iMac PowerPC 750cx (G3) 2001

The Apple iMac G3/600 Special Edition (Early 2001) is powered by a 600 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3) processor with a 256k on-chip level 2 cache. It includes 128 MB of RAM, a 40.0 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, a slot-loading 8X/4X/24X CD-RW drive, and ATI Rage 128 Ultra (AGP 2X) graphics with 16 MB of VRAM. The system, featuring a Harmon-Kardon sound system and Firewire "400" ports, is housed in a translucent "graphite", "flower power" (pictured), or "blue dalmation" all-in-one chassis with a 15-inch CRT display.

In addition to its unique (and not widely popular) case designs, the iMac G3/600 Special Edition and its 500 MHz counterpart introduced significant performance enhancements to the iMac line. These included faster PowerPC 750cx (G3) processors with on-chip L2 caches, improved graphics with more VRAM (16 MB), and CD-RW drives.

This Special Edition model is similar to the concurrently released iMac G3/500, but it boasts a faster processor, double the RAM (128 MB), and twice the hard drive space (40 GB). Both "Early 2001" models were offered in "Flower Power" and "Blue Dalmatian" patterns, but only the 600 MHz model was available in "Graphite," while the 500 MHz model was offered in "Indigo."

The iMac G3/600 SE, released in early 2001, was a model remembered for its unique chassis designs and performance improvements. The bold "Flower Power" and "Blue Dalmatian" patterns were noted as an adventurous design experiment by Apple, though they proved to have limited market appeal. A more subdued "Graphite" option was also available. Beyond its aesthetics, this model marked a significant practical evolution, featuring a standard CD-RW drive, an improved processor, and enhanced graphics. Equipped with a 600 MHz G3 processor and 128 MB of RAM, it served as the top-tier model of its time, offering a capable replacement for the previous year's DV SE model. The inclusion of FireWire ports as a standard feature further solidified its role in Apple's digital hub strategy. Despite its controversial designs, this iMac was recognized as a machine representing the maturation of the G3 line.