In the ever-evolving world of personal computing, one name stands out as a pioneer of innovation — Apple. In 1998, Apple introduced a groundbreaking personal computer that would leave an indelible mark on the industry: the Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One. This revolutionary computer, part of the Power Macintosh series, was designed to cater exclusively to the education market in North America, setting a new standard for all-in-one solutions.
March 31, 1998, marked the introduction of the Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One nicknamed as “Molar Mac”, a marvel that aimed to provide users with an all-encompassing computing experience. Designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple, this model replaced the Power Macintosh 5400 and 5500, offering a fresh “molar”-like form factor with translucent plastic and machined holes, a design language reminiscent of the upcoming iMac.
Unlike its predecessors, the Power Mac G3 All-in-One was exclusively targeted at the education market in North America. This strategic move allowed Apple to tailor the computer to the specific needs of educational institutions, ensuring a seamless integration of technology into the learning environment.
The All-In-One model boasted distinctive design features catering to the education sector. A slide-out tray facilitated easy access to the logic board, while recessed rear I/O made it convenient to place the computer against walls. Additionally, dual front headphone jacks enabled audio sharing, fostering a collaborative learning experience.
Available in two configurations, the Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One offered a 233 MHz version with a floppy drive and a 4 GB hard drive, or a 266 MHz version with a built-in Zip drive, floppy drive, and either a “Whisper” personality card or an All-In-One version of the “Wings” personality card. The latter also marked the end of Macintosh computers shipping with an internal floppy disk drive. Both configurations ran on Mac OS 8.1 and were notable for their substantial weight of 60 lbs (27 kg).
The Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One was powered by a cutting-edge 233 MHz or 266 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor. The 15-inch color CRT display complemented the state-of-the-art processor, providing users with an ideal setup for work and entertainment. The base model featured 32 MB of RAM, 4 GB or 6 GB hard drive, 24x CD-ROM drive, 1.44 MB floppy drive, and 2 MB ATI 3D Rage II+ graphics — a comprehensive solution requiring no additional components.
One standout feature of the Power Mac G3 All-In-One was its exceptional upgradeability. Equipped with three 33 MHz PCI expansion slots and one Personality Card slot (often occupied by a “Whisper” AV Capture card), users could enhance their computing experience. Supporting up to 768 MB of PC66 SDRAM (unofficially, as Apple stated 384 MB officially), the G3 All-In-One could be upgraded with the Encore/ZIFG4 card from Sonnet Technologies, allowing it to run Mac OS X 10.4.11.
Regrettably, the Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One was discontinued on September 1, 1998, just a few months after its introduction. Despite its short-lived presence, the computer left an indelible mark on the tech landscape. For many tech enthusiasts, it holds a special place in their hearts, symbolizing a time when Apple was pushing the boundaries of technology.
Today, the Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One (Molar Mac) stands as a nostalgic relic of the past, celebrating its 26-year anniversary. For those who recall this computer, it serves as a poignant reminder of the era when Apple was at the forefront of technological innovation. While the G3 All-in-One may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on, embedded in the annals of Apple’s rich history.
It paved the way for the all-in-one computers we use today, leaving an enduring impact on the evolution of personal computing. As we reminisce about the Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One, we also appreciate the journey Apple has taken in shaping the technological landscape we now inhabit.
Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One Details
| Introduced | March 31, 1998 |
| Discontinued | September 1, 1998 |
| Model Identifier | 510 |
| Model Number | M4787 |
| Order Number | M6319LL/A M6321LL/A |
| Price | $1,499 $1,799 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 59.5 Ibs. 26.988 KG |
| Dimensions | 19.92” H x 16.08” W x 18” D 50.59 cm H x 40.84 cm W x 45.72 cm D |
Power Mac G3 AIO Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 233 MHz 266 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 66 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 4 GB 6 GB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 12x CD-ROM 1 – Zip (Optional) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 32 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 384 MB (Apple) 768 MB (Actual) |
| Memory Slots | 3 – PC66 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM Low Profile |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| ROM | 4 MB |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15″ RGB CRT Display |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI 3D Rage II+ ATI 3D Rage Pro |
| Graphics Memory | 2 MB 6 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
| Display Modes | Single display only |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 3 – PCI 1 – PERCH |
| Bays | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | ATA-2 and SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k (Optional) |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 8 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.2.8 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | N/A |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | AppleDesign Keyboard ADB Mouse II |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6-3.9 V Lithium (922-4542) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 300 W |
| Line Voltage | 90-264 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Power Macintosh G3 All-In-One: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh G3 – Wikipedia
- The Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One: Function Over Form – MacStories
- The Power Mac G3 All-In-One (Molar Mac) – HappyMacs
- My First Mac, the Power Macintosh G3 All-in-One, Turns 20 – Low End Mac
- Power Macintosh G3 All-In-One Service Source (PDF) – TimID
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
