In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain products stand out as iconic milestones. One such gem in Apple’s illustrious history is the iMac Special Edition Early 2001. Released on February 22, 2001, as part of the iMac G3 series, this computer marked a significant moment in the company’s journey, captivating consumers with its innovative features and sleek design.
Back in 2001, Apple made waves in the tech world with the introduction of the iMac G3 Special Edition Early 2001. Packed with cutting-edge features, this computer boasted a CD-RW drive and iTunes, revolutionizing the way users interacted with their digital content. The inclusion of Apple’s groundbreaking “jukebox” software allowed users to create and manage their music libraries, ushering in a new era of personal entertainment.
The iMac G3 SE Early 2001 was not just a computer; it was an entertainment center. Equipped with fast PowerPC G3 processors running at 600 MHz, 40 GB hard drives, FireWire ports, and iMovie software, it became a hub for creating desktop movies, managing digital music libraries, and burning custom music CDs. Steve Jobs, Apple’s visionary CEO at the time, remarked, “iMac has evolved into an entertainment center.”
iTunes, a game-changer in itself, allowed users to import songs from CDs, compress them into the popular MP3 format, and organize their music effortlessly. With user-friendly features like searching, browsing, and playlist creation, even the less tech-savvy could embrace the digital music revolution. The iMac’s CD-RW drive facilitated the creation of custom music CDs, empowering users to curate their musical experiences.
Another standout feature of the new iMac was the preinstallation of iMovie 2, the latest version of Apple’s consumer digital video editing software. With two FireWire ports, users could easily connect high-speed peripherals like digital camcorders and digital cameras. The iTools suite of free Internet services allowed users to share their creations on websites, contributing to the democratization of digital content creation.
The iMac SE Early 2001 also embraced wireless connectivity with its AirPort feature, Apple’s pioneering wireless networking solution. With speeds up to 11 megabits per second, users could enjoy untethered Internet access, reflecting Apple’s commitment to innovation and user convenience.
Beyond its impressive technical specifications, the iMac SE Early 2001 made a bold statement with its aesthetic choices. Available in two striking patterns, Blue Dalmatian and Flower Power, alongside the classic Graphite color, it blended performance with style, catering to a diverse range of consumer preferences.
Despite its popularity, the iMac Special Edition Early 2001 was discontinued on July 18, 2001. However, this marked not the end but a transition, as it was succeeded by the iMac Special Edition Mid 2001. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the iMac Mid 2001 model continued to push the boundaries of innovation and user experience.
As we reminisce about the past, the iMac SE Early 2001 stands as a testament to Apple’s early forays into the personal computer market. Now 23 years old, it serves as a nostalgic reminder for those who witnessed its release. The iMac G3 series, with the iMac SE Early 2001 at its forefront, is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Apple’s history, marking the company’s shift towards consumer-friendly design and functionality.
In the ever-accelerating world of technology, taking a moment to reflect on iconic devices like the iMac SE Early 2001 allows us to appreciate the strides made in user-friendly design, multimedia capabilities, and wireless connectivity. Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating memorable experiences for users remains evident in the legacy of the iMac G3 series.
As we celebrate the 23-year anniversary of the iMac SE Early 2001, it’s a nostalgic journey into the past, a reminder of where we’ve come from, and a glimpse of the innovations that shaped the digital landscape we inhabit today.
iMac Special Edition Early 2001 Details
| Introduced | February 22, 2001 |
| Discontinued | July 18, 2001 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac4,1 |
| Model Number | M5521 |
| EMC | 1857 |
| Order Number | M7680LL/A (Graphite) M7675LL/A (Blue Dalmatian) M7679LL/A (Flower Power) |
| Original Price | $1,499 |
| Colors | Graphite Blue Dalmatian Flower Power |
| 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 SE Early 2001 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750cx G3 |
| Processor Speed | 600 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 | 40 GB |
| Media | 1 – Slot-loading 24x CD-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 at 117 Hz 800 x 600 at 95 Hz 1024 x 768 at 75 Hz |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage 128 Pro ATI Rage 128 Ultra |
| Graphics Memory | 8 MB 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 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.0.3 |
| 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 6 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 (Early 2001): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils New iMacs With CD-RW Drives & iTunes Software – Apple Newsroom
- iMac G3 – Wikipedia
- 600 MHz iMac (Early 2001) – Low End Mac
- Early 2001: The iMac G3 Goes Psychedelic – 512 Pixels
- iMac/iMac DV 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 27, 2024
