Macintosh LC 500 Series

The Macintosh LC 500 series was a series of personal computers that were a part of Apple Computer's LC line of Macintosh computers. It was Apple's mid-1990s upper low end-range series, positioned below the Centris and Quadra but above the Classic II and Color Classic models. All of these computers were also sold under the Macintosh Performa brand, in some cases under slightly different model numbers. These computers all shared the same all-in-one desktop case that included a 14" CRT display, CD-ROM drive, and stereo speakers. Designed as a successor to the compact all-in-one Macintosh, the case was reminiscent of Apple's earlier Compact Macintosh series but considerably larger and bulkier, with a larger screen (compared to the Compact's 9- or 10-inch displays) and a bulging midsection to contain the larger electronics, in stark contrast to the compact Macs' slimmer designs.

The 500 series included four main models, the 520, 550, 575, and 580, with the 520 and 550 being very similar to each other, and the 575 and 580 sharing a new processor and motherboard but differing somewhat on the rest of the hardware. The LC models in particular became very popular in schools for their small footprint and durability. The Macintosh TV is closely related to this series, using the same case (in black instead of platinum) and a motherboard similar to the Macintosh LC 550, as does the Color Classic series, but in a compact case.