The Evolution of the Apple Laptop: 1989 to 2012

Apple’s first portable machine, which was launched in 1989, got a very poor response because of its heavy weight and slow performance. But Apple has come a long way since then. From Apple’s first Macintosh Portable to the latest Macbook Pro with Retina Display, here is a timeline of Apple’s portable laptops.

Apple announced the new MacBook Pro with Retina display at the Wordwide Developers Conference earlier this week. The base model, currently available for $2,200 without any add-ons or upgrades to the hardware, has garnered high praise from bloggers and reviewers, despite the steep price tag.

Phil Schiller, president of Worldwide Marketing at Apple, called the new laptop the “most beautiful computer we’ve ever made,” according to The New York Times. And how can we argue? With a slim and sleek design and a weight of 4.46 pounds, the new MacBook Pro is proof of how far Apple’s laptops have come since the beefy 16-pound Macintosh Portable in 1989.

Here’s a look at how Apple’s celebrated designs have evolved over the years, from the Macintosh Portable up to the MacBook Pro with Retina display. Check them out in the slideshow (below), then visit our buyer’s guide to the new MacBook Pro and whether it’s right for you.