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Technical & Performance (1/3)
How fast is the iMac compared to
the Power Macintosh G3 and Power Macintosh G4
series?
The revision A & B iMacs boast performance nearly identical to the Power Macintosh G3/233, the iMac "266" is nearly identical to the Power Macintosh G3/266, and the iMac "333" is nearly identical to the Power Macintosh G3/300 MT in speed. Because both the "A" and "B" revision iMacs and the Power Macintosh G3/233, and the iMac "266" and Power Macintosh G3/266, feature respectively identical processors this would be expected. However, the iMac "333" is roughly equivalent in speed to the Power Macintosh G3/300 MT because the Power Macintosh G3/300 MT has a full 1 MB of backside cache, while the iMac "333" has 512k of backside cache.
The "Kihei" iMac family includes the iMac "350", which has a 350 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, and the iMac "DV" and SE "DV", which both have 400 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processors. The "Kihei" models provide a level of performance just under the level of the Power Macintosh G3/350 and Power Macintosh G3/400, respectively, because even though they have identical processors, the "Kihei" models have 512k of backside cache and the Power Macintosh G3 models have 1 MB of backside cache.
The "Indigo" iMac series includes the iMac "350" (Indigo), which has a 350 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, and provides a level of performance close to the Power Macintosh G3/350. Other "DV" models include the iMac DV "400" (Indigo), which has a 400 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, and provides a level performance close to the Power Macintosh G3/400, and the iMac DV+ "450", which has a 450 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, and provides a level of performance close to the Power Macintosh G3/450. The high-end model, the iMac DV SE "500", is faster than any models in the Power Macintosh G3 series thanks to a 500 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor and an ATI Rage Pro 128 (2x AGP) graphics subsystem.
The "Flower Power" iMac series, which includes the iMac "400" (Indigo), the iMac "500" (FP/BD), and the iMac SE "600", and the "Summer 2001" iMac series, which includes the iMac "500" (Indigo), the iMac "600" (Graphite), and the iMac SE "700", all provide a level of performance greater than models in the long-discontinued Power Macintosh G3 series thanks to faster processors, faster level 2 cache designs, and faster graphics subsystems.
The "2002 Flat-Panel" iMac series, which includes the iMac "700" (Flat-Panel), the iMac "800" (Flat-Panel), and the iMac "800" 17" (Flat-Panel), each provide a level of performance significantly faster than the long-discontinued Power Macintosh G3 series, and roughly provide performance just under the level of the Power Macintosh G4/733 QS and Power Macintosh G4/800 QS, respectively.
The "Spring 2003 Flat-Panel" iMac series, which includes a revision of the iMac "800" (Flat-Panel) and the iMac "1.0" 17" (Flat-Panel), roughly provide performance roughly comparable to the Power Macintosh G4/800 QS and Power Macintosh G4/933 QS.
The last G4-based "Flat-Panel iMac series (discontinued July 1, 2004), which includes the iMac "1.0" 15" (FP), iMac "1.25" 17" (FP), and the iMac "1.25" 20" (FP), provide performance roughly comparable to the Power Macintosh G4/1.0 MDD and Power Macintosh G4/1.25 MDD.
How fast is the iMac compared to Windows PCs?
According to Apple's original Press Release on the subject of iMac performance versus Windows PCs, the iMac smokes both comparable PCs in the same price range, and even 400 MHz Pentium II-based systems that cost twice as much at the time of the testing. In BYTEmark integer tests, the iMac scored 7.8, while a 266 MHz Pentium Celeron scored 3.2 and a 400 MHz Pentium II scored 5.6.
This press release refers to the revision A and B iMacs (see Specs), so with the iMac "266" and "333" (see "266" Specs and "333" Specs), which feature faster 266 and 333 MHz processors, respectively, the margin of performance remained comparably higher over PCs according to BYTEmark integer tests.
The "Kihei" iMac series, according to Apple-published BYTEmark integer test results, continued to perform at a similar margin of performance over the then-latest PCs. The iMac "350" scored 11.5 and the iMac "DV" scored 13.1 in the BYTEmark integer test, while a 500 MHz Celeron-based PC scored 6.7 and a 550 MHz Pentium III-based PC scored 7.4 on the same test.
Benchmarks for the "Indigo" series, the "Flower Power" series, the "Summer 2001" series, and the "Flat-Panel" models were not released by Apple, although one could expect similar performance difference when compared to similarly priced PCs.
How many versions of the iMac are there?
[10.04.2004 Update: This answer refers to iMac models with a G3 or G4 processor. For convenience, iMac G5 models are covered in the separate iMac G5 Q & A.]
There are twelve different versions of the iMac, which can be divided into three families based on case shape or six groups based on motherboard revisions. Because all iMacs are labeled simply "iMac", it can be a challenge to separate the different machines.
The first two iMacs shipped in a translucent bondi blue case, and are usually called the revision "A" and "B" iMac, referring to their respective part numbers, or the "Columbus" iMacs, referring to their codename. In documents, Apple often refers to the revision "A" iMac as simply the "original" iMac.
The third and fourth revisions of the iMac shipped in the same case design as the revision "A" and "B" iMac, but were available in five different colors, and not bondi blue. These multicolored iMacs used a revised motherboard with faster processors, faster graphics processors, but lacked the mysterious "Mezzanine" slot. On EveryMac.com, and many other websites, these iMacs are referred to as the iMac "266" and iMac "333" which correspond to their respective processor speeds. In documents, Apple generally refers to these iMac models as the "5-color iMacs".
The fifth revision of the iMac shipped in a redesigned case that is convection-cooled, instead of using a fan, and lacks the internal metal housing around the monitor for a more translucent appearance. They are available in six different colors, including the "graphite" color that matches the Power Macintosh G4 series. There are three different models of the fifth revision, which EveryMac.com calls the iMac "350", referring to processor speed, the iMac "DV" (400), which refers to Apple's inclusion of "Desktop Video", and the iMac "DV" SE (400), which acknowledges Apple's "Special Edition" designation along with the inclusion of "Desktop Video". Apple calls the fifth revision iMac series the "new iMac series" or the "new iMac family". Other commonly used names for this series include the "iMac 2", referring to the new case design, the "Kihei" iMacs, referring to the codename, and the "Fruity" iMacs referring to the case colors.
The sixth revision of the iMac is essentially a "speed bumped" version of the fifth revision. All models in the sixth revision use the same convection-cooled case but are available in five different colors. Four colors are new -- indigo, ruby, sage, and snow, while graphite is also available. There are four different models of the sixth revision, which EveryMac.com calls the iMac "350" (Indigo), referring to processor speed and case color to distinguish it from the previous model with the same name, the iMac DV "400" (Indigo), also referring to processor speed and case color for differentiation, the iMac DV+ "450", which acknowledges both the official name and processor speed, and the iMac DV SE "500", which yet again, uses processor speed to distinguish it from the previous "Special Edition" iMac. As a group, EveryMac.com refers to these iMacs as the "Indigo" series, while Apple calls the series, yet again, the "new iMac family".
The seventh revision of the iMac is basically a "speed bumped" version of the sixth revision. All systems in the seventh revision use the same convection-cooled case but are available in two colors and two patterns. The two colors are old -- indigo and graphite, while the patterns -- "Flower Power" and "Blue Dalmatian" both are new. There are three different models of the seventh revision, which EveryMac.com refers to as the iMac "400" (Indigo), referring to processor speed and case color to distinguish it from previous models with similar names, the iMac "500" (FP/BD), which refers to processor speed and case patterns (Flower Power/Blue Dalmatian), and the iMac SE "600", which uses processor speed, as always, to distinguish it from previous "Special Edition" iMacs. As a group, EveryMac.com refers to these iMacs as the "Flower Power" series, due to the lack of a better term, while Apple calls the series, as always, the "new iMacs" or simply "iMac".
The eighth revision of the iMac is simply a "speed bumped" version of the seventh revision. All models in the eighth revision use the same convection-cooled case as the previous three revisions, as well as colors originally introduced with the fifth and sixth revisions -- indigo, graphite, and snow. There are three different models of the eighth revision, which EveryMac.com refers to as the iMac "500" (Indigo), available in indigo and snow, the iMac "600" (Graphite), available in graphite and snow, and the iMac SE "700", also available in graphite and snow. As a group, EveryMac.com refers to these iMacs as the "Summer 2001" series, as does Apple.
The ninth revision of the iMac is effectively a completely different computer and could have easily been called the "iMac 2". All models in the ninth revision use a completely redesigned logicboard housed in a gorgeous 10.5" half-sphere, ice white case with a chromed stainless steel neck that supports a 15" TFT Active Matrix LCD display. There is no mistaking this iMac for the earlier models. There are two different models of the ninth revision (and three default configurations), the iMac "700" (Flat-Panel) and the iMac "800" (Flat-Panel). As a group, EveryMac.com refers to these iMacs as the "2002 Flat-Panel" iMacs, whereas Apple usually refers to these models as the "new iMac" or the "iMac (Flat-Panel)".
The tenth revision of the iMac is simply an enhanced version of the ninth revision. All models in the tenth revision use the same logicboard and the same gorgeous 10.5" half-sphere, ice white case with a chromed stainless steel neck that supports a 15" or 17" TFT Active Matrix LCD display. There are three different models of the tenth revision (and four default configurations), the iMac "700" (Flat-Panel) and the iMac "800" (Flat-Panel) from the previous revision, and the iMac "800" 17" (Flat-Panel), which features a larger 17" flat-panel display. As a group, EveryMac.com simply refers to these iMacs as part of the ninth revision, the "2002 Flat-Panel" iMacs.
The eleventh revision of the iMac is a modestly "speed bumped" version of the tenth revision, using a similar logicboard and the same attractive case design. There are two different models of the eleventh revision (and two default configurations), a revision of the iMac "800" (Flat-Panel), which is fundamentally the same as the previous model, and the iMac "1.0" 17" (Flat-Panel), which adds an "Audio Line In" port and support for AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth with optional cards. As a group, where there are no differences between systems, EveryMac.com refers to these iMacs as part of the "Flat-Panel" series, and where there is a difference, EveryMac.com refers to the eleventh revision as the "Spring 2003 Flat-Panel" iMacs.
The twelfth revision of the iMac is a modestly improved version of the eleventh revision, using a similar logicboard with support for faster RAM, and the same attractive case design, but with three different displays -- 15", 17", and a massive 20" display on the high-end model. There are three different models of the twelfth revision, the iMac "1.0" 15" (FP), iMac "1.25" 17" (FP), and the iMac "1.25" 20" (FP). As a group, where there are no major differences between systems, EveryMac.com refers to these iMacs as part of the "Flat-Panel" series, and where there is a difference, EveryMac.com refers to the twelfth revision as the "Fall 2003 Flat-Panel" iMacs.
What is the difference between revision "A", "B", "C", and "D" iMacs?
iMac revision "A", the original iMac configuration, was announced on May 6, 1998 and features a 233 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, 2 MB of VRAM and a ATI Rage IIc graphics processor. iMac revision "B", was released on October 26, 1998 and replaced the original "A" configuration, with the same processor but with 6 MB of VRAM and a ATI Rage Pro Turbo graphics processor. Revision "A" required the computer to be restarted with a "paperclip hole" on the side of the computer, while revision "B" smartly added the ability of "front power button" restarting. See iMac (Rev. A & B) specs for complete information.
The iMac "266" was announced on January 5, 1999, and features a 266 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor and a 6.0 GB hard drive, as opposed to a 4.0 GB, inside five different colored shells - blueberry, strawberry, tangerine, lime, and grape. The iMac "266" lacks the much publicized "Mezzanine" slot and IrDA capabilities. Technically, this model should not be referred to a version "C" since the part number is different, indicating a new model.
The iMac "333" (sometimes called revision "D") was released on April 14, 1999, and features a 333 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor. Other than processor speed, and a small "bump" on the front of the mouse to help proper orientation, the iMac "333" is identical to the "266".
Revision "A" shipped with MacOS 8.1 preinstalled, and revision "B", "266", and "333" shipped with MacOS 8.5, 8.5.1, or 8.6. There were other small software-related changes between revisions as well.
One reader asked if "grade A" was best, fairly logically assuming that the iMac came in different "qualities". However, "A" and "B" simply refer to the order of release. Revision "A" was the first to ship, which was replaced by revision "B", which was replaced by the iMac "266" (sometimes called revision "C"), which was replaced by the iMac "333" (sometimes called revision "D"), and so on.
What is the difference between the models in the "Kihei" iMac family?
There are three distinct models in the "Kihei" iMac family that differ both in features and in case color. All "Kihei" models use a redesigned case that is convection-cooled, instead of using a fan, and lacks the internal metal housing around the monitor for a more translucent appearance. Also, all "Kihei" iMacs include a sleek slot-loading CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, ATI Rage 128 VR 2D/3D (2x AGP) graphics acceleration, and a Harmon Kardon designed sound system.
The iMac "350", which was available only in blueberry, features a 350 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, a slot-loading 24x CD-ROM drive, a 6.0 GB hard drive, and 64 MB of RAM.
the iMac "DV" (400), which was available in blueberry, strawberry, tangerine, lime, and grape, features a 400 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, a slot-loading 4x DVD-ROM drive, a 10.0 GB hard drive, 64 MB of RAM, dual FireWire ports, and video-out.
The iMac SE (Special Edition) "DV" (400), which was available simply in graphite, features a 400 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, a slot-loading 4x DVD-ROM drive, a 13.0 GB hard drive, 128 MB of RAM, dual FireWire ports, and video-out.
For complete specifications and estimated used pricing information, please refer to the specifications page for the model of interest.
What is the difference between the models in the "Indigo" iMac family?
There are four distinct models in the "Indigo" iMac family that differ both in configuration and in case color. All models in the "Indigo" series use the same convection-cooled case and slot-loading CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive as the earlier "Kihei" series, but shipped with an upgraded Harmon Kardon Odyssey sound system and a faster ATI Rage 128 Pro (2x AGP) graphics subsystem in addition to a vastly improved extended keyboard and a pressure-sensitive optical mouse.
The iMac "350" (Indigo), which was available only in indigo, features a 350 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, a slot-loading 24x CD-ROM drive, a 7.0 GB hard drive, and 64 MB of RAM.
The iMac DV "400" (Indigo), which was available in indigo and ruby, features a 400 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, a slot-loading 24x CD-ROM drive, a 10.0 GB hard drive, 64 MB of RAM, dual FireWire ports, and video-out.
The iMac DV+ "450", which was available in indigo, ruby, and sage, features a 450 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, a slot-loading 4x DVD-ROM drive, a 20.0 GB hard drive, 64 MB of RAM, dual FireWire ports, and video-out.
The iMac DV SE "500", which was available in graphite and snow, features a 500 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, a slot-loading 4x DVD-ROM drive, a 30.0 GB hard drive, 128 MB of RAM, dual FireWire ports, and video-out.
What is the difference between the models in the "Flower Power" iMac family?
There are three distinct models in the "Flower Power" iMac series that differ both in configuration and in case color or pattern. All models in the "Flower Power" series use the same convection-cooled case and Harmon Kardon Odyssey sound system of the earlier "Kihei" and "Indigo", but high-end "Flower Power" models feature faster graphics processors, a faster level 2 cache design, and internal CD-RW drives.
The iMac "400" (Indigo), available only in indigo, features a 400 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, a slot-loading 24x CD-ROM drive, a 10.0 GB hard drive, 64 MB of RAM, and an 8 MB ATI Rage 128 Pro (2x AGP) graphics subsystem.
The iMac "500" (FP/BD), available in indigo, "Flower Power", and "Blue Dalmatian", features a 500 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3) processor with a 256k on-chip level 2 cache, a slot-loading 8X/4X/24X CD-RW drive, a 20.0 GB hard drive, 64 MB of RAM, and a 16 MB ATI Rage 128 Ultra (2x AGP) graphics subsystem.
The iMac SE "600", available in graphite, "Flower Power", and "Blue Dalmatian", features a 600 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3) processor with a 256k on-chip level 2 cache, a slot-loading 8X/4X/24X CD-RW drive, a 40.0 GB hard drive, 128 MB of RAM, and a 16 MB ATI Rage 128 Ultra (2x AGP) graphics subsystem.
Continue to Part 2...
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