January 5, 1999: Apple introduces its revised Energy Mac G3 minitower, nicknamed the “Blue and White G3” or “Smurf Tower” to separate it from the sooner beige mannequin.
The primary new Energy Mac because the colourful plastic iMac G3 shipped, the pro-level machine borrows the identical clear coloration scheme. Sadly, it doesn’t cling round too lengthy.
Energy Mac G3: Vital, however short-lived
Apple launched the unique beige Energy Macintosh G3 collection in November 1997, not too lengthy after unveiling its “Think Different” advert marketing campaign. It was the primary Mac to make use of the PowerPC G3 microprocessor, which additionally powered the later Blue and White Energy Mac. The road of high-powered computer systems proved a success for Apple, with 750,000 transport by the center of 1998.
When the unique iMac arrived, nevertheless, Apple CEO Steve Jobs and design chief Jony Ive had been eager to replace the Energy Mac to match the all-in-one’s colourful new design language, which additionally might be seen within the iBook laptop computer. (On the Macworld occasion the place Jobs revealed the brand new Energy Mac G3, he additionally introduced 5 new iMac colours.)
New design, new {hardware}
Apple additionally wished to maintain its professional line updated with the most recent obtainable {hardware}. Design-wise, the Blue and White Energy Mac G3 boasted just a few nifty options. The suitable aspect of the case was a hinged door with a recessed latch, offering easy accessibility to parts. You would open the case with the pc working, though altering parts would require switching off the machine.
Apple code-named the design “Yosemite” (a reputation later recycled for the 2014 model of macOS), whereas the undertaking was also referred to as “El Capitan” (once more, a reputation Apple revisited) and “Gossamer II.”
Blue and White Energy Mac G3 specs
One of many Energy Mac G3’s unique adverts.Picture: Apple
As for specs, the upgraded mannequin proved significantly totally different from its predecessor, regardless of sharing the identical G3 processor. It was the primary Apple machine to incorporate FireWire, which turned an vital a part of the corporate’s “digital hub” technique (and truly gained Apple an Emmy).
Apple’s first USB pc, it boasted a “legacy” ADB port so customers didn’t have to depend on dongles. Nonetheless, a scarcity of normal serial ports, floppy drive and on-board SCSI brought on controversy on the time. Costs began at $1,599 and topped out at near $5,000 for the kitted-out server configuration variations.
The Blue and White Energy Mac G3 acquired a pace bump in April 1999, though it didn’t final for much longer. Apple discontinued it in favor of the Energy Mac G4 line in August 1999.
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Author : tech365
Publish date : 2025-01-05 19:13:29
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