In the ever-evolving world of technology, one milestone stands out – the Apple iMac Early 2001. Launched in February 2001, this iconic personal computer not only marked a significant moment in Apple’s history but also revolutionized the way users interacted with their devices.
Apple’s iMac G3 series took a giant leap forward with the introduction of the iMac Early 2001. Boasting the inclusion of CD-RW drives and iTunes, Apple’s groundbreaking “jukebox” software, users were empowered to create and manage their music libraries while burning custom audio CDs. The iMac Early 2001 was not just a computer; it was an entertainment center where users could indulge in desktop movie creation, digital music management, and the creation of personalized music CDs.
The iMac Early 2001 featured fast PowerPC G3 processors, running at speeds of up to 500 MHz, providing a performance boost that captivated both tech enthusiasts and everyday users. With storage capacities of up to 20 GB hard drives, FireWire ports, and pre-installed iMovie software, the iMac Early 2001 set a new standard for personal computing.
Adding a touch of flair to the computing experience, Apple introduced two dazzling new patterns – Blue Dalmatian and Flower Power – along with the ever-popular iMac colors, Indigo and Graphite. Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO at the time, highlighted the evolution of the iMac into an entertainment hub, emphasizing the user-friendly nature of iMovie and iTunes.
iTunes, downloaded over 750,000 times in its initial months, allowed users to import songs, organize their music effortlessly, and create custom CDs using the iMac’s CD-RW drive. On the video editing front, iMovie 2 came pre-installed, solidifying the iMac Early 2001 as a versatile tool for both music and video creation. The inclusion of two FireWire ports facilitated seamless connections to high-speed peripherals such as digital camcorders and cameras.
The iMac Early 2001 was AirPort ready, embracing Apple’s revolutionary wireless networking solution. AirPort provided users with untethered Internet access at speeds up to 11 megabits per second, offering a glimpse into the wireless future that would become an integral part of modern computing.
Beyond its sleek design and entertainment capabilities, the iMac Early 2001 featured near-silent operation, reducing noise levels significantly. The inclusion of ATI RAGE 128 Pro accelerators ensured outstanding graphics, while the built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet facilitated easy DSL and cable modem access. The all-digital sound system, designed in collaboration with Harman Kardon, elevated the audio experience for users.
The iMac Early 2001 was available in two processor configurations – 400 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 and 500 MHz PowerPC 750cx. The base model included 64 MB of RAM, a 10 GB or 20 GB hard drive, a 24x CD-ROM or 8x CD-RW drive, and 8 MB ATI Rage 128 Pro graphics. The 400 MHz model came exclusively in Indigo, while the 500 MHz model added two vibrant color options – Blue Dalmatian and Flower Power – providing users with a personalized computing experience.
Despite its popularity, the iMac Early 2001 was discontinued just five months later, making way for the iMac Mid 2001, which offered enhanced features and performance.
As the iMac Early 2001 turns 23 years old, it remains a symbol of Apple’s innovative and design-focused approach to personal computing. While newer models have taken their place, the iMac Early 2001 is fondly remembered and cherished by those who experienced its cutting-edge features during its heyday. It’s a nostalgic journey back to a time when Apple’s commitment to user-friendly design and groundbreaking technology began shaping the future of personal computing.
iMac Early 2001 Details
| Introduced | February 22, 2001 |
| Discontinued | July 18, 2001 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac4,1 |
| Model Number | M5521 |
| EMC | 1857 |
| Order Number | M7683LL/A (400 MHz – Indigo) M7669LL/A (500 MHz – Indigo) M8347LL/A (500 MHz – Blue Dalmatian) M8348LL/A (500 MHz – Flower Power) |
| Original Price | $899 $1,199 |
| Colors | Indigo Blue Dalmatian Flower Power |
| 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 G3 Early 2001 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 PowerPC 750cx G3 |
| Processor Speed | 400 MHz 500 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB or 512 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 10 GB 20 GB |
| Media | 1 – Slot-loading 24x CD-ROM or 8x CD-RW |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
| 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 at 117 Hz 800 x 600 at 95 Hz 1024 x 768 at 75 Hz |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage 128 Pro ATI Rage 128 Ultra |
| Graphics Memory | 8 MB 16 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 (8 W total power) |
| Infrared | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 3 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – VGA |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.0.3 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 7.5.1 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9.1 or Mac OS X QuickTime iMovie 2 iTunes AppleWorks 6 Microsoft Internet Explorer Microsoft Outlook Express Netscape Communicator Quicken Deluxe 2001 Palm Desktop FAXstf Cro-Mag Rally Bugdom Nanosaur |
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 (Early 2001): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils New iMacs With CD-RW Drives & iTunes Software – Apple Newsroom
- iMac G3 – Wikipedia
- iMac G3 (Early 2001) – Low End Mac
- Apple iMac G3/500 – The Centre for Computing History
- Early 2001: The iMac G3 Goes Psychedelic – 512 Pixels
- iMac/iMac DV Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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 27, 2024
