In the rapidly evolving world of technology, certain products manage to carve a niche for themselves, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and capturing the hearts of enthusiasts. One such gem is the Power Mac G3 in Blue and White, introduced by Apple in 1999.
The Power Mac G3 in Blue and White affectionately codenamed Yosemite, marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the Beige Mini Tower model. Launched on January 5th, 1999, with a starting price of $1,599, this powerhouse became an instant hit among Apple enthusiasts. It represented the first Power Macintosh model to embrace the New World ROM while bidding farewell to the ADB port.
Stepping into the era of the iMac, the Power Mac G3 adopted the same eye-catching blue-and-white color scheme. The exterior featured a groundbreaking design with a logic board mounted on a folding “door,” providing tool-free access to internal components. This innovative approach facilitated easy upgrades and maintenance, a testament to Apple’s commitment to user-friendly design.
The Power Macintosh G3 inherited the keyboard and mouse designs from the iMac, maintaining color consistency. However, not without criticism – the keyboard was deemed “cheap” compared to its predecessors. The Apple USB Mouse also faced scrutiny for its round design, making it challenging to distinguish the top from the bottom by touch. Despite these critiques, these accessories complemented the overall aesthetics of the system.
In June 1999, a mere six months after the initial release, the Power Mac G3 line underwent revisions. The 300 MHz model was phased out, making room for a new 450 MHz model priced at $2,999. These updates reflected Apple’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and addressing the evolving needs of users.
Powered by the PowerPC G3 processor, the Power Macintosh G3 in Blue and White boasted impressive specifications, including processor speeds of 300 MHz, 350 MHz, 400 MHz, and the later 450 MHz model. Memory options ranged from 64 MB to 128 MB of RAM, with hard drive capacities varying from 6 GB to 12 GB. The inclusion of a 32x CD-ROM or 5x DVD-ROM showcased Apple’s dedication to multimedia capabilities.
The Power Mac G3 1999 introduced several innovations, including copper-based PowerPC G3 CPUs made by IBM, consuming significantly less power than their Motorola counterparts. The logic board featured 4 PCI slots, accommodating various expansion options. Noteworthy changes included the shift to Ultra ATA/33 for onboard ATA, the introduction of FireWire ports, and the replacement of serial ports with USB 1.1 ports.
Like any pioneering product, the Blue and White G3 had its share of challenges. Early units faced IDE controller problems related to the ATA/33 hard drive controller, impacting the connection of two hard drives. However, with the release of “Revision 2” units, these issues were resolved, featuring an improved UDMA-33 IDE controller and support for standard IDE master/slave configurations.
Despite its initial success, the Power Mac G3 in Blue and White was discontinued on August 31, 1999. However, its legacy lives on in the hearts of Apple aficionados. The sleek design, robust performance, and innovative features make it a timeless classic, celebrated even after 25 years.
The Power Mac G3 in Blue and White stands as a testament to Apple’s prowess in design and innovation. Its impact resonates through the years, and the nostalgia it evokes among users is a testament to its enduring legacy. As technology continues to advance, taking a trip down memory lane to appreciate the contributions of such iconic devices becomes a rewarding experience. This Power Mac remains a symbol of an era where Apple’s commitment to excellence set the stage for future innovations in the world of personal computing.
Power Mac G3 in Blue and White Details
Introduced | January 5, 1999 (Revision A) June 1, 1999 (Revision B) |
Discontinued | June 1, 1999 (Revision A) August 31, 1999 (Revision B) |
Model Identifier | PowerMac1,1 |
Model Number | M5183 |
Order Number | M6670LL/A (300 MHz) M6668LL/A (350 MHz) M6666LL/A (350 MHz) M6665LL/A (400 MHz) M7556LL/A (350 MHz Revision B) M7555LL/A (400 MHz Revision B) M7554LL/A (400 MHz Revision B) M7553LL/A (450 MHz Revision B) |
Original Price | $1,599 $1,999 $2,499 $2,999 |
Colors | Blue and White |
Weight | 30 Ibs. 13.607 KG |
Dimensions | 17” H x 8.9” W x 18.4” D 43.18 cm H x 22.6 cm W x 46.73 cm D |
Power Mac G3 1999 Tech Specs
Processor
Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
Processor Speed | 300 MHz 350 MHz 400 MHz 450 MHz |
Architecture | 32-bit |
Number of Cores | 1 |
System Bus | 100 MHz |
Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB or 1 MB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
Storage | 6 GB 9 GB 12 GB |
Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM or 32x CD-ROM 1 – 5x DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM 1 – Zip (Optional) |
Memory
Built-in Memory | 64 MB 128 MB |
Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
Memory Slots | 4 – PC-100 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
Minimum Speed | 8 ns (125 MHz) |
Interleaving Support | No |
Display
Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
Graphics Card | ATI Rage 128 GL ATI Xclaim VR |
Graphics Memory | 4 MB (ATI Xclaim VR) 16 MB (ATI Rage 128 GL) |
Display Connection | 1 – VGA |
Display Modes | Single display only |
Expansion
Expansion Slots | 3 – 33 MHz PCI 1 – 66 MHz PCI |
Bays | 3 or 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay 1 – Zip 100 bay |
Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/33 (ATA-4) |
Optical Drive Interface | EIDE (ATA-3) |
Connections
Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
Modem | 56k (Optional) |
Wi-Fi | None |
Bluetooth | None |
ADB | 1 |
USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
Serial | None |
SCSI | None |
FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps (15W total power) |
Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
Display | 1 – VGA |
Software
Original OS | Mac OS 8.5.1 |
Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
Firmware | Mac OS ROM 1.2 |
Keyboard and Mouse
Peripherals | Apple USB Keyboard Apple USB Mouse |
Power
Backup Battery | 3.6 V Lithium (922-1262) |
Maximum Continuous Power | 200 W |
Line Voltage | 115 V AC (90-132 V AC) or 230 V AC (180-264 V AC) |
Power Mac G3 in Blue and White Introduction
Further Reading and References
- Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh G3 – Wikipedia
- Blue and White Power Mac G3 – Low End Mac
- ‘Blue and White’ Power Mac G3 launches – Cult of Mac
- 20 Macs for 2020: #16 – Blue-and-White Power Mac G3 – Six Colors
- On the Blue and White Power Mac G3 – 512 Pixels
- Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) – JasonTaylor
- Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) (ft. It’s My Natural Colour) – Vintage Apple Vault #4 – YouTube
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 13, 2024