New Acquisition: Apple iMac G3/333 (Blueberry)
| Make | Model | Serial Number |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Computer | iMac G3/333 (Blueberry) | RU91511LG5P |
Overview
- Manufacturer: Apple Computer.
- Production Years: April 1999 – October 1999.
- Historical Significance: The iMac G3/333 was part of the second wave of “Fruit Colors” iMacs, featuring a faster processor and a bold translucent design. The Blueberry edition was one of five colors and helped redefine the aesthetic of personal computing at the turn of the millennium.
- Architecture: Built around the PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, this all-in-one system combined performance, style, and simplicity, targeting home and education users.
Specification
- Processor: PowerPC 750 (G3) @ 333 MHz with 512KB backside L2 cache.
- Memory: 32MB RAM standard, expandable to 128MB officially (up to 512MB unofficially).
- Storage: 6GB EIDE hard drive; 24x CD-ROM drive.
- Display: 15-inch CRT with 1024×768 maximum resolution.
- Graphics: ATI Rage Pro Turbo with 6MB SGRAM.
- Audio: Stereo speakers with internal amplifier; built-in microphone.
- Connectivity:
- 2× USB 1.1 ports.
- 10/100Base-T Ethernet.
- 56k modem.
- Headphone and speaker jacks.
- Expansion: No PCI slots; memory and VRAM upgradeable via internal access.
- Operating System: Mac OS 8.5.1 to Mac OS X 10.3.9 (with limitations).
- Common Faults:
- PRAM battery failure causing boot issues.
- CRT convergence or brightness degradation.
- Hard drive failure due to age.
- Cracked or yellowed plastics from UV exposure.
How Did I Acquire It?
Where Did I Get It From?
We picked this up from facebook marketplace, a chance lookup as we were driving back from a day out on the beech
How Was It Described to Me?
It was described as vintage apple computer with keyboard and mouse working.
Stock Photos
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Now That I Have It in My Hands
Initial Observations
Gosh it heavy - but it does work
Initial Inspection
Ths OS has been upgraded to MacOS 9.0 at some point in time, however it does still have the previous users personal data so a disk refresh is due.
Next Steps
Repair and Restoration Plan
- Immediate disk wipe and OS refresh
- Replace the built in battery - check if the old one has caused damage by leaking
- Clean and refurbish the CD drive
- Recap the boards if required
Goals
- What could it have been upgraded to it in its day, what was the maximum spec & OS it can be tricked out to?
- Can we upgrade the processor?
- Can we replace the slot loading CD with a DVD
Challenges
Whilst it supports wired RJ45 networking, even the last supported OS is not going to have a browser that is still security signed for internet TLS/HTTPS access.
Does anybody make an alternative live browser that still works on a 25 year old machine?
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