Apple Designs Different: Unveils Next Generation Power Macintosh G3 Computers

New Systems Deliver Greatest Performance Leap in Power Macintosh History

Cupertino, California--Nov. 10, 1997--Apple Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) today unveiled its next-generation "prosumer" systems--the Power Macintosh G3 computers. Based on the third-generation PowerPC G3 processor from IBM and Motorola, the new Apple designs include many technical advancements, which simultaneously increase performance, lower costs, add features and simplify the Macintosh product line. The new systems provide millions of publishing, multimedia authoring, and general productivity customers with best-in-class product features, quality and reliability while being faster than even the newest Pentium II/300 products.

According to Steve Jobs, Apple's interim CEO the new systems are part of a strategy to change how the Company does business. "It's time to think differently about performance," said Jobs. "The new G3 chip, designs and configurations deliver speed, speed, and more speed to our Macintosh customers. The simplicity and power of the new Power Macintosh G3 architecture demonstrates what Apple is all about--building the best tools for people who think creatively."

Available in hundreds of flexible desktop and minitower configurations, starting at around U.S. $2,000, the Power Macintosh G3 systems feature a PowerPC G3 processor running at speeds up to 266 MHz; a 512K level 2 memory cache running at speeds up to 133 MHz; a 66 MHz system and main memory bus with up to 384MB of memory. The innovative design features a small, efficient logic board design that offers optimal performance, features and flexibility. These features allow one design to span the needs of mainstream productivity customers, as well as demanding creative professionals who require powerful publishing and multimedia application performance. System enclosures, processor speeds, storage devices, graphics memory, modems, audio/video capture, and more are all designed for advanced performance and configurability.

Next-Generation PowerPC Processor Technology

Based on the third-generation IBM/Motorola PowerPC G3 processor, the Power Macintosh G3 systems dramatically alter the price/performance equation. The PowerPC G3 chip is the first processor optimized for the Mac OS and incorporates a new approach to cache memory, providing nearly twice the performance of systems based on the PowerPC 603e processor. The result is significant performance gains, which will provide the power needed to handle resource intensive tasks such as video editing, Internet authoring and even Windows emulation.

"Personal computing has taken another big step forward today and once again Apple systems are leading the way in technology and performance,"said Ron Black, director, PowerPC microprocessors, IBM Microelectronics. "IBM is delighted to continue partnering with Apple and bring to fruition exciting, powerful systems using the latest PowerPC microprocessors."

"With the PowerPC 750 microprocessor, Motorola has provided Apple the engine they need to build the highest performance systems they have ever produced,"said Bud Broeker, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola's Personal Computing Division. "This third generation PowerPC microprocessor packs the most performance per megahertz of any processor we have ever manufactured."

Flexible Architecture

Each Power Macintosh G3 system features a 233 or 266 MHz PowerPC G3 processor with a 512K level 2 memory cache running at 117 or 133 MHz; a 66 MHz system and main memory bus; and, 32MB of RAM (expandable up to 192 or 384MB). Built into every configuration are ATI 3D RAGE ll+ 64-bit graphics and multimedia accelerator chip with 2MB of graphics memory (expandable to 6MB), three standard 12-inch PCI slots, SCSI, IDE, Ethernet, stereo audio, Apple Desktop Bus and serial interfaces. Storage capabilities include an internal 4GB or 6GB IDE hard drive; Internal high capacity floppy disk drive; an internal 24x-speed CD-ROM drive (maximum); an internal 100MB Zip drive in some configurations and expansion bays for additional storage devices. Optional items include video capture and a 56K modem.

Mac OS 8 System Software

Apple's latest system software is included on the Power Macintosh G3 computers. Mac OS 8 offers many new features and technologies to provide customers with an improved user experience and increased productivity: simplified Internet access, leading-edge tools, state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities, and enhanced performance and stability.

Configurations, Prices and Availability

The Power Macintosh G3 Systems are available in either desktop or minitower configurations and are expected to available in the U.S. immediately. The systems are scheduled for availability worldwide by mid-December. Example configurations include:

• Power Macintosh G3 (desktop model): U.S. $2,000
  233MHz/32MB RAM (supports up to 192MB)/4GB Hard Drive/24x-speed CD-ROM drive (maximum)/2MB Video SGRAM/512K level 2 backside cache/66MHz system bus speed/117MHz backside bus speed/two 3.5-in SCSI bays for additional storage devices
• Power Macintosh G3 (desktop model): U.S. $2,400
  266MHz/32MB RAM (supports up to 192MB)/4GB Hard Drive/24x-speed CD-ROM drive (maximum)/Internal 100MB Iomega Zip drive/2MB Video SGRAM/ 512K level 2 backside cache/66MHz system bus speed/133MHz backside bus speed/one 3.5-in SCSI bay for additional storage devices.
• Power Macintosh G3 (minitower model): U.S. $3,000
  266MHz/32MB RAM (supports up to 384MB)/6GB Hard Drive/24x-speed CD-ROM drive (maximum)/Internal 100MB Iomega Zip drive/2MB Video SGRAM (supports up to 6MB) /512K level 2 backside cache/66MHz system bus speed/133MHz backside bus speed/audio and video input and output/one 5.25-in SCSI bay for additional storage devices

Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission--to bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons, and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.

Customer Information Contact:
If you are considering the purchase of an Apple product and would like to have product information faxed to you, please call 1-800-462-4396 in the U.S. or 1-800-263-3394 in Canada. If you do not have a fax machine or would like to locate an Apple authorized reseller near you, please call 1-800-538-9696. Customers in the U.S. now have the option of buying products over the Internet at the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com/) as part of a distribution strategy that utilizes the Internet, along with the Company's existing retailers and resellers to sell products. Customers outside the U.S. should contact their local Apple representatives for information.

Press Information Contact:
Diane Hayward
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-0180
email: hayward1@apple.com

Russell Brady
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-6877
email: brady2@apple.com

Todd Paoletti
NRG for Apple Computer
(415) 827-7030
email: todd@nrgpr.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple's website (http://www.apple.com/source/), call Apple's Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042, or contact David Krane at our PR agency, Niehaus Ryan Group, Inc., (650) 827-7081.

Apple's home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.apple.com/

Other Related Apple Information:

Displays
G3 Architecture Page
PowerBook G3 Page
Power Macintosh G3 Product Page
PowerPC G3 Page

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