Scarce Apple TechStep handheld diagnostic tool, measuring 4.25″ x 9.5″ x 2.5″, developed for use by Apple technicians between 1991 and 1993. The tool was designed to diagnose and troubleshoot most 68K Macintosh systems, including the Macintosh Classic, Macintosh SE, Macintosh SE/30, Macintosh II, and several others, communicating with the computer over the SCSI port. It is housed in its original padded case with cables, power supply, and five original ROM cartridges, marked "CPU Tests, Vol. 1, v. 1.1.1," "CPU Tests, Vol. 2, v. 1.0," "CPU Tests, Vol. 3, v. 1.0," "CPU Tests, Vol. 4, v. 1.0," "SCSI HD Tests, v. 1.0."
Macworld reports: "This little-known diagnostic tool, which allowed technicians to troubleshoot Mac systems, unintentionally represented Apple's first handheld mobile computer platform. While most consider this small device an accessory, the TechStep itself contains an embedded computer running specialized software from Apple-provided ROM software packs. No third-party development occurred for this limited diagnostic platform."
