In July 2001, Apple unleashed a groundbreaking computer that would leave an indelible mark on the tech landscape – the iMac Mid 2001. The new iMac wasn’t just a computer; it was a technological marvel designed to cater to the burgeoning digital lifestyle.
With speeds reaching up to 600 MHz, slot-loading CD-RW drives, and an infusion of Apple’s next-generation operating system, Mac OS X, the iMac Summer 2001 promised an enhanced user experience. Philip Schiller, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, aptly captured the sentiment, stating, “The world’s best computer for today’s digital lifestyle just got better.”
The line boasted fast new PowerPC G3 processors, empowering users to delve into the world of digital creation and sharing. With slot-loading CD-RW drives available across the lineup and iTunes pre-installed, users could effortlessly import, compress, and organize their music. The inclusion of iMovie 2, Apple’s consumer digital video editing software, provided users with the tools to create and store digital masterpieces.
The iMac Mid 2001 continued Apple’s tradition of award-winning design with its all-in-one format featuring a built-in 15-inch high-quality display. The 1024×768 resolution and fan-less operation added to the allure, reducing noise to half that of competitive products. The iconic iMac colors – Indigo, Snow, and Graphite – further solidified its status as a style statement.
The iMac Mid 2001 wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a connectivity powerhouse. Dual FireWire and USB ports facilitated easy connections to peripherals, including DV camcorders. The inclusion of built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and a 56K V.90 modem ensured seamless DSL and cable modem access. The collaboration with Harman Kardon for an all-digital sound system further elevated the multimedia experience.
Apple left no stone unturned in delivering value to users. The iMac Mid 2001 came bundled with a rich assortment of software, including iTunes, iMovie 2, AppleWorks, QuickTime, QuickTime VR, QuickTime Player, Quicken Deluxe 2001, Palm Desktop, FAXstf, Cro-Mag Rally, Nanosaur, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook Express, Netscape Communicator, and EarthLink TotalAccess.
The iMac Mid 2001, a member of the iMac G3 series, boasted a 500 MHz or 600 MHz PowerPC 750cx G3 processor, 64 MB to 256 MB of RAM, 20 GB or 40 GB hard drive, 24x CD-ROM or 8x CD-RW drive, and 16 MB ATI Rage 128 Ultra graphics. Available in two colors – Indigo and Snow for the 500 MHz model, and Graphite or Snow for the 600 MHz model – it aimed to cater to a broad audience.
With a starting price of $799, the iMac Summer 2001 positioned itself as an affordable and accessible personal computer for consumers. The 500 MHz model, priced at $999, and the 600 MHz model, priced at $1,299, offered varying configurations to cater to different user needs. These models were available immediately from The Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers.
As is the nature of technology, the iMac Mid 2001 had its run, being available from 2001 to 2003. Paving the way for future iMacs, it set the standard for sleek design, advanced technology, and an affordable price tag. Unfortunately, the sun set on the iMac Mid 2001 on March 18, 2003, as it made way for the iMac with a Flat Panel Display.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the iMac Mid 2001 remains etched in Apple’s history as a game-changer. Its impact on the desktop market, coupled with its enduring design and innovative features, ensures that it will always hold a special place in the hearts of tech enthusiasts. The iMac Mid 2001 marked a pivotal moment in Apple’s journey, demonstrating its commitment to pushing boundaries and shaping the digital landscape.
As we celebrate 23 years since the introduction of the iMac Mid 2001, we pay tribute to a computer that not only transformed the way we interact with technology but also laid the foundation for the future of Apple’s desktop line.
iMac Mid 2001 Details
| Introduced | July 18, 2001 |
| Discontinued | March 18, 2003 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac4,1 |
| Model Number | M5521 |
| EMC | 1857 |
| Order Number | M8582LL/A (500 MHz – Indigo) M8490LL/A (500 MHz – Snow) M8492LL/A (600 MHz – Graphite) M8546LL/A (600 MHz – Snow) |
| Original Price | $799 $999 $1,299 |
| Colors | Indigo 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 G3 Summer 2001 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750cx G3 |
| Processor Speed | 500 MHz 600 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 20 GB 40 GB |
| Media | 1 – Slot-loading 24x CD-ROM or 8x CD-RW |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB 128 MB 256 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 at 117 Hz 800 x 600 at 95 Hz 1024 x 768 at 75 Hz |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage 128 Ultra |
| Graphics Memory | 16 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 |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 9.1 Mac OS X 10.0.4 |
| Later OS | Mac OS 9.2 Mac OS X 10.1 Mac OS X 10.1.2 Mac OS X 10.1.3 Mac OS X 10.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 7.5.1 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9.1 or Mac OS X QuickTime iMovie 2 iTunes AppleWorks Microsoft Internet Explorer Microsoft Outlook Express Netscape Communicator Quicken Deluxe 2001 Palm Desktop FAXstf Cro-Mag Rally Bugdom Nanosaur |
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 2001): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Updates iMac Family – Apple Newsroom
- iMac G3 – Wikipedia
- 500 MHz iMac (Summer 2001) – Low End Mac
- iMac G3 (Summer 2001) – Low End Mac
- Summer 2001: The Final iMac G3s – 512 Pixels
- iMac G3/600 (Summer 2001, snow) – MattFuller
- iMac (Summer 2001) Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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 28, 2024
