal signs of use and wear. But as an experienced connoisseur I can guarantee that these items are in VERY GOOD condition (always keeping in mind their age). The numerous images are part of the meticulous description. Thus: judge yourself!

As this computer is used and 30 years old, expect minor scratches, discolouration, scuffs, marks or scrapes here or there (an some tiny cracks).

Notes:
– The internal floppy drive works like a charm (formatting and reading disks). That is unique! But the "EJECT mechanism" fails. So the famous paperclip is needed to eject floppies!

– be aware that the mechanical parts of vintage computers 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"!

Note: starting-up a vintage 1995 computer can feel very slow in 2024. Be patient while starting-up (the screen stays "dark" for a while before the screen popups).

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

A rare opportunity to own a classic PowerBook with period accessories — a wonderful addition to any serious Apple collection.

// PACKAGING & SHIPPING
The "POWERBOOK 520" is packaged securely and carefully for safe shipment.
Moreover, the "POWERBOOK 520" is shipped INSURED because of its precious value.
Because of the precious content extra attention is paid to the CUSTOM packaging.
The 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 first trackpad "POWERBOOK 520".
An iconic Apple computer!

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