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iMac G3
Three-quarters view of a bulbous, blue-and-white plastic computer. The front is dominated by a black computer screen, and tapers off in the back.
Original "Bondi Blue" iMac
ManufacturerApple Computer
Product familyiMac
TypeAll-in-one
Release dateAugust 15, 1998; 27 years ago (1998-08-15)
DiscontinuedMarch 2003; 22 years ago (2003-03)
SuccessoriMac G4
eMac
RelatediBook
Websitehttps://web.archive.org/web/20000615172251/https://www.apple.com/imac/ at the Wayback Machine (archived June 15, 2000)

The iMac G3, originally released as the iMac, is a series of Macintosh personal computers that Apple Computer sold from 1998 to 2003. The iMac was Apple's first major product release under CEO Steve Jobs following his return to the financially troubled company he co-founded. Jobs reorganized the company and simplified the product line. The iMac was designed as Apple's new consumer desktop product—an inexpensive, consumer-oriented computer that would easily connect to the Internet.

The iMac's all-in-one design is based around a cathode-ray tube display; the G3 processor, components, and connectivity were all included in a single enclosure. Apple's head of design Jony Ive and his team developed a teardrop-shaped, translucent plastic case that was a radical departure from the look of the company's previous computers. The company developed new working methods to finish the computer quickly, and new workflows for designing future products. The iMac eschewed legacy technologies like serial ports and floppy disk drives in favor of CD-ROMs and USB ports.

Critical response to the iMac was mixed; journalists said the machine would be good for new computer users but bemoaned the lack of legacy technology, and said the separate mouse and keyboard were uncomfortable. Despite the reviews the iMac was an immediate commercial success, becoming Apple's fastest-selling computer, selling more than six million units in its lifetime.

The original model was revised several times, improving the processor speed, the amount of random-access memory, hard drive space, and other capabilities. The iMac is credited with saving Apple from financial ruin, and for turning personal computers from niche, technical products to mass-consumer fashion. Other computers and consumer products appropriated the translucent plastic look, leading to legal action from Apple. The iMac G3 series was succeeded by the iMac G4, and the iMac G3's position in education markets was replaced by the eMac.

Background

[edit]
See also: Apple Inc. history, 1990–1997

In the late 1990s, Apple Computer was experiencing severe financial difficulties. At the end of 1997, the company was selling 1.8 million Macs per year, in comparison with 4.5 million two years earlier. Apple's sales were compromised by licensed Mac systems that undercut and out-performed Apple's own products.[1] Apple was unable to compete in the low-cost computer market, and entirely abandoned the sector.[2]

In December 1996, Apple purchased the NeXT computer company, founded by Steve Jobs. As part of the deal, he returned to Apple, the company he had co-founded in 1976 and then been ousted from in 1985.[3][4] Apple also acquired NeXT's operating system NeXTSTEP, which would become the foundation for Apple's next-generation operating system Mac OS X.[5] Jobs returned to Apple as an advisor but the company's board of directors dismissed CEO Gil Amelio on July 9, 1997, and Jobs replaced him in an interim capacity.[6][7]

Around the same time, Apple's industrial design director Robert Brunner left the company and was succeeded by junior designer Jony Ive, who inherited the award-winning design team.[8] Ive was dispirited with Apple's leadership and also considered leaving.[9] At a meeting announcing Jobs's appointment as Apple's CEO, Jobs told his staff that Apple's problems stemmed from its poor products. Ive noted Jobs's focus on making industrial design a core part of Apple's comeback strategy.[10] Ive and Jobs quickly developed a rapport, and Jobs retained Apple's industrial design team under Ive's leadership.[11]

Jobs streamlined the company into profitability by cost-cutting, but the company still needed compelling products to boost sales.[12] He planned to reduce Apple's extensive and confusing computer offerings to four products: a laptop and desktop model each for professionals and consumers.[13] The planned consumer-oriented desktop computer would become the iMac.[14]

Design

[edit]

Jobs initially wanted the new consumer desktop to be a network computer—a cheap, low-powered terminal without disk drives that would connect to Internet servers. Ive's design team was given Jobs's specifications for the new product in September 1997: it should be a distinctive, all-in-one computer with a price of about $1,200, much lower than the $2,000 (equivalent to $3,900 in 2024) for contemporary entry-level models.[15] The engineering and design teams had less than one year to deliver a finished product.[16]

The design team tried to discern what objects conveyed the emotions they wanted the computer to evoke. While collaboratively developing sketches, designer Doug Satzger drew an ovoid drawing based on his earlier work on Thomson televisions. Ive and the rest of the team focused on the ovoid design, although Jobs initially rejected the look. Ive defended the design as playful and fun, and persuaded Jobs to accept the idea. Jobs began carrying a foamcore model of the computer around the Apple campus to show it off.[17]

A bulbous, plastic-shelled computer, with a keyboard at the bottom and a computer screen above it on a hinge.
Detail of the back of a curved, blue-green translucent computer; a white plastic handle and ventilation hole are visible.
Earlier Apple products featuring translucent plastics such as the eMate 300 influenced the look of the iMac.

When discussing the idea of a machine that inspired positive emotions, the designers mentioned colorful candy dispensers.[18] Materials tests with solid plastics looked cheap, so they made the case translucent.[19] Translucent hardware design was not new to Apple's products; the Power Macintosh 8600, 9600, and Power Macintosh G3 tower computers had translucent green latches, and the LaserWriter 8500, eMate 300, and Studio Display incorporated translucent colored plastics more extensively. Former Apple senior designer Thomas Meyerhoffer described the eMate's plastics as a way of making the product accessible and distinctive.[20] To Ive, the translucency "came across as cheeky" but meant the aesthetic design of the internal components would also need to be considered. Inspiration came from translucent items the designers brought to the office; one item was a piece of greenish-blue beach glass. This "Bondi blue" object inspired the color Jobs selected for the first iMac.[21]

Apple's design team radically overhauled its processes to meet the tight deadline. In the past, they had sent two-dimensional blueprints or hand-drawn sketches to toolmakers to create molds, a laborious process that could take months. Instead, Apple relied on computer-aided design (CAD) using the three-dimensional (3D) modeling program Alias Wavefront to sculpt designs, and CNC milling machines and primitive 3D printers to create physical mockups. Apple's product designers wrote software to allow the Wavefront 3D models to be brought into Unigraphics, a program that was used in aerospace design. This process allowed the engineers to compare 3D models of the computer's components with the casing, speeding up the process of finding a workable combination of external and internal elements.[22]

Jobs reconsidered the network computer concept as similar products struggled in the market, and recalibrated the project as a full-featured computer with optical disc storage and hard drives.[23][24] The finalized iMac's components and 15-inch (38 cm) cathode-ray tube (CRT) display are enclosed within a plastic shell. The translucent effect was achieved by mixing light-scattering particles into the plastic, instead of texturing the surface as is typically done with injection-molded parts.[25] The computer features translucency throughout, such as the small foot to raise the computer, and the power cord resembling condensation on glass.[26] Port labels and regulatory markings have holographic stickers.[27] The design team added a recessed handle to the back of the computer to make it more personal and approachable for new computer users.[26] The cost of the casing was more than three times that of a typical computer[28] but Ive credited Jobs with intuitively understanding the design aims and not demanding justification for the increased costs.[26] The keyboard and mouse were redesigned with matching translucent plastics and trim for the iMac. Ive was especially proud of the round mouse, which shows the complicated internal components that are partially hidden behind the Apple logo.[29]

Jobs wanted the new computer to be a modern, legacy-free PC without old or proprietary technology.[30] Engineers adapted the Common Hardware Reference Platform (CHRP) specification to speed development. This included standard SO-DIMM RAM of Windows-based PCs, and an Open Firmware read-only memory (ROM). While previous models stored substantial machine-specific OS components in ROM to minimize RAM use, with CHRP the iMac loaded them into RAM from storage, shortening production time.[31] The iMac has no serial ports, Apple Desktop Bus, or floppy disk drive. To replace the removed ports, the iMac has Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, which were faster and cheaper than Apple Desktop Bus and serial ports but were very new—the standard was not finalized until after the iMac's release—and unsupported by any third-party Mac peripheral.[30][32] Jobs wagered USB would solve the problem of accessory makers abandoning the shrinking Mac market with its special connectors.[33] The iMac does not officially have an expansion slot, but early versions include a PCI Mezzanine Card slot intended for internal use but for which a few third parties produced expansion cards, such as video card upgrades and SCSI ports.[34] Early models have an IrDA infrared port that wirelessly connects personal digital assistants and other devices.[32] Jobs was furious the initial iMac model came with a tray-loading CD-ROM drive rather than a more-modern slot-loading drive, and nearly canceled the product launch over it. Jobs continued with the launch after he was assured subsequent models would include a slot-loading CD-ROM drive as soon as possible.[35]

In early 1998, representatives from the advertising agency TBWA\Chiat\Day were shown the new computer, codenamed "C1". Creative director Ken Segall said the agency's first impression was that the product might be too shocking to be successful.[36] Jobs was proud to show off Apple's work, saying "the back of our computer looks better than the front of [our competitors'] computers". Jobs informed Segall the internal name was "MacMan", contributed by Apple's marketing executive Phil Schiller, and solicited a study for a better name. Apple stipulated the name must contain "Mac", it must evoke easy Internet connectivity, and it must not sound portable or toy-like.[37] TBWA spent a week developing other names; Segall's pick was "iMac"; it was short, it said the product was a Macintosh computer, and the i prefix suggested the internet.[38] Jobs disliked all of the suggested names and gave the agency another week to generate more possibilities. At the next presentation, Segall once again ended with "iMac"; Jobs said he no longer hated the name but still preferred "MacMan". Segall thought he had failed, but the next day he learned Jobs had suggested the name to other employees and gotten a positive response. The product was thus named the iMac.[39]

Release

[edit]
Carousel of side views of the iMac computer, cycling through a variety of colors and patterns.
All 13 colors of the iMac G3

Steve Jobs unveiled the iMac on May 6, 1998. The product launch echoed that of the original Macintosh 128K in 1984. It was staged in the same location, the Flint Center for the Performing Arts at De Anza College. Jobs invited Apple founding members Steve Wozniak, Mike Markkula, and Michael Scott, as well as members of the original Macintosh team. After demonstrating the look of traditional computers, Jobs revealed the iMac from under a tablecloth. The computer displayed "Hello (again)" on its screen, hearkening back to the Macintosh's whimsical "Hello" introduction.[40]

Apple began shipping the iMac on August 15, 1998.[41] The computer was supported by a $100 million advertising campaign that stressed the iMac's ease of use, internet connectivity, and striking contrast from competitors' products. Actor Jeff Goldblum narrated television advertisements that rhetorically asked if computer companies had been in "thinking jail" making only beige products.[42] Other promotions included radio giveaways, midnight launch events, and "golden tickets" hidden in select iMacs that could be redeemed for a tour of an Apple factory.[43] To make sure Apple was able to ship as many Macs as possible, operations executive Tim Cook prebooked $100 million in air freight. Apple was able to meet demand while at the same time causing shipping delays for their competitors during the holiday season.[44]

Model lineup

[edit]

The first release of the iMac G3 had a 233 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, ATI Rage IIc graphics, 4 GB hard drive, 32MB of RAM, a tray-loading CD-ROM drive, two USB ports, networking, an infrared port, built-in stereo speakers, and headphone ports. Its casing was Bondi blue–colored and it shipped with Mac OS 8.1. On October 17, the iMac was updated with faster ATI Rage Pro Turbo graphics options and Mac OS 8.5.[45] A more substantial revision to the iMac lineup came in January 1999. These new models came in five colors: blueberry, strawberry, tangerine, grape, and lime. They had a 266 MHz processor and a 6 GB hard drive. The infrared port and mezzanine slot were removed.[46]

Apple released a new series of iMacs on October 5, 1999, focused on the emerging digital video (DV) market.[47] The new models were similar in appearance to the previous models but had a slightly smaller enclosure; the steel casing shrouding many of the components in the previous model was removed, the colors were lighter, and the plastics clearer. The tray-loading CD-ROM drive was replaced with a slot-loading drive and a rear door was fitted so users could easily add RAM, and a slot for an AirPort wireless networking card was added. The computer's components were cooled fanlessly by convection, with hot air exhausted through vents around the top handle.[47] Three new models were offered, and some colors and features were restricted to certain models. The cheapest model, now at $999, was available in only one color. It shipped with a 350 MHz processor, 64 MB of RAM, a new graphics chipset, and a larger hard drive. The iMac DV came in five colors and shipped with the video-editing software iMovie. It also had a 400 MHz processor, two FireWire ports for high-speed connectivity, a larger hard drive, and DVD-ROM optical drive. The iMac DV Special Edition came in a new color named graphite, and shipped with more RAM and a 13 GB hard drive—the largest capacity in the lineup. The iMac DV models also included a VGA video-out port for mirroring the iMac's display on another monitor.[48][49]

On July 19, 2000, Apple released a new iMac lineup with four configurations in five colors. The base model had no FireWire port or video-out socket, came in an indigo casing, and retailed for $799. It had the same processor and memory as the previous iMac with a larger hard drive. The iMac DV and DV+ models had 400 MHz and 450 MHz processors, respectively, and larger hard drives; and the DV+ model had a DVD-ROM drive. The most expensive model was the iMac DV Special Edition, which had a 500 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM, a larger hard drive, and an exclusive snow color.[50]

Apple's next iMac revision was released on February 22, 2001. The new machines came with CD-RW drives and iTunes software as Apple shifted to digital music consumption.[51] The iMac and iMac Special Edition shipped with 400 to 600 MHz processors and FireWire became standard alongside a faster graphics chipset and larger hard drives. Apple supplemented the existing indigo and graphite colors with two new patterns, "Flower Power" and "Blue Dalmatian", which were intended as visual representations of music.[52]

A final revision in July 2001 returned to more sedate colors—indigo, graphite, and snow. These models shipped with Mac OS X, 500, 600, or 700 MHz processors, up to 256 MB of RAM, and a 60 GB hard drive on the Special Edition.[53] Following the introduction of the iMac G4 in January 2002, Apple continued selling some G3-based iMac models,[54] with 500 and 600 MHz models in indigo, snow, and graphite. The indigo and graphite models were discontinued first, and the snow model was discontinued in March 2003.[55]

Sales

[edit]

The iMac G3 was an immediate hit with consumers,[56] with 278,000 units sold in the first six weeks, and 800,000 units after 20 weeks. It was the top-selling desktop computer in US stores the first three months of its release.[46] Nearly half of iMac sales were to first-time computer buyers, and nearly 20 percent were Microsoft Windows users who switched to the Mac.[57] In the quarter the iMac shipped, Macintosh computer sales grew year-on-year for the first time since late 1995, and saw the Mac grow its worldwide market share from 3 to 5 percent.[12] Apple went from losing $878 million in 1997 to making $414 million in 1998, its first profit in three years.[41] The iMac continued to be a strong seller for Apple, with 3.7 million units sold by July 2000,[58] and shipping the five-millionth iMac in April 2001.[59] In announcing the computer's successor in January 2002, Jobs said that the iMac had sold 6 million units.[60]

Critical reception

[edit]
Overhead view of a round, translucent plastic peripheral on a wooden desk. Circuitry inside is partially visible beneath the blue-and-white plastic
The "hockey puck" mouse that shipped with early iMacs

The iMac G3 received mixed reviews on release. Tech reviewers were often negative about the machine.[5][61] Hiawatha Bray said the choices Jobs had made with the iMac doomed the product.[61] In comparison, Macworld's Andrew Gore said the iMac G3 might be as important as the original Macintosh in shifting the computing paradigm, and that Apple's "Think different" marketing campaign was not just empty talk.[62] Reporters including Newsweek's Barbara Kantrowitz and the San Francisco Chronicle's David Einstein considered it the first promising step in Apple's possible resurgence.[63][64][65]

The look of the iMac was generally praised.[66] Many reviewers compared its curved look to the recently released Volkswagen New Beetle,[64][67] journalist Rob Morse likened it to a "huggable", futuristic machine like R2-D2 or a toy from The Jetsons.[68] Less positive reviews compared the iMac to an AMC Gremlin.[65]

Positive reviews highlighted the computer's ease of use for setup and operation;[63][69][70] According to Morse, the iMac felt "almost human" and approachable for a non-tech consumer.[68] Publications including CNN and PC Week considered the iMac's performance fast,[71] but others felt the machine was underpowered, and PC World's testing showed that the machine generally performed less well than Windows PC competitors.[72] Although reviewers noted that general consumers and new computer buyers would be well served by the machine,[73] they were less sure that it could fit into an office environment, especially if it was not networked.[74]

Criticism focused on the iMac's lack of legacy ports.[5] Bray wrote that the lack of a floppy drive essentially wrote off most potential buyers in favor of " 'elites' [who will] pay more for less".[75] Gore considered the loss of the floppy drive acceptable but wished that the CD-ROM module, which was identical to that of the PowerBook notebook, could be swapped. He said the lack of expansion slots limited the computer's future potential.[76] The Washington Post's John Breeden highlighted the lack of SCSI as making the iMac unsuitable for office work.[77] Other reviewers bemoaned the high cost of external replacements for the internal floppy disk drive,[78] low amount of installed memory,[66] and its tinny speakers.[77]

Another major complaint with the iMac was its original mouse and keyboard, which reviewers said were small and difficult to use comfortably,[79] calling them an example of style over substance.[70] The shape of the mouse was derisively compared to a hockey puck, and its reviewers considered the cable too short.[80] The mouse's round shape made it difficult for users to discern its correct orientation.[29] The mouse and keyboard were replaced with the Apple Pro Mouse and Apple Pro Keyboard for the 2000-revision iMacs.[81] Other complaints included the lack of software and USB accessories, incompatibility with Microsoft Windows, and price.[56] Later iMac G3 models addressed some of the product's perceived shortcomings.[5][82] As the product line aged, reviews noted the new models offered few advances over previous versions.[53]

The iMac won several design competitions and awards, including Gold at the 1999 D&AD Design Awards in the UK,[42] and "Object of the Year" by The Face.[83] iMac G3 models are held in the collections of museums including the Henry Ford, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.[84]

Legacy

[edit]
Further information: Notable litigation of Apple Inc. § Apple v. eMachines, § appleimac.com

The iMac G3 became a computing icon. Paul Atkinson wrote that the original Macintosh made a huge impact on computing, but it had not affected the look of computers; for decades, personal computers were defined by unimaginative, beige boxes. The iMac, in contrast, did not affect the way consumers used computers but its design changed the idea of the appearance of computers. Apple defined itself in opposition to its competitors, who rushed to produce computers that followed the iMac's design language, adding similar translucent or colored plastic to their designs.[85][86] The iMac mirrored contemporary design trends in its use of streamlining and curves; one designer said the focus on rounding helped make objects more approachable and personal.[87]

Apple protected the distinctive iMac design with legal action against competing computer makers who attempted to imitate the iMac, such as eMachines' eOne.[88] The iMac made computers fashionable rather than utilitarian,[89] and helped popularize USB and hasten the demise of the floppy disk.[41] Following Apple's lead, other computer makers focused on "legacy-free" personal computers.[90][91]

The iMac's sales helped buoy Apple while it released a modern operating system and refreshed the rest of the Mac lineup. The computer's success positioned the company to focus on emerging digital media trends.[5] It also established a formula of quickly polishing a new Apple product through rapid iterative updates.[92] Macworld noted the iMac saved Apple financially and proved Apple could still produce exciting, innovative products.[41] The iMac also served as the public's introduction to Jony Ive, making him one of the world's most celebrated designers.[86][89] The product's name influenced many of Apple's later products—such as iPod, iLife, and iPhone[41]—and for a time defined Apple's consumer-focused product lines.[93] Apple's consumer laptop the iBook followed the iMac's lead in a lack of legacy technology and use of colorful, translucent plastic.[94] The iMac was so successful in schools Apple created a G4-powered successor named the eMac, initially sold only to the education market.[5][95]

The design influence of the iMac G3 was not limited to personal computers; by the early 2000s, multicolored, translucent plastic designs had become common among consumer designs, including microwave ovens and George Foreman grills. USA Today called the translucence trend "electronics voyeurism".[89] Apple would follow the bulbous, candy-colored iMac G3 with the flat-panel, white "Sunflower" iMac G4 in 2002.[41] Apple's desktop lineup remained relatively monochrome in the following years; the 2021 release of Apple silicon-based iMacs were sold in seven colors and were considered to hearken back to the iMac's colorful roots.[96][97][98]

Specifications

[edit]
First generation
Model iMac (233 MHz)[99] iMac (266 MHz)[100] iMac (333 MHz)[101]
Colors Original iMac viewed from the side Lineup of iMacs in five different colors, side view
Release date August 15, 1998 October 26, 1998 January 5, 1999 April 15, 1999
Color(s)   Bondi Blue   Blueberry   Grape   Tangerine   Lime   Strawberry
Processor 233 MHz G3 266 MHz G3 333 MHz G3
Cache 32 KB of L1 Cache and 512 KB of L2 backside cache
Memory Two SO-DIMM slots: 32–256 MB PC100 SDRAM
Graphics ATI Rage IIc with 2 MB of SGRAM[46] ATI Rage Pro Turbo with 6 MB of SGRAM[46][102]
Hard drive 4 GB 6 GB
Optical drive
Tray-loading 		24× CD-ROM
Connectivity 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet
56k modem
4 Mbit/s IrDA —
Peripherals 2× USB
Audio input/output jacks
Built-in stereo speakers
Original operating system Mac OS 8.1 (initial release) or Mac OS 8.5 Mac OS 8.5.1
Maximum operating system Mac OS X 10.3 Panther if 128 MB of RAM installed, otherwise Mac OS 9[103]
Weight 40 lb (17.25 kg)
Dimensions 15.8 × 15.2 × 17.6-inch (40.1 × 38.6 × 44.7 cm)

Second generation
Model iMac (slot loading)[104] iMac (Summer 2000)[105] iMac (early 2001)[106] iMac (Summer 2001)[107]
Pictures Side view of an iMac in a translucent gray and white color scheme. Side view arrangement of five iMacs, in clear dark blue, red, green, gray, and a frosted white. Side view of four iMacs, in clear dark blue, gray, blue with light circle spots, and multicolored flowers screened on its surface. Side view arrangement of dark blue, gray, and white iMacs.
Release date October 5, 1999 July 19, 2000 February 22, 2001 July 18, 2001
Colors   Blueberry   Grape   Tangerine   Lime   Strawberry   Graphite   Indigo   Ruby   Sage   Graphite   Snow   Indigo   Graphite   Blue Dalmatian  ✿  Flower Power   Indigo   Graphite   Snow
Processor speed

350 or 400 MHz G3

350, 400, 450, or 500 MHz G3

400, 500, or 600 MHz G3

500, 600, or 700 MHz G3

Cache 512 KB of L2 Cache 512 KB of L2 Cache or 256 KB of L2 Cache 256 KB of L2 Cache
Memory Two slots of PC100 SDRAM
64 MB – 512 MB 		Two slots of PC100 SDRAM
64 MB – 1 GB 		Two slots of PC100 SDRAM
128 MB – 1 GB
Graphics ATI Rage 128 VR with 8 MB of SDRAM[49] ATI Rage 128 Pro with 8 MB of SDRAM[49] ATI Rage 128 Pro with 8 MB of SDRAM
ATI Rage 128 Ultra with 16 MB of SDRAM 		ATI Rage 128 Ultra with 16 MB of SDRAM
Hard drive 6 GB, 10 GB or 13 GB 7 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or 30 GB 10 GB, 20 GB, or 40 GB 20 GB, 40 GB or 60 GB
Optical drive
Slot-loading 		CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or CD-RW
Connectivity 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet
56k V.90 modem
AirPort ready (except 350 MHz Summer 2000 model)[108]
Peripherals 2× USB
2× FireWire (except 350 MHz models)
Audio input/output jacks
Built-in stereo speakers 		2× USB
2× FireWire
Audio input/output jacks
Built-in stereo speakers
Video out
(Mirroring) 		VGA
Original operating system Mac OS 8.6 Mac OS 9.0.4 Mac OS 9.1 Mac OS 9.1 and Mac OS X 10.0.4[53]
Maximum operating system Mac OS X 10.3 Panther (all models) if 128 MB of RAM installed, otherwise Mac OS 9[103]
Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger (FireWire models) if 256 MB of RAM installed[109] 		Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger if 256 MB of RAM installed, otherwise Mac OS X 10.3 Panther if 128 MB of RAM installed or Mac OS 9[109] Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger if 256 MB of RAM installed, otherwise Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
Weight 34.7 lb (15.7 kg)
Dimensions 15.0 × 15.0 × 17.1 inch (38.1 × 38.1 × 43.5 cm)

References

[edit]

See also

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

IMac G3

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The iMac G3 is a series of all-in-one personal computers developed by (now ) and announced on May 6, 1998, as the company's first major consumer product following ' return as interim CEO in 1997. Designed by Jonathan Ive and the , the original Bondi Blue model featured a revolutionary translucent case that integrated a 15-inch CRT display with the CPU, hard drive, and peripherals into a single teardrop-shaped enclosure, eliminating the floppy drive in favor of two USB 1.1 ports for modern connectivity. It was powered by a 233 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor with 32 KB L1 cache and 512 KB L2 cache, 32 MB of SDRAM (expandable to 128 MB), a 4 GB EIDE hard drive, a 24x drive, 2 MB of shared SGRAM video memory supporting resolutions up to 1024x768 at 60 Hz, an integrated 56k modem, 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet, and stereo speakers, all running Mac OS 8.1 and priced at $1,299. The iMac G3's bold, colorful aesthetic—later expanded to include grape, lime, strawberry, and blueberry variants—challenged the beige-box standard of computing, emphasizing simplicity, readiness (the "i" originally standing for "internet"), and user-friendliness for home and markets. Over its production run through 2003, the line evolved with faster processors up to 700 MHz, slot-loading optical drives, FireWire ports, and maintained the all-in-one form factor. Its commercial success, with approximately 6.5 million units sold, propelled Apple from near-bankruptcy to profitability, outselling competitors during the 1998 holiday season and redefining the company's focus on innovative design and consumer appeal.

Background and Development

Apple's Pre-Release Challenges

In the mid-1990s, Apple Computer faced severe financial distress, culminating in near-bankruptcy by 1997. The company reported a staggering $708 million loss in its second fiscal quarter of that year, driven by declining sales and operational inefficiencies, while its overall fiscal 1997 net loss reached $1 billion. This financial turmoil was compounded by a plummeting stock price, which hit a 12-year low of approximately $13 per share in December 1997, reflecting investor skepticism about Apple's viability amid shrinking . These challenges stemmed from broader market dynamics, where Apple's premium-priced Macintosh systems struggled against the dominance of low-cost Windows-based PCs. The competitive landscape intensified Apple's woes, as inexpensive "" desktops from manufacturers like and flooded the consumer market with affordable alternatives running Microsoft's Windows operating system. By 1997, these commoditized PCs had captured the majority of the sector, leaving Apple with less than 5% and forcing the company to grapple with eroding consumer loyalty to its hardware and software . This pressure highlighted Apple's vulnerability in a price-sensitive industry increasingly favoring standardized, interchangeable components over the Mac's philosophy. Apple's acquisition of NeXT Software, founded by after his departure from Apple in 1985, for approximately $400 million in December 1996 brought Jobs back to the company as an advisor. Jobs' return to Apple in 1997 marked a pivotal shift, following the ousting of CEO in July after a series of disappointing financial results. Appointed interim CEO in September, Jobs implemented a rigorous "slash and burn" strategy to stem the bleeding, which included canceling unprofitable projects such as the Newton —a product that had already consumed over $100 million without significant returns—and terminating the licensing of Mac OS to third-party cloners, a program initiated under previous leadership to boost volume but which cannibalized Apple's hardware sales. Additionally, in August 1997, invested $150 million in Apple , along with a commitment to develop Office for Mac and a cross-licensing agreement, providing a crucial financial lifeline that helped avert immediate bankruptcy. Internally, these reforms triggered profound cultural changes, including massive layoffs totaling over 4,100 employees—about one-third of the workforce—in March 1997 under Amelio's final directives, with further reductions under Jobs to streamline operations. To refocus the company, Jobs simplified the sprawling product lineup, which had ballooned to dozens of variants, into a disciplined four-quadrant framework: consumer and desktops, and and portables. This strategic pruning aimed to eliminate redundancy, restore fiscal discipline, and reposition Apple for a potential turnaround by concentrating resources on core strengths.

Project Conception and Team

The iMac G3 project originated in late 1997, shortly after ' return to Apple as interim CEO, under the internal codename "C1." The initiative aimed to develop an affordable all-in-one consumer desktop to fill the gap left by the discontinued Performa line, which had targeted budget-conscious users but failed to stem Apple's declining . This effort was part of Jobs' broader strategy to streamline Apple's product portfolio and refocus on innovative, user-centric hardware amid the company's financial struggles. Central to the project's success was Jonathan Ive, whom Jobs recruited to lead Apple's group upon his 1997 return, elevating Ive from a mid-level designer to senior vice president of . Ive, who had joined Apple in 1992, emphasized a design philosophy centered on simplicity, emotional resonance, and human-centered appeal rather than raw technical specifications, marking a departure from the utilitarian of prior Macintosh models. Under Ive's direction, the design team prototyped bold, translucent enclosures that aimed to make computing feel approachable and joyful, aligning with Jobs' vision of technology as an inviting experience. Jobs exerted direct influence over key decisions, insisting on the omission of a floppy disk drive in favor of emerging technologies like USB ports for peripherals, a move that forced a forward-looking reliance on CD-ROMs and digital connectivity. He championed a radical aesthetic shift away from beige, boxy PCs to create a product that evoked fun and curiosity, often collaborating closely with Ive in late-night sessions to refine prototypes. This hands-on approach underscored Jobs' belief that design should drive emotional engagement over incremental specs. The project involved tight collaboration across Apple's design, engineering, and marketing teams, with hardware engineering led by , who joined as senior vice president in 1997 and oversaw the integration of the PowerPC G3 processor into a compact form factor. Marketing efforts, guided by figures like Ken Segall, focused on positioning the as a lifestyle product for the era. Facing immense pressure from Apple's precarious finances, the team adhered to a rushed timeline, completing design and engineering in under a year to enable a May 1998 announcement and August launch, prioritizing speed to inject vitality into the brand.

Design Features

Industrial Aesthetics

The iMac G3 featured a groundbreaking translucent casing in the signature Bondi Blue color, which encased both the 15-inch CRT monitor and the underlying computer components in a seamless, teardrop-shaped form with a curved base resembling a . This all-in-one design integrated the display directly atop the system unit, minimizing cables and desk space while allowing subtle visibility of internal elements like the tray-loading drive through the semi-transparent material. The aesthetic marked a stark departure from the prevailing beige, boxy standards of late-1990s personal computers, embracing vibrant, playful curves instead of utilitarian anonymity. Under the leadership of , Apple's industrial design team drew inspiration from ' minimalist Braun designs and broader consumer product trends, while emphasized creating devices that evoked emotional joy and desire, famously describing the as "good enough to lick." The translucent finish, in particular, was intended to demystify technology by revealing its inner workings in an approachable way, blending functionality with visual intrigue. Candy-like hues further reinforced this approachable ethos, transforming the computer from a mere tool into a colorful object. Ergonomically, the iMac G3 prioritized user comfort through its compact footprint, which reduced desktop clutter by eliminating separate towers and peripherals, and a forward-tilted CRT screen optimized for eye-level viewing during prolonged sessions. The 15-inch display's slight backward angle—approximately 8 degrees—helped align it naturally with the user's gaze, promoting better posture in home and office environments. Following the 1998 launch in Bondi Blue, the design evolved in January 1999 with the introduction of five new "flavors": (royal blue), (purple), Lime (green), (pinkish-red), and (orange), each maintaining the translucent polycarbonate shell to sustain the model's whimsical appeal and broaden consumer choice. This color expansion reinforced the iMac G3's role as a stylistic innovator, encouraging personalization while preserving its core aesthetic integrity.

Functional Components

The iMac G3 pioneered an all-in-one form factor that seamlessly combined the CRT monitor, , and speakers within a compact , optimizing internal space by mounting the logic board directly behind the display tube. This engineering choice not only reduced the overall footprint to approximately 16 by 16 by 18 inches but also simplified assembly and maintenance while promoting a clutter-free on desks or tables. The integrated layout emphasized usability by eliminating separate towers or external components, allowing users to focus on interaction rather than setup. Complementing this integration were distinctive peripherals designed for style and simplicity, including a spherical "hockey puck" and a translucent keyboard that matched the system's colorful aesthetic. While these elements became iconic symbols of late-1990s , the drew significant criticism for its unergonomic round shape, which hindered comfortable grip and precise control during extended use. The keyboard, though praised for its responsive keys and solid , was often faulted for its compact size, limiting typing efficiency for some users. Despite these ergonomic shortcomings, the peripherals underscored Apple's push toward intuitive, visually cohesive hardware that prioritized over traditional functionality. A key usability innovation was the deliberate omission of a built-in floppy drive, which Apple viewed as obsolete, instead promoting the shift to optical media storage and USB connectivity as modern alternatives. The inclusion of two USB 1.1 ports on the rear facilitated plug-and-play connections for peripherals such as mice, keyboards, printers, and external drives, accelerating the broader industry adoption of USB as a universal standard. This forward-thinking approach streamlined user workflows by reducing reliance on legacy interfaces like ADB or , though it initially required adapters for older devices. The iMac G3's audio system featured built-in stereo speakers co-designed by , delivering clear, balanced sound directly from the enclosure without needing external amplification. Enhancing portability, a curved handle molded into the top of the case allowed users to carry the 38.1-pound unit easily between locations, reinforcing its role as an approachable consumer device. The translucent casing briefly referenced internal elements like the drive bays, blending functionality with visual intrigue.

Release and Variants

Announcement and Market Entry

The iMac G3 was unveiled on May 6, 1998, during a special event at Apple's auditorium, where introduced it as "the next insanely great computer" and highlighted its all-in-one design optimized for . Priced at $1,299, the machine included a 15-inch CRT monitor, keyboard, and mouse, making it a complete consumer system at a competitive entry point. Apple's marketing campaign centered on the simple slogan "Hello," later evolving to "Hello Again," with television advertisements portraying the translucent Bondi iMac in casual, approachable environments like living rooms and offices to underscore its user-friendly interface and built-in capabilities. These ads, directed by notable filmmakers, avoided technical jargon and focused on the product's joyful, accessible appeal for non-experts. Initial shipments began in the United States on August 15, 1998, limited to the Bondi Blue variant and assembled at Apple's factory to meet surging demand. By fall 1998, production expanded internationally, including facilities in Ireland, enabling broader availability. The pricing approach undercut rivals like the by bundling the display, while targeting educational institutions and home users preparing for Y2K compliance and the rise of online connectivity. Notably, the iMac G3 dispensed with a floppy drive to encourage adoption of and emerging .

Model Lineup and Updates

The iMac G3 lineup began with the original Revision A model, released on August 15, 1998, featuring a 233 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, 32 MB of PC66 SDRAM (expandable to 128 MB), a 4 GB EIDE hard disk drive, and a tray-loading 24x CD-ROM optical drive. This configuration was initially available only in Bondi Blue, with two USB 1.1 ports and an ATI Rage IIc graphics subsystem providing 2 MB of VRAM. A minor Revision B update followed shortly after, increasing VRAM to 6 MB via an ATI Rage II+ while retaining the same core specifications. Subsequent revisions expanded processor speeds and color options while introducing hardware refinements. On January 5, 1999, Apple introduced the 266 MHz PowerPC 750 model, maintaining 32 MB RAM, a 6 GB hard drive, and the tray-loading , available in five translucent "fruit" colors: , , lime, , and . Later that year, on April 14, 1999, Apple released the slot-loading 333 MHz model with 32 MB RAM, a 6 GB hard drive, and the same processor family, initially offered in and later expanded to the fruit color palette; this revision also upgraded the graphics to an ATI Rage IIc with 6 MB VRAM. In 2000, the lineup evolved further with higher-speed models incorporating USB 1.1 and optional FireWire () connectivity for digital video applications. The DV, introduced on October 5, 1999, featured 350 MHz and 400 MHz PowerPC 750 processors, 64 MB RAM, 10 GB hard drives, slot-loading DVD-ROM drives, and two FireWire ports, available in indigo, ruby, and sage colors starting at $1,299. A special DV edition added ports and enhanced specs including 128 MB RAM and a 13 GB hard drive for $1,499, available in graphite, bridging consumer and creative workflows. Later that year, on July 19, 2000, the 400 MHz and 450 MHz models debuted with USB 1.1, FireWire options, and color choices like indigo and graphite, alongside international variants adapted with region-specific power supplies for global markets. Color expansions continued into 2001 with limited-edition translucent patterns, marking the final evolutions before the transition to the . The and Blue Dalmatian special editions, released on February 22, 2001, used 500 MHz PowerPC 750cx processors, 64 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drives, and slot-loading Combo DVD-ROM/ drives, available exclusively in their namesake multicolored and spotted designs to appeal to creative users. The lineup concluded in summer 2001 with models including a 500 MHz version in indigo and snow, a 600 MHz model, and a 700 MHz , featuring up to 128 MB RAM and 60 GB hard drives. models, introduced in fall 1999 as part of the DV lineup and continued in later updates, featured 400 MHz processors, 128 MB RAM, and 30 GB hard drives in a professional-grade opaque finish, serving as a stylistic bridge to the forthcoming while retaining the G3 architecture.
Model/RevisionRelease DateProcessorKey FeaturesColors
Original (Rev. A/B)August 15, 1998233 MHz PowerPC 75032 MB RAM, 4 GB HDD, tray-loading 24x CD-ROM, 2 USB portsBondi Blue
266 MHz (Fruit Colors)January 5, 1999266 MHz PowerPC 75032 MB RAM, 6 GB HDD, tray-loading 24x CD-ROMBlueberry, Grape, Lime, Tangerine, Strawberry
Slot-Loading (333 MHz)April 14, 1999333 MHz PowerPC 75032 MB RAM, 6 GB HDD, slot-loading CD-ROM, ATI Rage IIc (6 MB VRAM)Blueberry (initial), Fruit Colors (later)
iMac DVOctober 5, 1999350/400 MHz PowerPC 75064 MB RAM, 10 GB HDD, slot-loading DVD-ROM, 2 FireWire portsIndigo, Ruby, Sage
iMac DV Special EditionOctober 5, 1999400 MHz PowerPC 750128 MB RAM, 13 GB HDD, slot-loading DVD-ROM, 2 FireWire portsGraphite
Summer 2000 (DV+)July 19, 2000400/450 MHz PowerPC 75064 MB RAM, 20 GB HDD, slot-loading DVD-ROM, USB 1.1, FireWire optionsIndigo, Graphite, Ruby, Sage
Special Editions (Flower Power/Blue Dalmatian)February 22, 2001500 MHz PowerPC 750cx64 MB RAM, 40 GB HDD, slot-loading Combo DVD-ROM/CD-RWFlower Power, Blue Dalmatian
Summer 2001July 2001500/600/700 MHz PowerPC 750cxUp to 128 MB RAM, up to 60 GB HDD, slot-loading DVD-ROM/CD-RW, FireWireIndigo, Snow, Graphite

Market Impact

Sales and Financial Outcomes

The iMac G3 achieved record-breaking sales shortly after its August 1998 launch, with 278,000 units sold in the first six weeks and 800,000 units within 20 weeks, making it the top-selling in U.S. retail stores during its initial three months. By April , cumulative sales exceeded 5 million units worldwide, marking a pivotal recovery for Apple amid prior financial struggles. The iMac G3 significantly contributed to Apple's return to profitability, powering a $106 million net profit in the fourth fiscal quarter of 1998 (ended September 25), compared to a $161 million loss in the prior year's quarter, as iMac sales boosted overall unit growth by 28 percent. For the full fiscal year 1998, Apple reported $309 million in net profits on $5.9 billion in revenue, reversing a $1.045 billion loss from 1997, with the iMac accounting for a substantial portion of consumer desktop revenue by mid-1999 through strong unit volume. In the first quarter of fiscal 1999 (ended December 26, 1998), iMac sales of 519,000 units drove profits to $152 million, more than tripling the year-earlier figure. The iMac G3 helped Apple capture about 10 percent of the U.S. consumer desktop market by late 1998, doubling its prior share and representing 6.2 percent of all U.S. PC unit sales in the fourth quarter of that year. In the education sector, it propelled Apple to a 30.6 percent share of the overall U.S. education market by the fourth quarter of 1999, with particular strength in K-12 where Apple's school market share reached 37 percent for the 1999-2000 academic year. International expansion further supported growth, with notable increases in Europe and Asia as the iMac's appeal extended beyond North America. Key factors driving this success included aggressive price reductions, such as dropping the entry-level model to $999 by early 1999, which broadened accessibility compared to the saturated PC market's higher-end offerings. These strategies, combined with the iMac's initial $1,299 launch price, enabled rapid and sustained demand.

Critical and Reception

The iMac G3 garnered significant acclaim from critics for its groundbreaking , which departed dramatically from the beige, utilitarian computers of the era. Reviewers highlighted its translucent Bondi Blue casing and curvaceous form as a refreshing visual statement that made approachable and desirable. In a analysis, Wired noted that the iMac's design delighted users' eyes and sparked imaginations, positioning it as a pivotal product in Apple's revival. Similarly, credited the iMac with ushering in a new consumer appreciation for the of everyday through its range of translucent colors. Despite the design enthusiasm, the iMac G3 faced criticism for ergonomic shortcomings and practical limitations. The included round "" mouse was widely panned for its awkward grip and imprecise tracking, often described as difficult to maneuver effectively. The compact keyboard also drew complaints for its cramped layout, exacerbating usability issues during extended sessions. Additionally, the soldered RAM restricted user upgradability, locking memory configurations and frustrating tech-savvy owners who preferred modular hardware. Consumer reception was largely positive, reflecting the product's appeal to home and education users, though not without some gripes. Surveys indicated high overall satisfaction with Apple products around the iMac's launch, with the company outperforming competitors in and support perceptions. Users appreciated the all-in-one and vibrant style, contributing to strong repurchase intent. However, some reported drawbacks like excessive heat from the CRT display and operational noise from fans and coils, which could make prolonged use uncomfortable in warm environments. The iMac G3's design innovations earned it prestigious accolades, underscoring its influence on industrial aesthetics. It received the "Design of the Decade" award from the Industrial Designers Society of America and the International Design Excellence Award in 1999. These honors affirmed its role in elevating standards across the tech industry.

Technical Details

Hardware Specifications

The iMac G3 was powered by a PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, with clock speeds ranging from 233 MHz in the original model to up to 500 MHz in later special editions like the iMac DV Special Edition. All variants included a 512 KB level 2 cache running at half the processor speed for improved performance efficiency. Graphics were handled by an ATI Rage IIc with 2 MB dedicated SGRAM in the initial revision or ATI Rage Pro Turbo with 6 MB dedicated SGRAM in subsequent models, capable of driving the display at up to 1024x768 resolution at 60 Hz in millions of colors. Memory configurations started at 32 MB of PC66 SDRAM (tray-loading models) or PC100 SDRAM (slot-loading models) in base models, expandable up to 128 MB officially (unofficially up to 512 MB) in early models and up to 512 MB officially (unofficially 1 GB) in later models via two SO-DIMM slots, with upgrades in tray-loading models requiring disassembly of the logic board. Storage consisted of Ultra ATA/66 hard disk drives from 4 GB in the initial release to 60 GB in higher-end models, paired with optical drives that evolved from a 24x tray-loading in originals to slot-loading Combo drives supporting and DVD-ROM in 1999 updates. Connectivity featured two USB 1.1 ports for peripherals, a 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet port, and a built-in 56k for dial-up ; starting with the summer 1999 models, FireWire ports were added (two on DV variants), and optional wireless networking (802.11b) became available from 2001. The optional AirPort wireless networking card, supporting 802.11b standards, was compatible with slot-loading iMac G3 models equipped with 350 MHz or faster processors, excluding the Summer 2000 Indigo 350 MHz variant due to the absence of an internal slot; early tray-loading models lacked this slot entirely. Installation required powering off the iMac, placing it face down on a soft surface, opening the access door on the bottom using a coin, attaching the antenna to the card, and inserting the card into the designated slot. The system utilized a 15-inch CRT display with a 13.3-inch viewable area and 1024x768 , powered by a universal 100-240V AC input supply rated at up to 100W. Dimensions measured 15.8 in (401 mm) height, 15.2 in (386 mm) width, and 17.6 in (447 mm) depth, with a weight of approximately 38 lb (17 kg) for tray-loading models or 35 lb (16 kg) for slot-loading models.

Software and Compatibility

The iMac G3 originally shipped with Mac OS 8.1 pre-installed, providing foundational support for its USB-only architecture and internet connectivity features, and supports upgrades up to Mac OS 9.2.2; later slot-loading models can run Mac OS X 10.3.9 (Panther) with minimum 192 MB RAM, or 10.4.11 () on select configurations with firmware updates. This version was upgradable to Mac OS 8.6, which enhanced USB stability and introduced better peripheral recognition, or to Mac OS 9.0, adding multi-user authentication and Sherlock 2 for integrated local and online searching. Later iMac G3 models, starting from mid-1999 revisions, came pre-installed with Mac OS 9.0, optimizing performance for digital media tasks and preparing users for the eventual shift to Mac OS X. Bundled software emphasized ease of use for home and educational users, including 5 for integrated word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations; Deluxe 98 for management. Internet readiness was supported by pre-installed browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.5 and , along with email client Microsoft Outlook Express, enabling immediate web access without additional setup. The iMac G3 pioneered widespread USB adoption by excluding legacy ports like ADB and , compelling users to transition to USB peripherals and fostering an ecosystem that included Apple's USB keyboard, mouse, StyleWriter printer, and Color OneScanner. This design choice facilitated smoother upgrades to Mac OS X, as USB became the standard interface, though early OS versions required updates like Mac OS 8.6 for optimal peripheral compatibility. While lacking native Windows support due to its PowerPC architecture, the iMac G3 could run Windows applications via emulation software such as Virtual PC, allowing basic PC software operation within a virtualized x86 environment on Mac OS 9. Apple certified the iMac G3 and its OS for Y2K compliance, ensuring reliable date handling across hardware and software. It also delivered strong performance for applications like Photoshop 5.0 and tools, handling and QuickTime-based video tasks efficiently for its era, particularly when upgraded to 128 MB RAM or more. For wireless internet connectivity on early iMac G3 models lacking internal AirPort slots, very old 802.11b USB adapters, such as certain Belkin models like the F5D6050, provided drivers compatible with Mac OS 9. However, these adapters are obsolete, hard to find, limited in speed by the iMac G3's USB 1.1 ports (theoretically up to 11 Mbps but often slower in practice), and incompatible with modern WiFi security protocols like WPA2, supporting only older standards such as WEP. No reliable modern USB WiFi options exist for Mac OS 9 due to the absence of compatible drivers.

Legacy and Influence

Design and Industry Effects

The iMac G3's design, led by Jonathan Ive, introduced a pioneering translucent enclosure in Bondi Blue, marking a departure from the beige, opaque cases that dominated personal computing. This "clear craze" emphasized visibility of internal components while creating a sense of accessibility and playfulness, transforming computers from utilitarian boxes into stylish consumer objects. The approach shattered industry norms by prioritizing curves over sharp edges and vibrant colors over neutrality, influencing broader trends in product aesthetics during the late and early . It received major accolades, including the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) "Design of the Decade" award and the 1999 International Design Excellence Award (IDEA). By integrating the CPU, monitor, and peripherals into a single all-in-one unit, the iMac G3 reduced modularity and clutter, setting a for compact, space-efficient desktops that minimized cabling and separate components. This shift encouraged the industry to rethink form factors, paving the way for subsequent Apple designs and inspiring similar integrated systems from other manufacturers. The emphasis on simplicity and integration has echoed in modern iMac iterations, where the all-in-one philosophy continues to define premium consumer desktops. The iMac G3 exclusively featured USB ports, eliminating legacy connectors like ADB and , which forced peripheral manufacturers to adapt and accelerated USB's transition from a niche standard to an industry norm. This bold move shocked the computing world and contributed to widespread adoption, as Apple's success demonstrated the practicality of universal connectivity. Environmentally, the iMac G3 employed recyclable plastics in its enclosure, aligning with emerging efforts in electronics design. Initial revisions faced minor criticism for lead content in the tube glass, highlighting ongoing challenges in hazardous material reduction.

Cultural Significance

The iMac G3 achieved iconic status in popular media during the late 1990s and early 2000s, appearing in films like (2002) and (2004), where its vibrant, translucent design symbolized the dawn of accessible personal computing and the digital revolution. Apple's advertising campaigns further amplified this imagery, positioning the iMac G3 as a gateway to and connectivity in commercials that evoked excitement about online communication, aligning with the broader "" initiative launched in 1997 to celebrate innovation and nonconformity. The iMac G3 played a pivotal role in reviving Apple's brand image, transforming public perception from a struggling corporation on the brink of failure to a beacon of cool, innovative design that resonated particularly with youth and creative professionals. Its colorful aesthetics and user-friendly appeal shifted Apple's reputation toward cultural relevance, making computing feel approachable and stylish rather than utilitarian, and fostering a sense of exclusivity among younger demographics and artists who saw it as an extension of personal expression. In education, the iMac G3's widespread deployment in schools during the late sparked widespread interest in among students, introducing a generation to digital tools through its intuitive interface and engaging design, which encouraged creative exploration in classrooms. This educational push led to follow-up initiatives like the in 2002, a budget-oriented successor specifically targeted at schools to sustain Apple's presence in learning environments amid economic constraints. The model's cultural value extended to preservation efforts, with an iMac G3 (Bondi Blue variant) acquired for the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection, recognizing its design as a landmark in industrial aesthetics. Long-term, the iMac G3 symbolized the end of the "" era of drab, uniform personal computers, challenging expectations by proving that technology could be both functional and visually appealing, thus influencing the integration of style into everyday gadgets. Retrospectives in the have highlighted its enduring role in pre-smartphone personal computing, crediting it with embedding colorful, approachable tech into and paving the way for Apple's dominance in .

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