The 512x342 Mystery: Why the Original Mac Had That Resolution
2025-05-27
Why did the original Macintosh use a non-standard 512x342 resolution instead of the more common 512x384? This article delves into the reasons, revealing it wasn't simply a matter of technical limitations. The 128KB memory constraint, the CPU resource usage for a 60Hz refresh rate, and the pursuit of square pixels for optimal graphics and printing all played a role. This showcases Apple's masterful trade-offs in the original Mac's design, balancing performance, usability, and cost to achieve a surprisingly impressive product for its time.
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