As Apple releases several new computers this week (see TidBITS #195 for more details on those machines), Pythaeus tells us that they'll be making a strong commitment to upgradeability with a "Ready for PowerPC upgrade" promotion. Officially, Apple will provide a PowerPC upgrade path for the Centris 610, 650, and 660AV; the Quadra 610, 650, 660AV, 800, and 840AV, and the Mac IIvx (probably the IIvi as well) and Performa 600.

Apple created quite a stir when it first began talking about platforms it had slated for upgrading, leaving out the Macintosh Quadra design that's been used for the Quadra 900 and 950, and the Workgroup Server 95. Early buyers were stunned that the top-of-the-line equipment they'd been buying for almost two years would go no further.

The list of upgradeable Macintosh models leaves out these Quadras and the high-end Workgroup Server, but market pressure may yet convince Apple to produce a tower-sized PowerPC model, and as a result, an upgrade possibility for tower-sized Mac owners. In addition, accelerator-maker DayStar Digital has announced that it will provide upgrades for the Quadra 700, 900, and 950 when Apple ships the PowerPC Macs, and will provide PowerPC upgrades for all color-capable Macs during 1994. Then the SE/30 can burn silicon once again.

DayStar Digital -- 800/962-2077 -- 404/967-2077