iMac G3 (Summer 2000)

iMac 2000Apple broadened the iMac line from three models and two speeds to four models and four speeds in July 2000, also introducing a new color palette (indigo, ruby, sage, and snow in addition to graphite). The new iMacs shipped with Mac OS 9.0.4.

The entry-level 350 MHz indigo iMac was a slight step up from the earlier 350 MHz blueberry model. Graphics are better with the Rage Pro 128, and it has a slightly larger hard drive – 7 GB vs. 6 GB. As with its blueberry predecessor, this entry-level iMac does not include FireWire.

The 400 MHz iMac DV shipped in indigo and ruby. It was the only “DV” iMac that didn’t come with a DVD-ROM drive. Instead, it had the same 24x CD-ROM drive as its 350 MHz sibling. However, unlike the entry-level model, this one includes the important FireWire port, making it possible to use an external boot drive, CD- or DVD-burner, Apple’s iSight webcam, and other FireWire peripherals.

The next step up is the 450 MHz iMac DV+, the only iMac ever to ship at 450 MHz. It includes a 4x DVD-ROM drive and could be purchased in indigo, ruby, or sage – the only Mac ever available in sage.

At the top of the Summer 2000 iMac line is the 500 MHz iMac DV Special Edition, which came in snow and graphite. It was the only iMac in this family to ship with 128 MB of RAM, and it shipped with a 30 GB hard drive.

Mac OS 9

  • 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

  • announced 2000.07.19
  • Requires Mac OS 9.0.4 through OS X 10.4.x Tiger
  • CPU: 350-500 MHz PPC 750
  • Bus: 100 MHz
  • RAM: 64/128 MB, expandable to 1,024 MB 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 Pro 128 chip set
  • Display: 15″ CRT (13.8″ viewable) multiscan to 1024 x 768
  • L2 cache: 512 KB backside cache
  • Hard drive: 7/10/20-/30 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, Power Mac, PowerBook, or iBook? for your options.
  • CD-ROM: 24x (350/400 MHz)
  • DVD-ROM: 4x (450/500 MHz)
  • USB: 2 separate USB 1.1 ports and controllers
  • FireWire 400: 2 ports
  • Modem: built-in v.90 56k modem
  • Ethernet: 10/100Base-T
  • WiFi: 802.11b AirPort Card, requires AirPort Card Adapter
  • Microphone: internal
  • Power supply: 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
  • family numbers: M5521
  • Model identifier: PowerMac2,2

Online Resources

Cautions

  • 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 (Eject on the Apple Pro Keyboard); it will not work if the keyboard is attached to a hub.
  • 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.