In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, milestones are often marked by groundbreaking innovations. One such pivotal moment in Apple’s history occurred in 2001 with the introduction of the iMac Special Edition Mid 2001. Priced at $1,499, this computer not only redefined the computing experience but also showcased Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and performance.
Debuting on July 18th, 2001, the iMac Special Edition Summer 2001 set a new standard for personal computers of its time. Apple introduced cutting-edge features, offering models with 700 MHz PowerPC G3 processors and slot-loading CD-RW drives, all at a more accessible price point. The inclusion of Mac OS X, Apple’s next-generation operating system, was a testament to the company’s dedication to staying ahead of the technological curve.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, aptly captured the essence of this release, stating, “The world’s best computer for today’s digital lifestyle just got better.”
The iMac SE Mid 2001 wasn’t just a computing device; it was a creative powerhouse. With larger hard drives of up to 60 GB, memory configurations reaching 256 MB, and the inclusion of iMovie 2, Apple’s pre-installed consumer digital video editing software, users could now create and store more digital movies effortlessly.
The introduction of iTunes, pre-installed on every iMac, allowed users to import songs from their favorite CDs, compress them into the popular MP3 format, and organize their music, all starting at the attractive price of $1,499. The addition of slot-loading CD-RW drives facilitated the burning of music and data CDs, further solidifying the iMac SE Mid 2001 as a multimedia powerhouse.
Apple’s commitment to design excellence was evident in the new iMac SE’s award-winning, all-in-one design featuring a built-in 15-inch high-quality display with a resolution of 1024×768. The fan-less operation reduced noise levels, offering a quieter computing experience compared to competitive products.
Connectivity was a strong suit, with Dual FireWire and USB ports for easy connections to peripherals like DV camcorders. The inclusion of built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and a 56K V.90 modem ensured seamless internet access, while the support for optional AirPort showcased Apple’s foresight in embracing wireless networking solutions.
For gaming enthusiasts, the iMac SE Mid 2001 boasted an ATI RAGE 128 Ultra with 16 MB of video RAM, providing outstanding graphics and realistic gaming experiences. The comprehensive software bundle, including iTunes, iMovie 2, AppleWorks, QuickTime, and more, made it a complete package for both work and play.
Despite its impressive features and popularity, the iMac SE Mid 2001 was eventually discontinued on January 7, 2002, making way for newer innovations. Its successor, the iMac with a Flat Panel Display, took the reins in continuing Apple’s legacy of cutting-edge design and technology.
As we commemorate 23 years since its release, the iMac Special Edition remains a symbol of Apple’s pioneering spirit. While technology has advanced exponentially since then, this computer holds a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts and technology aficionados alike. Its impact on the digital lifestyle of its time is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of personal computing.
The iMac SE Summer 2001 stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and design. Its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its groundbreaking features, marking a significant chapter in the ever-evolving story of Apple’s technological journey.
iMac Special Edition Mid 2001 Details
| Introduced | July 18, 2001 |
| Discontinued | January 7, 2002 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac4,1 |
| Model Number | M5521 |
| EMC | 1857 |
| Order Number | M8510LL/A (Graphite) M8554LL/A (Snow) |
| 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 SE Summer 2001 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750cx G3 |
| Processor Speed | 700 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 | 60 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x CD-RW |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 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
- iMac G3 (Summer 2001) – Low End Mac
- Summer 2001: The Final iMac G3s – 512 Pixels
- 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
