In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, one product stands out as a game-changer – Apple’s Original iMac. Released in 1998, this groundbreaking computer not only marked a significant shift in design philosophy but also played a pivotal role in reshaping the way people perceived and interacted with personal computers.
The Original iMac was introduced as the iMac (also known as iMac G3) and emerged as a beacon of innovation during a critical period for Apple. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Steve Jobs, who had recently returned to the company, Apple sought to redefine its product line. The iMac was conceived as a consumer-oriented desktop computer, aiming to provide an affordable, internet-ready solution.
At the core of the iMac’s allure was its all-in-one design, featuring a cathode-ray tube display that housed the G3 processor, components, and connectivity in a single enclosure. Spearheaded by Apple’s design guru Jony Ive and his team, the iMac boasted a teardrop-shaped, translucent plastic case – a departure from the conventional aesthetics of the time.
The design overhaul was not merely cosmetic; it symbolized a shift towards embracing new technologies. Legacy ports like serial ports and floppy disk drives were replaced with CD-ROMs and USB ports, aligning the iMac with the emerging digital era.
The Original iMac G3 made its grand entrance on May 6, 1998, in a product launch reminiscent of the iconic 1984 Macintosh unveiling. Steve Jobs, with founding members and the original Macintosh team in attendance, revealed the iMac from beneath a tablecloth. The computer greeted the world with a simple “Hello (again),” a nod to the Macintosh’s whimsical introduction.
Shipping commenced on August 15, 1998, accompanied by a $100 million advertising campaign that emphasized the iMac’s user-friendly interface, internet connectivity, and distinctive design. Actor Jeff Goldblum lent his voice to TV ads, challenging the industry’s status quo with the rhetorical question of whether computer companies had been in “thinking jail.”
Promotions included midnight launch events, radio giveaways, and golden tickets hidden in select iMacs, offering lucky winners a tour of an Apple factory. The marketing blitz, coupled with the product’s unique appeal, catapulted the iMac to immediate success.
Under the hood, the first iMac G3 boasted a 233 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, a 15-inch CRT Display, 32 MB of RAM, a 4 GB hard drive, and a 24x CD-ROM tray-loading drive. The base model featured 2 MB ATI Rage IIc graphics. Its innovative design, coupled with impressive performance and user-friendly software, positioned the iMac as a frontrunner in the personal computing arena.
Despite its technological prowess, critical responses to the iMac were mixed. Some lauded its innovation, ease of use, and consumer-friendly approach, while others criticized the exclusion of legacy ports and the discomfort associated with the mouse and keyboard. Tech reviewers expressed skepticism, with some foreseeing doom for the iMac.
Yet, the iMac defied the odds. Consumers embraced it wholeheartedly, with 278,000 units sold in the first six weeks and a staggering 800,000 units after 20 weeks. The iMac claimed the top-selling desktop computer title in US stores for its first three months, marking a significant turnaround for Apple, which had experienced financial struggles in the years prior.
The iMac G3 received accolades, winning design competitions and awards such as Gold at the 1999 D&AD Design Awards in the UK and “Object of the Year” by The Face. Museums, including The Henry Ford, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art, proudly display iMac G3 models in their collections.
As a testament to its enduring legacy, the iMac continued to be a strong seller, contributing to Apple’s return to profitability. However, on January 5, 1999, the Original iMac bid farewell, making way for the iMac Early 1999.
Today, the Original iMac remains a coveted collector’s item, cherished by enthusiasts and nostalgia buffs alike. Its iconic design, coupled with its pivotal role in Apple’s resurgence, ensures its place in the annals of computing history. Whether you’re a collector seeking a piece of technological history or simply a fan of innovative design, the Original iMac stands as a timeless classic that deserves to be remembered and appreciated even after 26 years.
The First iMac Presentation
Original iMac Details
| Introduced | May 6, 1998 |
| Released | August 15, 1998 (Revision A) October 26, 1998 (Revision B) |
| Discontinued | January 5, 1999 |
| Model Identifier | iMac,1 |
| Model Number | M4984 |
| Order Number | M6709LL/A M6709LL/B |
| Original Price | $1,299 |
| Colors | Blueberry |
| 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 G3 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 233 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 |
| Media | 1 – Tray-loading 24x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 32 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 128 MB (Apple – Revision A) 384 MB (Actual – Revision A) 256 MB (Apple – Revision B) 512 MB (Actual – Revision B) |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC66 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| ROM | 4 MB |
| 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 IIc (Revision A) ATI Rage Pro (Revision B) |
| Graphics Memory | 2 MB (Upgradable to 6 MB – Revision A) 6 MB (Revision B) |
| Display Connection | Internal DB-15 connection for built-in display |
| Display Modes | None |
| External Resolution | N/A |
| Camera | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – Mezzanine |
| 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 | 33.6k or 56k |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Infrared | 1 – 4 Mbps (Revision A) |
| 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 8.1 (Revision A) Mac OS 8.5 (Revision B) |
| Later OS | Mac OS 8.6 (Revision B) |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.3.9 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| 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: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- 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
- On May 6, 1998 the iMac changed Apple – AppleInsider
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 7, 2024
