Apple Portrait Display (Model M1030) + Rare "13W3-to-DB15" Cable - Macintosh

>> Design-history rare. A must-have centerpiece for any graphic designer who loves Apple’s early creative legacy.

Apple Macintosh Portrait Display (Model M1030) — Refurbished, Tested & Working — Includes Rare Original 13W3-to-DB15 Monitor Cable.

A key advantage of this set is that it is complete and fully operational, including the rare, correct monitor cable. Most vintage Portrait Displays on the market are sold "not working" and "without this essential 13W3-to-DB15 cable" — and without it, they simply cannot be used. Here, the hard-to-find cable is already included, making this a true plug-and-play collectible.

A rare opportunity to own one of Apple’s most iconic professional displays from the early 1990s — the Macintosh Portrait Display, designed specifically for desktop publishing and vertical document layout. Its distinctive tall aspect ratio and crisp black-and-white output made it a favourite among designers and editors working on the first wave of professional Macintosh systems.

This unit has been professionally refurbished, fully tested and is sold in good working condition. Cosmetically well-preserved for its age, with only minor signs of use (and of course "yellowed").

// Important > Cosmetic condition note:
Please note that the plastic case shows visible yellowing consistent with age, including some uneven discoloration. This aging is sometimes difficult to capture accurately in photos, as the appearance can vary depending on lighting conditions—therefore, prospective buyers are kindly advised to review all photos carefully. Additionally, a small safety marking reading “PS 662” is present on the bottom of the screen bezel.

> These are purely cosmetic aspects and do not affect functionality in any way. The monitor has been tested and is fully working.

// Bonus feature:
As a period-correct bonus, the display is fitted with an original metal security lock, a feature commonly used at the time to protect high-value equipment. This authentic detail further enhances the historical character and collectability of the monitor.

// What makes this listing even more special
It includes the original 13W3-to-DB15 monitor cable — and that is extremely rare:

– In the last 20 years, I have found three (fully-working) Portrait Displays for sale worldwide
– In the same years: zero cables offered anywhere
– I have personally owned this cable since 1990

// FYI – 13W3 to DB-15 monitor cable
These cables are very hard to source today and are often valued highly by collectors and restorers — essential for proper functionality with compatible vintage Macs.

Without this cable, the Macintosh Portrait Display cannot be used with compatible systems
This cable is not sold separately — it is included exclusively with this listing.
For collectors and restorers, this is the definitive complete package.

// Macintosh Portrait Display – M1030Z
Inspired from one of the earliest graphic workstations (Xerox Alto). Apples' first and only ever released portrait monitor (category "Full-page display), they could display an entire 8 1/2 x 11 inch or A4 page at original size.

Apple 15″ Monochrome Portrait Display – M1030 (Rev B) – Introduced on March, 7th, 1989 the Portrait display featured a vertically oriented shadow mask CRT display. Fixed resolution of 640 x 870. It was introduced alongside the Macintosh IIcx and has a 13W3 video connector similar to ones on Unix machines of the time but it comes with a cable to adapt the 13W3 standard to a Apple DB-15 Monitor Cable. This monitor also features three ADB ports on the back one to connect the keyboard.

While Apple also had a Portrait Display video card, it works (tested) with a Macintosh II Video Card (820-0198) . The Apple Macintosh Portrait Display (M1030Z) is supported by the Macintosh II Portrait Video Card and other video cards designed for the Macintosh II, such as the Macintosh II Video Card (820-0198), that can utilize its 13W3 connector and 640x870 resolution.

Comes with standard A/C power cable and a 13W3 to DB-15 monitor cable.

Please expect minor scuffs, scratches, discolouration (aged) and dings.