On January 5, 1999, Apple revolutionized the world of personal computing with the introduction of the iMac in 5 Flavors, also known as the iMac Early 1999. This groundbreaking computer not only marked a significant milestone in Apple’s history but also set a new standard for design aesthetics in the tech industry.
At the core of the iMac in 5 Flavors was a 266 MHz or 333 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, a 15″ CRT Display, 32 MB of RAM, and a 4 GB or 6 GB hard drive. A 24x CD-ROM tray-loading drive and a 6 MB ATI Rage Pro graphics card rounded out the impressive specs. However, what truly set the iMac apart were its distinctive housing colors: Strawberry, Lime, Tangerine, Grape, and Blueberry. These vibrant hues were a departure from the monotonous beige and gray computers of the era, making the iMac instantly recognizable.
While the internal components weren’t drastically different from its predecessor, the original iMac, the iMac in 5 Flavors introduced a yearly speed bump with a significant splash of style. The removal of the mysterious mezzanine slot and the IRDA port streamlined the design, emphasizing Apple’s commitment to simplicity and elegance.
In the words of Steve Jobs during the keynote address, “In our consumer surveys, [color] is far more important than most of the mumbo-jumbo associated with buying a consumer computer. Megabytes, Megahertz, Gigabytes, people don’t care about that stuff. They want to trust us to give them a really great computer … They want to express themselves and pick the color [they] want.” This statement encapsulates Apple’s understanding of its customers’ desire for products that not only perform well but also reflect their individuality.
The iMac in 5 Flavors represented Apple’s first foray into offering a wide range of color options to consumers. All five iMacs shared the same internal specifications, allowing customers to choose a color that resonated with their personal style. This bold move by Apple was a testament to the company’s recognition that people want their purchases to make a statement about who they are.
This introduction of a variety of colors was a pivotal moment in Apple’s branding strategy. Just as carrying a gold iPhone or a blue iPod nano made a statement in later years, the iMac in 5 Flavors allowed users to express themselves through their choice of computer color. Apple’s brand equity, already on the rise, received a significant boost with this innovative approach to product design.
Despite its short time in the spotlight, the iMac in 5 Flavors left an indelible mark on Apple’s history. On October 5, 1999, Apple discontinued this iconic computer, making way for the iMac Late 1999. However, the legacy of the iMac in 5 Flavors endures, cherished by fans and remembered fondly as a symbol of Apple’s bold and creative spirit.
As we reflect on the 25 years that have passed since its introduction, it’s evident that the iMac in 5 Flavors was a computer ahead of its time. Its sleek design and powerful technology paved the way for future iMac models, influencing the trajectory of Apple’s product development. While the iMac in 5 Flavors may no longer be in production, its impact on the technology industry resonates today, a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and design excellence.
iMac G3 Early 1999 Details
| Introduced | January 5, 1999 |
| Discontinued | October 5, 1999 |
| Model Identifier | iMac,1 |
| Model Number | M4984 |
| Order Number | M7389LL/A (266 MHz Strawberry) M7392LL/A (266 MHz Lime) M7391LL/A (266 MHz Tangerine) M7390LL/A (266 MHz Grape) M7345LL/A (266 MHz Blueberry) M7441LL/A (333 MHz Strawberry) M7444LL/A (333 MHz Lime) M7443LL/A (333 MHz Tangerine) M7442LL/A (333 MHz Grape) M7440LL/A (333 MHz Blueberry) |
| Original Price | $1,199 |
| Colors | Blueberry Grape Strawberry Tangerine Lime |
| Weight | 40 Ibs. 18.143 KG |
| Dimensions | 15.8” H x 15.2” W x 17.6” D 40.13 cm H x 38.6 cm W x 44.7 cm D |
iMac in 5 Flavors Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 266 MHz 333 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 66 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 4 GB 6 GB |
| Media | 1 – Tray-loading 24x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 32 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 256 MB (Apple) 512 MB (Actual) |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC66 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| 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 Pro |
| Graphics Memory | 6 MB |
| Display Connection | Internal DB-15 connection for built-in display |
| Display Modes | None |
| External Resolution | N/A |
| Camera | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Optical Drive Interface | ATA-3 (Shared with hard disk drive) |
| Hard Drive Interface | ATA-3 (Shared with optical drive) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Infrared | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | Internal DB-15 connection for built-in display |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 8.5.1 |
| Later OS | Mac OS 8.6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.3.9 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 1.2.1 |
| Bundled Software | N/A |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple USB Keyboard Apple USB Mouse |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V Lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 80 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- iMac (266 MHz): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- iMac (333 MHz): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple iMac G3 Personal Computer, 1999 – Google Arts & Culture
- iMac G3 – Wikipedia
- Practical iMac G3 Applications and Upgrades – Low End Mac
- The iMac Legacy: The G3 Era – Low End Mac
- The iMac G3 Project – 512 Pixels
- 20 Macs for 2020: #1 – iMac G3 – Six Colors
- Apple iMac G3 Personal Computer, 1998-1999 – The Henry Ford
- iMac at 25: a visual history of Apple’s iconic all-in-one computer – The Verge
- 24 years of the iMac: looking back at Apple’s legendary iMac G3 – Pocket-lint
- How the Apple iMac G3 made our tech stylish – CNN
- Why iMac G3 was the computer that changed everything for Apple (again) – Stuff
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 13, 2024
