Apple Launches All-New iMac
New Family of iMacs Features Desktop Video, AirPort Wireless Networking and Fan-Free
Operation
Cupertino, California—Oct. 5, 1999—AppleŽ today introduced a family of all-new
iMac™ computers, continuing the revolution in consumer and education computing that
began when the original iMac was introduced just over a year ago. The new family
includes iMac, iMac DV (for “Digital Video”) and iMac DV Special Edition, which
comes in a stunning new clear Graphite-colored enclosure. The new models are completely
redesigned to be faster, sleeker, quieter, and make accessing the Internet even
friendlier. Apple is shipping all three models beginning today.
“I’m in love with the new iMac—it’s the finest product Apple has ever created,”
said Steve Jobs, Apple’s interim CEO. “Desktop video and AirPort wireless networking
are the next revolutionary features for home and classroom computing.”
All of the new iMacs feature:
- Faster Pentium-toasting PowerPC G3 processors;
- 64MB memory standard, with expansion up to 512MB through an easy to access
door;
- A Rage 128 VR 2D/3D high-end graphics accelerator chip for stunningly realistic
gaming;
- A new sound system designed in collaboration with Harman Kardon which delivers
breakthrough quality from a personal computer;
- New “slot-load” CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives (like those featured in luxury
automobiles) which offer greater simplicity and reliability by eliminating the
need for a tray;
- Fan-less operation, resulting in a reduction of noise to half that of competitive
products when the iMac is in use, and to below the threshold of most people’s
hearing when the iMac is idling;
- Support for Apple’s revolutionary AirPort wireless networking for fast,
wireless Internet access from anywhere in the home or classroom;
- Dual USB ports, a V.90/56K modem, and 10/100BASE-T Ethernet for fast connection
to networks, cable modems and DSL modems; and
- Even easier connection to the Internet using iMac’s enhanced Internet Setup
Assistant and 30 days of free Internet access.
In addition to the above features, both iMac DV models offer:
- A slot-load DVD-ROM drive, with the added ability to play DVD movies directly
on iMac’s high-resolution super-crisp 15-inch display (13.8-inch diagonal viewable
image size) and sound through its high-fidelity Harman Kardon sound system.
All iMac DV and iMac DV Special Edition models shipped in the U.S. include a
DVD of Disney/Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life,” so customers can watch their first DVD
movie on iMac right out of the box;
- Dual 400 megabit per second FireWire ports to connect to high-speed devices
such as external disk drives and digital camcorders (over 8 million digital
camcorders have been sold to date);
- Apple’s groundbreaking new iMovie software, which makes it incredibly simple
to create your own pro-quality home and classroom movies. iMovie uses iMac’s
built-in FireWire port to digitally transfer the video from your digital camcorder
into your iMac. Then iMovie lets you easily re-arrange clips, add special effects
like cross-dissolves and scrolling titles, as well as music soundtracks and
even sound effects. Users can save their movie on iMac’s hard drive, or send
it back to the camcorder to make copies on digital or VHS videotape. They can
even send the movie to friends and family over the Internet.
Pricing and Availability
The new iMacs are available immediately via The Apple Store (www.apple.com) and
Apple Authorized Resellers in the following configurations:
- iMac: With a suggested retail price of U.S. $999, iMac runs at 350MHz, contains
64MB SDRAM, 512K backside cache, Rage 128 VR VR with 8MB SDRAM and AGP2X, a
6GB Ultra ATA hard drive, slot load 24x-speed CD-ROM (maximum), a built-in V.90
56K modem, 10/100BASE-T and two USB ports. iMac is engineered to work without
a fan, and features a new sound system with Harman Kardon speakers. iMac is
available in Blueberry.
- iMac DV: With a suggested retail price of U.S. $1,299, iMac DV has the same
configuration as iMac, but runs at 400MHz, has a 10GB Ultra ATA hard drive,
4x-speed slot-load DVD-ROM drive with DVD video playback, two 400Mbps FireWireŽ
ports and iMovie software. iMac DV is available in five colors: Blueberry, Grape,
Lime, Strawberry and Tangerine.
- iMac DV Special Edition: With a suggested retail price of U.S. $1,499, iMac
DV Special Edition has the same configuration as iMac DV, but comes with 128MB
SDRAM and a 13GB Ultra ATA hard drive. iMac DV Special Edition is available
in a stunning Graphite enclosure.
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.
Press Contacts:
Nathalie Welch
(408) 974-5430
welch@apple.com
Matt Hutchison
(408) 974-6877
hutchison@apple.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple's PR website (www.apple.com/pr/)
or call Apple's Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.
Apple, the Apple logo, FireWire and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple
Computer, Inc. iMac is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Additional company and
product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies
and are respectfully acknowledged.