January 5, 1999: Apple introduces a revised Energy Mac G3 minitower, nicknamed the “Blue and White G3” or “Smurf Tower” to tell apart it from the sooner beige mannequin.
The primary new Energy Mac because the unique iMac shipped, the pro-level machine borrows the identical clear shade scheme. Sadly, it doesn’t hold round too lengthy.
Energy Mac G3: Vital, however short-lived
Apple launched the unique beige Energy Macintosh G3 pc in November 1997, not lengthy after unveiling its “Suppose Completely different” advert marketing campaign. It was the primary Mac to make use of the PowerPC G3 microprocessor, which additionally powered the later Blue and White Energy Mac. The road of high-powered computer systems proved a success for Apple, with 750,000 transport by the center of 1998.
After the unique iMac arrived, nonetheless, Apple CEO Steve Jobs and design chief Jony Ive have been eager to replace the Energy Mac to match the all-in-one’s colourful new design language, which additionally could possibly be seen within the iBook laptop computer. (On the Macworld occasion the place Jobs revealed the brand new Energy Mac G3, he additionally introduced 5 new iMac colours.)
New design, new {hardware}
Apple additionally wished to maintain its professional line updated with the newest out there {hardware}. Design-wise, the Blue and White Energy Mac G3 boasted a couple of nifty options. The correct aspect of the case was a hinged door with a recessed latch, offering quick access to elements. You can open the case with the pc working, though altering elements would require switching off the machine.
Apple code-named the design “Yosemite” (a reputation later recycled for the 2014 model of macOS), whereas the challenge was also called “El Capitan” (once more, a reputation Apple revisited) and “Gossamer II.”
Blue and White Energy Mac G3 specs
Photograph: Apple
As for specs, the upgraded mannequin proved significantly totally different from its predecessor, regardless of sharing the identical G3 processor. It was the primary Apple machine to incorporate FireWire, which turned an necessary a part of the corporate’s “digital hub” technique (and really gained Apple an Emmy).
Apple’s first USB pc, the Energy Mac G3 boasted a legacy Apple Desktop Bus port so customers didn’t have to depend on dongles. Nonetheless, a scarcity of normal serial ports, floppy drive and on-board SCSI brought about controversy on the time. Costs began at $1,599 and topped out at near $5,000 for the kitted-out server configuration variations.
The Blue and White Energy Mac G3 obtained a velocity bump in April 1999, though it didn’t final for much longer. Apple discontinued it in favor of the Energy Mac G4 line in August 1999.
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