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iMac G3 Q&A - Updated February 23, 2009
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What are the differences between the fifth generation "Early 2001" iMac G3 models?
Please note that the fifth generation "Early 2001" iMac G3 models were introduced on February 22, 2001 and discontinued on July 18, 2001.
The higher end models in the fifth generation "Early 2001" iMac G3 series -- the iMac G3/500 (Early 2001 - Flower/Blue), and iMac G3/600 SE (Early 2001) -- have G3 processors, a 100 MHz system bus, PC100 SDRAM, Ultra ATA hard drives, and ATI Rage 128 Ultra video processors packaged in all-in-one cases with a 15-Inch "crystal clear" CRT display.
The entry-level model, the iMac G3/400 (Early 2001 - Indigo), is essentially a re-issued version of the iMac G3/400 DV (Summer 2000 - Indigo/Ruby) -- complete with the same ATI Rage 128 Pro graphics -- in an "indigo" case, but sold for US$100 less.
Compared to the "Summer 2000" line that these replaced, the two higher-end models brought substantial performance improvements to the iMac series, with faster PowerPC 750cx (G3) processors with on-chip level 2 caches, faster graphics with twice the VRAM (16 MB), and CD-RW drives. These models also introduced outlandish "Flower Power" and "Blue Dalmation" color patterns, which proved to be relatively unpopular. All of these models support an optional AirPort (802.11b) wireless card and have two Firewire "400" ports.
The major differences between the "Early 2001" models are summarized below for your convenience:
iMac G3 | |||
Processor: | 400 MHz | 500 MHz | 600 MHz |
System Bus: | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
L2 Cache: | 512k | 256k* | 256k* |
Memory Type: | PC100 | PC100 | PC100 |
Std. RAM: | 64 MB | 64 MB | 128 MB |
Max. RAM: | 1.0 GB | 1.0 GB | 1.0 GB |
Display (CRT): | 15.0" (13.8") | 15.0" (13.8") | 15.0" (13.8") |
Resolution: | 800x600** | 800x600** | 800x600** |
Video Card†: | 128 Pro | 128 Turbo | 128 Turbo |
Video RAM: | 8 MB | 16 MB | 16 MB |
Hard Drive: | 10 GB | 20 GB | 40 GB |
Optical Drive: | 24X CD | 4X CD-RW | 4X CD-RW |
AirPort: | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Bluetooth 1.1: | None | None | None |
Firewire: | Yes (2) | Yes (2) | Yes (2) |
Colors: | Indigo | Multiple§ | Multiple§ |
Order No: | M7683LL/A | M7669LL/A§ | M7680LL/A |
Orig. Price: | US$899 | US$1199 | US$1499 |
* These models include a 256k "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed.
** 15.0" (13.8" viewable area) display supports 640x480 at 117 Hz, 800x600 at 95 Hz, and 1024x768 at 75 Hz.
† The low-end model has ATI Rage 128 Pro graphics with 8 MB of VRAM and the higher-end models have ATI Rage 128 Ultra video with 16 MB of VRAM.
§ The iMac G3/500 (Early 2001 - Flower/Blue) was available in indigo (M7669LL/A), "Blue Dalmation" (M8347LL/A), and "Flower Power" (M8348LL/A), and the iMac G3/600 SE (Early 2001) was available in graphite (M7680LL/A), "Blue Dalmation" (M7675LL/A), and "Flower Power" (M7679LL/A).
Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any iMac G3 model to any other G3 or later Mac.
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