In the year 2000, Apple was experiencing a remarkable resurgence, and at the heart of this renaissance was the groundbreaking iMac DV Special Edition, also known as “iMac DV SE Summer 2000.” This personal computer would go on to become one of the most iconic products in Apple’s storied history, leaving an indelible mark on the tech landscape.
The iMac DV SE came equipped with the latest in technology, setting a new standard for personal computers. The package included Apple’s revolutionary optical mouse and a pro keyboard, both showcasing the company’s commitment to user-friendly design.
The Apple Pro Mouse boasts precise positioning on almost any surface, ergonomic full-surface buttons, and a comfortable elliptical shape, eliminating the need for a mousepad. Apple, always at the forefront of innovation, became the first personal computer company to provide an optical mouse as a standard accessory.
Accompanying the mouse was the sleek Apple Pro Keyboard, offering a full-size layout with function keys, navigation controls, volume adjustment, disc eject keys, and two USB ports. This keyboard was a testament to Apple’s dedication to providing a complete and user-friendly computing experience.
The iMac DV series, including the DV SE, set a new benchmark for multimedia capabilities. All models featured FireWire ports, facilitating seamless connections with digital camcorders and other FireWire devices. Moreover, the iMovie 2 software came pre-installed, offering a refined user interface and enhanced audio editing capabilities. Users could now manipulate video clips with new effects, such as speeding up or slowing down, adding sepia tone, and creating a soft focus.
The iMac DV+ and iMac DV SE took multimedia to the next level with slot-loading DVD-ROM drives, allowing users to read DVDs and enjoy DVD movies. These advancements made the iMac DV series a favorite among multimedia enthusiasts, setting Apple apart from the competition.
In a nod to the wireless future, all iMac DV models, including the SE, featured support for AirPort, Apple’s wireless networking solution. This innovation paved the way for a cable-free computing experience, aligning with Apple’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.
Additionally, the built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet provided easy access to DSL and cable modem networks, ensuring that the iMac DV series seamlessly integrated into the evolving landscape of internet connectivity.
The iMac DV Special Edition wasn’t just a style icon; it was a powerhouse of performance. Boasting a 500 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, a 15″ CRT display, 128 MB of RAM, a 30 GB hard drive, a 4x DVD-ROM slot-loading drive, and an 8 MB ATI Rage 128 Pro graphics card, the machine was ahead of its time. The fanless operation reduced noise levels to half that of competitive systems, providing a quiet and efficient computing experience.
The “Summer 2000” models addressed previous critiques by replacing the Apple USB Keyboard and “hockey puck” Apple USB Mouse with the more advanced Apple Pro Keyboard and Mouse, further enhancing the user experience.
As revolutionary as the iMac DV SE was, its time eventually came to an end. On February 22nd, 2001, Apple officially discontinued this technological marvel, marking the end of an era. However, even in its discontinuation, the iMac DV SE left an enduring legacy that continues to resonate with tech enthusiasts and Apple aficionados.
Today, 24 years later the iMac DV SE remains a symbol of Apple’s commitment to innovation and design excellence. Its sleek and compact design, coupled with powerful specifications, paved the way for future Apple products. The iMac DV SE, with a starting price of $1,499, made high-performance computing more accessible to a broader audience, contributing to Apple’s ongoing success.
Reflecting on the two decades since the iMac DV SE’s introduction, it’s evident that this iconic product played a pivotal role in shaping Apple’s trajectory. The company has since become a global leader, consistently pushing the boundaries of technology with groundbreaking products.
The iMac DV SE Summer 2000 stands as a testament to Apple’s ability to blend form and function seamlessly. As we marvel at the technological marvels of today, let’s not forget the product that helped set the stage for Apple’s extraordinary journey into the future. The iMac DV SE will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who witnessed its unveiling and experienced the revolution it brought to the world of personal computing.
iMac DV Special Edition Mid 2000 Details
| Introduced | July 19, 2000 |
| Discontinued | February 22, 2001 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac2,2 |
| Model Number | M5521 |
| EMC | 1857 |
| Order Number | M7651LL/A M7709LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,499 |
| Colors | Graphite Snow |
| Weight | 34.7 Ibs. 15.739 KG |
| Dimensions | 15” H x 15” W x 17.1” D 38.1 cm H x 38.1 cm W x 43.43 cm D |
iMac DV SE Summer 2000 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 500 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 30 GB |
| Media | 1 – Slot-loading 4x DVD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 128 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-100 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15″ Shadow-mask CRT Display (13.8″ viewable) |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage 128 Pro |
| Graphics Memory | 8 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA |
| Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
| External Resolution | N/A |
| Camera | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Optical Drive Interface | Ultra ATA (Shared with hard disk drive) |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA (Shared with optical drive) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps (8 W total power |
| Infrared | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 3 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – VGA |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 9.0.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | N/A |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 150 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-260 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- iMac (Summer 2000): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces New iMacs in Stunning New Colors – Apple Newsroom
- iMac G3 – Wikipedia
- iMac G3 (Summer 2000) – Low End Mac
- Summer 2000: Splintering the iMac G3 Line – 512 Pixels
- iMac DV SE (Summer 2000) – Low End Mac
- Apple iMac G3 Unboxing, Upgrade, and Review (Video) – YouTube
- iMac/iMac DV Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- iMac DV+, iMac DV Special Edition – MacWorld
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: January 21, 2024
