iMac PowerPC 750cx (G3) 2001

The Apple iMac G3/500 (Summer 2001 - Indigo/Snow) is powered by a 500 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3) processor with a 256k on-chip level 2 cache. It includes 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM, a 20.0 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, a slot-loading 24X CD-ROM or 8X/4X/24X CD-RW drive, and ATI Rage 128 Ultra (AGP 2X) graphics with 16 MB of VRAM. This system, with its Harmon-Kardon sound and Firewire "400" ports, is housed in a translucent "indigo" (pictured) or "snow" all-in-one chassis with a 15-inch CRT display.

At least three consumer configurations were released in North America. The initial version on July 18, 2001, had 128 MB of RAM and a CD-RW drive for US$999. On October 1, 2001, a less expensive, indigo-only version was launched with 64 MB of RAM and a CD-ROM drive for US$799.

Following the introduction of the iMac G4/700 (Flat Panel) on January 7, 2002, the original indigo and snow models were phased out. The low-end model's RAM was increased to 128 MB, and it began shipping with MacOS X 10.1 as the default OS, though MacOS 9 remained pre-installed.

Apple referred to this product line as the "Summer 2001" series, indicating summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

As the final generation of the iMac G3, this model was introduced in the more subdued "Indigo" and "Snow" colors, appealing to a broader audience. [28] Its 500MHz G3 processor and graphics with 16MB of VRAM were considered sufficient for the time, especially with the advent of MacOS X. [28] The availability of a higher-end model with a CD-RW drive and a more affordable version with a CD-ROM drive allowed users to choose based on their budget and needs. [28] The fact that it continued to be sold even after the introduction of the iMac G4 indicates that its balance of design and performance was supported by many users.