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: Essential, however short-lived
Apple launched the unique beige Energy Macintosh G3 sequence in November 1997, not too lengthy after unveiling its “Assume Completely 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 mannequin. The road of high-powered computer systems proved successful for Apple, with 750,000 delivery by the center of 1998.
When the iMac arrived, nevertheless, Steve Jobs and Jony Ive have been eager to replace the Energy Mac to match Apple’s 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 needed to maintain its professional line updated with the most recent out there {hardware}. Design-wise, the Energy Mac G3 boasted just a few nifty options.
The proper facet of the case was a hinged door with a recessed latch, offering quick access to parts. You can open the case with the pc operating, 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 venture was also referred to as “El Capitan” (once more, a reputation Apple revisited) and “Gossamer II.”
Blue and White Energy Mac G3 specs
Picture: Apple
As for specs, the brand new pc was significantly completely different from its predecessor, regardless of sharing the identical G3 processor. It was the primary Apple machine to incorporate FireWire, which grew to become an necessary 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 must depend on dongles. Nonetheless, an absence of normal serial ports, floppy drive and on-board SCSI precipitated controversy on the time. Costs began at $1,599 and topped out at near $5,000 for the kitted-out server configuration variations.
The machine obtained 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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