The late 1990s witnessed a transformative era in personal computing, marked by Apple’s groundbreaking introduction of the iMac DV Late 1999. This iconic computer not only changed the game for personal computing but also set the stage for a shift towards the emerging digital video market.
In contrast to the original iMac models that focused on connecting consumers to the internet, the iMac DV line, released on October 5, 1999, was a visionary leap into the burgeoning digital video landscape. The new models retained the distinctive appearance of their predecessors but underwent significant refinements. A sleeker and slightly smaller enclosure, lighter colors, and clearer plastics replaced the steel casing, creating a visually appealing aesthetic.
One of the most notable changes was the replacement of the tray-loading CD-ROM drive with a slot-loading drive. This not only enhanced the overall design but also contributed to the iMac DV’s streamlined look. A rear door was introduced, allowing users to easily add additional RAM, catering to the needs of a more tech-savvy audience. Furthermore, a slot for an AirPort wireless networking card was integrated, reflecting Apple’s commitment to staying at the forefront of wireless technology.
To elevate the audio experience, Apple collaborated with Harman Kardon to design the iMac’s new internal speakers. An intriguing omission was the absence of a fan; instead, the components were cooled through convection, with hot air being efficiently exhausted through vents around the computer’s top handle.
The iMac DV with Slot Loading Drive (Late 1999) was undeniably ahead of its time, boasting a 400 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, a 15-inch CRT display, 64 MB of RAM, and a substantial 10 GB hard drive. The inclusion of a 4x DVD-ROM slot-loading drive and 8 MB ATI Rage 128 VR graphics set this model apart from its predecessors.
The “DV” in iMac DV holds significant meaning—it stands for digital video, underlining Apple’s commitment to supporting home movie editing. This model represented a substantial upgrade, featuring a more powerful processor, a VGA output port, a DVD-ROM drive, a larger hard drive, and a FireWire port. These features collectively positioned the iMac DV as a versatile tool for multimedia enthusiasts and creative professionals alike.
Despite being discontinued on July 19, 2000, and succeeded by the iMac DV Mid 2000, the iMac DV continues to hold a special place in the hearts of technology enthusiasts. Its innovative design, robust specifications, and support for home movie editing solidified its status as a game-changer in the industry.
Today, 24 after its release, the iMac DV remains a classic in the world of personal computing. Its enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the technological strides that paved the way for the sophisticated computers we rely on today. As we reminisce about the iMac DV, it becomes evident that this iconic computer not only shaped the late 1990s but also left an indelible mark on the trajectory of personal computing history.
The iMac G3 DV with Slot Loading Drive stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and its ability to anticipate and cater to emerging technological trends. Its impact on personal computing during the late 1990s was profound, and its legacy endures as a timeless classic. As we celebrate the iMac DV’s revolutionary design and features, we also acknowledge its role in shaping the trajectory of technology, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.
iMac DV Late 1999 Details
| Introduced | October 5, 1999 |
| Discontinued | July 19, 2000 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac2,1 |
| Model Number | M5521 |
| EMC | 1821 |
| Order Number | M7493LL/A M7671LL/A M7672LL/A M7673LL/A M7674LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,299 |
| Colors | Blueberry Grape Strawberry Lime Tangerine |
| Weight | 34.7 Ibs. 15.739 KG |
| Dimensions | 15” H x 15” W x 17.1” D 38.1 cm H x 38.1 cm W x 43.43 cm D |
iMac DV with Slot Loading Drive Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 400 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 10 GB |
| Media | 1 – Slot-loading 4x DVD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 512 MB (Apple) 1 GB (Actual) |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-100 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| 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 128 VR |
| Graphics Memory | 8 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA |
| Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
| External Resolution | N/A |
| Camera | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Optical Drive Interface | Ultra ATA (Shared with hard disk drive) |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA (Shared with optical drive) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps |
| 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 | 1 – VGA |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 8.6 |
| Later OS | Mac OS 9.0 Mac OS 9.0.3 Mac OS 9.0.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 2.3.1 |
| Bundled Software | N/A |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple USB Keyboard Apple USB Mouse |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 150 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-260 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- iMac (Slot Loading): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- iMac G3 – Wikipedia
- Slot-loading iMacs – Low End Mac
- Apple iMac G3 DV (Slot Loading) – The Centre for Computing History
- October 1999: iMac, iMac DV, iMac DV Special Edition – 512 Pixels
- Apple iMac DV (G3) – Retro Viator
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 16, 2024
