The PowerBook has consistently been one of the most respected and lusted after brands in the portable computing market. This wasn't always the case. Apple's first attempt at repackaging the Macintosh as a portable failed (the 15 lb. Macintosh Portable never caught on). In 1992, Apple scored a hit, and sales of the PowerBook line helped the company generate $7.1 billion in sales, its best year ever. Like the Macintosh, the PowerBook succeeded despite Apple's management. Get some history over at Low End Mac.