Apple iMac G3 Slot-Loading

The Apple iMac G3 Slot-Loading generation arrived in October 1999 with a substantially redesigned internal architecture, a quieter fanless enclosure and a slot-loading optical drive. Models used 350 or 400 MHz G3 processors on a 100 MHz system bus.

The 400 MHz iMac DV versions added FireWire for digital video and could include DVD-ROM, while the Special Edition introduced Graphite. Blueberry and selected fruit colours continued across the range.

Notable Features

• New slot-loading optical drive and fanless internal design.
• A 100 MHz system bus and ATI Rage 128 VR graphics improved overall performance.
• DV models added FireWire, DVD playback support and stronger multimedia positioning.

Historical Significance

• This redesign moved the iMac from its first-generation logic board to the architecture that supported later G3 revisions.
• The iMac DV helped make desktop digital-video editing accessible to home users.

Collector’s Notes

• Optical-drive type, FireWire ports, colour and original label distinguish the 350 MHz, DV and DV Special Edition versions.
• CRT condition and cracked or discoloured plastics should be inspected carefully.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Apple iMac G3 Slot-Loading
Manufacturer	Apple
Launched	Tuesday, October 5, 1999
Discontinued	July 2000
Country	United States
CPU	PowerPC 750 G3 at 350 or 400 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Mac OS 8.6 through Mac OS X 10.4.11
I/O	USB, 10/100 Ethernet, modem and audio; DV models add FireWire; AirPort ready
Keyboard	Apple USB keyboard and mouse
Storage	6GB to 13GB IDE hard disk with slot-loading CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
Sound	16-bit stereo sound with integrated speakers
Graphics	ATI Rage 128 VR with 8MB VRAM
Display	Built-in 15-inch colour CRT; up to 1024 x 768
ROM	New World ROM firmware
RAM	64MB or 128MB; expandable to 1GB
CPU Speed	350 or 400 MHz