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The PowerBook Duo 270c was one of those devices that you didn't just use—you admired it.

When it was released, hardly anyone had a notebook with such a sharp, high-contrast color display. The Duo 270c's active TFT panel was way ahead of its time. Text appeared razor-sharp, graphics vibrant, and in direct comparison, many other notebooks simply looked outdated. Back then, anyone who opened a Duo 270c immediately attracted attention.

The Duo Dock concept was equally impressive. Plugged in, the ultra-compact notebook transformed into a fully functional desktop Mac—complete with an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, SCSI devices, and network connectivity. It didn't feel like a compromise, but rather like an elegant vision of the future: a computer for on the go and at home, without the need to synchronize data or own duplicate devices.

However, the Duo 270c also had its downsides. The keyboard was disappointing right out of the box. It felt spongy, lacking a clear pressure point – far from ideal for extended typing sessions. Almost 30 years later, the problem is even more pronounced: many keyboards today are downright sticky, a well-known issue with the age of the materials used.

The docking interface also demanded respect. It was mechanically and electrically sensitive. Over the years, I destroyed more than one MiniDock while docking – a brief moment of inattention was all it took, and the dock would go up in smoke. Anyone using a Duo today would be well advised to exercise extreme caution when docking.

Despite all these shortcomings, the PowerBook Duo 270c remains a brilliant device for me. It was bold, innovative, and ahead of its time in many respects. The brilliant display, the uncompromising mobility concept, and the elegant docking solution make it one of the most fascinating PowerBooks ever – not perfect, but unforgettable.