iMac DV (Slot Loading CD-ROM)

code name: Kihei

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Overview

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Development of the new iMac began the day after the first iMac shipped. The new model is an evolutionary development of Apple's 2,000,000 unit seller.

The first iMac with a DVD-ROM drive, the iMac DV runs a lightning fast 400 MHz G3 processor on a 100 MHz system bus. The slot-loading drive protects the drive mechanism, while the new Harman Kardon sound system improves audio output. (HK will release a complementary subwoofer in November.)

The RAGE 128 graphics and 2X AGP will give it superior graphics performance, and the VGA port will allow using an external monitor or LCD projector.

Available in the same five colors as the Revision C and Revision D iMacs, the DV is a bit smaller and has more transparent plastics. The new case allows the iMac to air cool (just like the old Volkswagen Beetle), eliminating the need for a cooling fan.

If you are running Mac OS 9.1 or later, iMac Firmware Update 4.1.9 should be installed. If you are using Mac OS X, you must boot from a Mac OS 9.1-9.2.2 writeable partition (not a CD or network disk) prior to updating. You cannot update to OS X 10.3 or later unless you first install Firmware Update 4.1.9.
For more information on firmware updates, see iMac: When to Install Available Updaters.

Mac OS X

Non-Apple upgrades and peripherals (such as unsupported USB devices, replacement drives, and third-party memory) may cause problems when installing or booting into Mac OS X.

Be sure to read and follow Apple's "Read Before You Install" install instructions to increase the likelihood of getting OS X installed and running on the first try.

Details

introduced October 5, 1999 at US$1,299; replaced by iMac DV and DV+ on July 19, 2000
requires Mac OS 8.6 through OS X 10.4.x
CPU: 400 MHz PPC 750
bus: 100 MHz
performance:

Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 177
MacBench 5: CPU, 1139, FPU, 1296 (beige G3/300 = 1000)
BYTEmark: 13.1

RAM: 64 MB, expandable to 1 GB using two PC100 SDRAM (3.3 V, 64-bit, 168-pin, 100 MHz)
VRAM: 8 MB SGRAM
Video: supports resolutions of 640 x 480, 800 x 600, and 1024 x 768 using ATI RAGE 128 VR chip set and 2X AGP, has VGA port for external monitor, which can only display same resolutions as internal monitor
monitor: 15" (13.8" viewable) multiscan to 1024 x 768
L2 cache: 512 KB 160 MHz (5:2) backside cache
hard drive: 10 GB EIDE drive. Maximum IDE drive size is 128 GB without third-party support. See How big a hard drive can I put in my iMac, eMac, or Power Mac? for your options.
DVD-ROM: 4x
SCSI: none
PCI slots: none
USB: 2 separate USB 1.1 ports and controllers
FireWire: 2 FW400 ports
modem: built in v.90 56k modem
ethernet: 10/100Base-T
WiFi: requires AirPort Card Adapter, 802.11b AirPort Card
Microphone: internal
power: 150W
PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA
height: 15.0 in/38.1 cm
width: 15.0 in/38.1 cm
depth: 17.1 in/43.5 cm
weight: 34.7 lb/15.8 kg
part numbers: M7493 (blueberry), M7673 (strawberry), M7672 (grape), M7671 (tangerine), M7674 (lime)
family numbers: M5521

Online Resources

Best used iMac G3 deals, updated monthly.
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Best Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.4.
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iMac PC100 memory pricing, ramseeker
The iMac channel
The iMac List, an email list iMac users
The iMac NewsPage
Apple Specs for iMac/iMac DV (Slot Loading CD-ROM)

Cautions

G3 Macs may not be supported in Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard", which is scheduled to ship in October. Apple has not spoken on the record, but the beta cannot be installed on any G3 Mac.
You cannot plug the iPod shuffle directly into the iMac's USB port - it will not fit. It will not charge if plugged into a keyboard USB port or an unpowered USB hub. To charge it while using it with your iMac, you must us a USB extension cable, powered USB hub, iPod shuffle dock, or a USB power adapter.
Update Firmware Before Installing Jaguar!, Geoff Duncan, TidBITS, 2002.10.28. If your firmware isn't at version 4.1.9, you need to boot into OS 9.1 and install it before attempting to install Jaguar (OS X 10.3) on your slot-loading CD-ROM or DVD iMac.
You must have the keyboard plugged directly into an iMac USB port to boot with the power key; it will not work if the keyboard is attached to a hub.
You cannot boot the iMac from an external USB drive.
The iMac loads the MacOS Toolbox into RAM, unlike other Macs which use it from ROM. You lose the use of 3 MB of memory but gain faster performance.

Go to the iMac and eMac index.

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