In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computers, one device emerged in 1999 that not only captured the essence of innovation but also left an indelible mark on the industry. The Apple iMac Late 1999, affectionately known as the iMac with Slot Loading Drive, stands as a testament to the convergence of cutting-edge technology and sleek design.
The roots of the iMac Late 1999 can be traced back to the immediate aftermath of the first iMac shipment. The development of the “Kihei” model marked an evolutionary step for Apple, leveraging the success of its predecessor. Introduced to the market on October 5, 1999, this marvel required Mac OS 8.5 or later to unleash its full potential.
Distinguished by its slot-loading CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives, a 100 MHz system bus, RAGE 128 graphics on a 2x AGP bus, a Harmon Kardon sound system with an optional subwoofer, and compatibility with Apple’s 802.11b AirPort Card (adapter required), the iMac Late 1999 was a technological spectacle. The new case design, reminiscent of the classic Macintosh Plus and Volkswagen Beetle, embraced air cooling, eliminating the need for a cooling fan. This innovation, coupled with a more compact and lighter build, marked a departure from the tray-loading iMacs.
At its core, the iMac Late 1999 boasted a formidable 350 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, a 15-inch CRT display, 64 MB of RAM, a 6 GB hard drive, a 24x CD-ROM slot-loading drive, and 8 MB ATI Rage 128 VR graphics. This formidable combination of features positioned the iMac as an attractive option for consumers seeking a potent and budget-friendly computing solution.
Compared to its predecessor, the iMac Early 1999 series, the Late 1999 version showcased significant improvements. The slot-loading CD-ROM drive, a faster processor, an enhanced system bus, increased default RAM, a speedier Ultra ATA hard drive, an upgraded video processor with more VRAM, a superior sound system, and optional AirPort (802.11b) wireless card support solidified its status as a technological powerhouse.
As with all technological marvels, the iMac with Slot Loading Drive had its moment in the sun. On July 19, 2000, it was officially discontinued, making way for the iMac Mid 2000. Despite its departure from the market, the iMac Late 1999 continued to hold its ground, securing a permanent place in the annals of technology history.
Even 25 years after its initial release, the iMac Late 1999 remains a symbol of innovation and a significant piece of technological heritage. Its sleek design and groundbreaking features have paved the way for the evolution of Apple products, leaving an enduring legacy that resonates with enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike.
In retrospect, the iMac Late 1999 was more than just a computer; it was a harbinger of change and a pioneer in personal computing. Its impact reverberates through the corridors of time, influencing subsequent generations of Apple products.
As we navigate the digital landscape of the present, we can’t help but acknowledge the role played by this iconic device in shaping the technological marvels we enjoy today. The iMac Late 1999 stands tall as a timeless beacon of innovation, reminding us that the pursuit of excellence is a journey that transcends the constraints of time.
iMac G3 Late 1999
| Introduced | 5 October 1999 |
| Discontinued | July 19, 2000 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac2,1 |
| Model Number | M5521 |
| EMC | 1821 |
| Order Number | M7469LL/A |
| Original Price | $999 |
| Colors | Blueberry |
| 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 with Slot Loading Drive Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 350 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 | 6 GB |
| Media | 1 – Slot-loading 24x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 512 MB (Apple) 1 GB (Actual) |
| 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 VR |
| Graphics Memory | 8 MB |
| Display Connection | None |
| Display Modes | None |
| 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 |
| 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 | None |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 8.6 |
| Later OS | Mac OS 9.0 Mac OS 9.0.3 Mac OS 9.0.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.3.9 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 2.3.1 |
| Bundled Software | N/A |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple USB Keyboard Apple USB 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 (Slot Loading): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- iMac G3 – Wikipedia
- Late 1999 iMac G3 – Low End Mac
- 350 MHz iMac (Late 1999) – Low End Mac
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 15, 2024
