Apple Macintosh Performa series

The Apple Macintosh Performa series was a line of consumer-oriented personal computers sold by Apple Computer, Inc. from 1992 to 1997. These machines were often re-badged versions of existing Macintosh LC, Centris, or Quadra models, bundled with consumer software and sold through mass-market…

Key facts

First appeared
1992
Category
technology
Problem solved
The Performa series was created to address Apple's struggle to effectively penetrate the mass consumer market and compete on price and distribution with the rapidly growing IBM PC compatible market. Existing Macintosh models were often expensive, sold through specialized resellers, and their model numbering was confusing for the average home user. The Performa aimed to simplify the purchase decision with bundled software and wider retail availability.
Platforms
Mac OS (formerly System Software)

Related technologies

Notable users

  • Home consumers
  • Small businesses
  • Educational institutions (where they were often deployed as affordable student machines)