IMac

The Apple iMac is a produced by the U.S. computer manufacturer Apple Computer. Basic idea of ​​the iMacs was a so-called "all-in -one" housing with simple to use as possible for a non-technical audience. With this device, Apple followed up on earlier, produced in the 1980s, computers in which computers and mini screen were integrated into one device.

  • 3.1 Revision A
  • 3.2 facelift (Revision B)
  • 3.3 facelift ( Revision C )
  • 4.1 Revision A
  • 4.2 Education iMac
  • 4.3 facelift (Revision B)
  • 5.1 Revision A 5.1.1 Known Issues and criticisms
  • 6.1 Revision A
  • 6.2 Revision B
  • 6.3 Revision C
  • 7.1 Revision A
  • 7.2 Revision B
  • 8.1 tube (CRT )
  • 8.2 flat screen (LCD )

First Generation (1998)

Primary characteristics of the first generation iMac were the semi- translucent ( semitranslucent ) polycarbonate housing, in the screen and PC were integrated, including speakers, in addition to the keyboard and mouse in the same circular design externally connected. He was introduced on 7 May 1998 and delivered on 15 August 1998. The price in Germany was at the launch in 2999 of DM, which today, adjusted for inflation, 1,922 euros correspond, in the U.S. $ 1,299 plus VAT.

It was dispensed to all interfaces, except for the at that time not yet widespread USB version 1.2 with a maximum of 12 Mbps. Apart from a modem and a Fast Ethernet port was built next to headphone and microphone jack yet, and therefore the aim of offering a computer for " surfing the Internet " was reached. Unusually the renunciation of an integrated floppy drive ( external drives can be purchased separately since 2000 ) and the previously built in all Apple models SCSI interface. The built-in hard disk and the built-in CD -ROM drive were connected via IDE, to exchange data, there were network and USB interface. Floppy disks and peripherals from previous Macs, as originally connected via parallel port printer, could no longer be used or had to be replaced by USB hardware.

In the first two revisions, there was a slot on the motherboard ( " mezzanine slot "), which was provided by Apple only for tests of motherboards and has not been formally promoted. The German company Formac found out that it was this was a full-fledged PCI slot, and took appropriate expansion cards ( iPro iPro RAID and RAID TV with SCSI or SCSI TV Tuner ) out. In the third revision of iMacs the corresponding socket was not installed, but could be soldered later, according to an article in the computer magazine c't. Basically, the iMacs were thus slightly worse than retrofitted notebooks. The replacement of the RAM modules was easy to install a hard drive with a larger capacity difficult, however, because the case was not easy to open.

Caused quite a stir, especially the design of the iMac. The first model came in the color " Bondi Blue " on the market. Until that time, computers were mostly produced in a neutral beige, gray or black, almost all in the cuboid, square enclosures. Apple now presented a " colorful ", spherical and transparent computer and expanded shortly after his palette to include more colors to a printed with a floral decoration housing.

The iMac designer Jonathan Ive solved with the colorful and translucent housing made of a trend in the computer industry. The semi-translucent housing of the first iMacs has many designer inspired to make similar designs for a variety of computers and their peripherals. For components such as mice, modems and routers became transparent and colorful chic, and not just for the Mac market.

On the Apple Expo, the in-house exhibition of the manufacturer, the iMac a surprise product was again and again. With the idea of ​​a simple installation of the computer and the user-friendly way to use the Internet in a simple way, Apple announced - with great success - back on the consumer market, the company had long neglected. The iMac was the beginning of the commercial Comebacks from Apple.

The "i" in iMac, according to Keynote 1998, following meanings: internet, individual, instruct ( instruct, guide ), inform ( inform ) and inspire ( inspiration ). It was in the following years the hallmark of many Apple products including the iPod MP3 player.

Revision A

The first iMac, available from 15 August 1998, initially only offered in the color " Bondi Blue". As well as revision B it is because later it was replaced with another color, also referred to as. He had a G3 processor from Motorola with a clock frequency of 233 MHz, a 15 -inch CRT monitor (CRT), an ATI Rage IIc graphics card with 2 MB SDRAM graphics memory, a CD drive, two USB ports, a modem, Ethernet 10/ 100, a hard disk with a capacity of 4 GB and factory 32 MB PC-100 SDRAM. The resolution of the screen was a maximum of 1024x768, the image sharpness was often criticized at this resolution.

On the motherboard there was a " mezzanine slot " called PCI slot, the CD drive was a drawer drive as it was found in notebooks, also possessed the iMac still via an infrared interface.

Facelift (Revision B)

On 17 October 1998, the first revised version of the iMac, which differed only by a better graphics card, an ATI Rage Pro with 6 MB RAM, the previous model was released.

Facelift ( Revision C )

With published on 5 January 1999 version is a clear step was taken. The iMac now had a clocked with 266 MHz G3 processor and an ATI Rage Pro Turbo with 6 MB of RAM. The " mezzanine slot " was no longer soldered and the infrared interface was omitted. The iMac was now in 5 new colors: "Strawberry " (pink), ' Blueberry ' ( blue), "Lime " (deep green), " Grape " ( violet), and " Tangerine " ( orange).

Facelift ( Revision D )

Was raised to 333 MHz On April 14, 1999 Revision D, the clock frequency of the G3 processor.

Facelift ( iMac DV)

With the iMac DV ( "Digital Video") as of 5 October 1999, a further great step was taken. Now this was the first model with a FireWire port, a DVD drive and the new iMovie from Apple, suitable for editing digital video from video cameras or devices based on the MiniDV standard. Furthermore, the old drawer drive was replaced by a slot-in drive. Also, you could retrofit a wireless card from Apple for the first time. The new hardware design could forgo fan by utilizing the heat convection now, the processors were passively cooled via heat sink.

In addition to the iMac DV, there was a similar but cheaper version that was only available in the color " Blueberry ". The G3 processor was clocked at 400MHz instead of 350MHz, also lacked the FireWire interface and it was built a slot-loading CD - ROM drive. Both had a graphics card an ATI Rage 128 VR with 8 MB ​​RAM. The memory was increased to 64 or 128 MB. Among the previous color was a "Special Edition" of the iMac DV in " Graphite " -called gray.

Facelift (2000-2001)

The published on 19 July 2000 iMacs now had all a DVD -ROM drive, a newer ATI Rage 128 Pro with 8 MB ​​RAM and up to the cheapest model a FireWire port and retrofit Fi. In addition, the available body colors "Indigo" (dark blue) and "Sage" ( light green ) were changed to " Graphite " (Gray), "Ruby" ( Ruby Red ), " Snow" ( opaque white). The cheapest model with 350 MHz it was only in the color " Indigo", the other had a 400, 450 and 500 MHz clocked G3.

With the models offered from 22 February 2001, the case colors were changed again. Apart from the proven " Graphite " and " Indigo" "Flower Power" printed iMacs now have been offered with the patterns "Blue Dalmatian" and. The CPU clock frequency was increased to 400, 500 and 600 MHz, all models, however, a CD burner was instead of the DVD -ROM drive installed now, the cheapest model in turn got even exclusively in Indigo only one CD - ROM drive. Models with 500 MHz and now also had an ATI Rage 128 Ultra 16MB as graphics card.

On 18 July 2001 we published the latest revision of the first generation, with the same CRT monitor and dimensions as revision A. The G3 processors were now 500, clocked at 600 and 700 MHz, the graphics for all the ATI Rage 128 Ultra and the memory 64, 128 or 256 MB. The most expensive model was discontinued in January 2002 in favor of the new iMac generation, the other models were still available as an inexpensive alternative to March 2003.

Second Generation ( 2002)

The successful design was completely replaced in January 2002. The many colors gave way to a simple white. The CRT monitor was replaced by a triple on a movable arm ( Goose Neck) mounted liquid crystal display (LCD ), in the semi-spherical foot is the entire computer including the power supply, hard drive, and optical drive interfaces. This design is jokingly referred to as " bedside lamp " or " Germknödel ". Curiously, conceived ideas, the entire computer in the vertical plane were previously be accommodated in the housing a flat panel rejected for technical reasons the iMac G4, but ultimately implemented iMac G5 anyway. The original iMac design was continued in the eMac. The second generation was offered with processor speeds between 700 MHz and 1.25 GHz. The sizes of the LC - screens started at 15 inches and ended up with very large for that time 20 inches.

Third generation (2004/2005)

Since the third generation of the actual computer is completely behind the flat screen TV.

Revision A

On 31 August 2004, the new " iMac G5" (later referred to as Rev A ) at the " Apple Expo" presented in Paris. From mid-September of the same year the unit was delivered. The design was completely changed again: The computer is now along with the LCD screen (17 "and 20" ) in a housing and is equipped with one 64 -bit G5. Although the optical drive and the power supply are integrated, this new iMac is only 5.5 cm thin.

Technically, the iMac G5 ( Rev A) on the then new U3lite/Shasta-Chipsatz, which was also used in the (base model) Power Mac G5 "Late 2004" with a single processor. Revision A is known for something louder fans that Apple but within the warranty period replaced ( fans and / or board). It hard drives were installed with 80 GB or 160 GB. As a graphic output mini-VGA was used.

Facelift (Revision B)

In May 2005, the iMac G5 ( Rev B ) received a slightly revised motherboard, including Gigabit Ethernet, and a faster graphics card.

Furthermore, a new version of Shasta-I/O-Controllers was used in the Rev B. In the new Shasta data transfer problems were ( "bottleneck" ) resolved the internal S - ATA interface. These models were shipped with 160 GB and 250 GB hard drives.

Facelift ( Revision C )

Mid-October 2005 was the last version of the iMac G5 out ( Rev C). Now an iSight camera has been integrated in the housing. In conjunction with the new program Photo Booth, the iMac was the photo booth with lots of possibilities for image processing. The second novelty is called " Front Row ": With a small included remote control, you can directly access its pictures, songs, videos and DVDs. In addition, the iMac again slightly slimmer (~ 4 cm), thanks DDR2 RAM and new PCI - Express graphics card become quieter and faster.

Technically, the iMac in the Rev C is now on the same chipset as the K2/U4 simultaneously presented new dual core Power Macs. This is an evolution of the previous Power Mac chipset K2/U3, making Apple the "low-cost chipset " Shasta/U3lite finally gave up. On the other hand, the last chipset for G5s SMU has inherited from the Shasta/U3lite-Kombination all computers had a PMU.

Fourth Generation ( 2006)

Revision A

In January 2006, the first Apple Macintosh was introduced with an Intel processor. The device offers roughly the same features as presented in October 2005 model, but it is equipped with an Intel Core Duo and according to Apple benchmarks two to three times faster than a G5 iMac.

Another new feature of the mini - VGA port has been replaced by a mini -DVI port, which now allows the operation of a second monitor as an extension of the desktop. The end with the third generation ( Rev C) introduced built- in iSight webcam is also present again in this generation.

Education iMac

In July 2006, a special version of the 17-inch iMac was introduced, which has a less powerful graphics hardware ( the version has no graphics card, the graphics will be used instead in Intel chipset) has, also, instead of the DVD - burner ( " superdrive " ) a " combo drive " installed. In contrast to the standard model also lacks the Apple Remote and the built-in Bluetooth module. Because of these savings, the price of the iMac amounts to 938 euros. It is advertised as iMac for education customers, so for example for schools.

After the new iMac was initially to order a few days in the " Educational Store" from Apple, he was shortly thereafter to refer only directly from educational institutions.

Facelift (Revision B)

In September 2006, Apple introduced again in front of revised models of the iMac. For the first time a device is offered with a 24 - inch screen. The devices with 17 "and 20" diagonal screen size remain continue in the program. The Education iMac is now also available for private customers as the official cost-effective entry-level device ( engl. "low end" ). The units are all equipped with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which contains the 64 -bit Intel 64 command extension. As a major innovation, are at first only the iMac 24 ", all the important parts of the computer exchangeable, which means that the 24 " can be ordered model with various components. However, components such as soldered the graphics card, for example, making it to the end user not possible to replace the components later ( RAM excluded).

Fifth Generation ( 2007)

Revision A

On 7 August 2007, Steve Jobs introduced a new iMac generation. The shell of the iMacs now consists of aluminum and glass. Compared to previous models, the new generation is thinner and only with a screw ( instead of two ) on the housing, with the memory of one and may be expanded, provided. The back is made ​​of matte black plastic, where the Apple logo is embossed shiny. The iMac is a 20 - or available 24-inch wide-screen monitor and comes with a new, flat USB keyboard in aluminum design and with special keys for advanced features. In the new iMac, it is now possible to build in 4GB RAM ( instead of the previous 3 GB ) and the 20 " unit has for the first time in addition to a FireWire 400 port and a Firewire 800 port.

Known Problems and criticisms

  • In the 20 "model a simple TN panel is simply installed.
  • Since the EFI update many users complain about slow systems in connection with the USB interface.
  • The magnet, by means of which you could simply attach the remote to the housing at the Fourth Generation, was omitted.
  • The display is now high gloss, and the picture may be affected by any contamination. In conjunction with sunlight, it also comes therefore to disturbing reflections of the environment. The backlight is so strong that any other light reflections are not usually perceived.

Facelift (Revision B)

On 28 April 2008 a new version of the iMac, which provides, among others, up to 3.06 GHz in the top model appeared. The graphics card is a ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT come ( in the 20 "model with 2.4 GHz), ATI Radeon HD 2600 PRO (20" with 2.66 GHz and 24 ") or optional NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS (which in actually a 8800M GTS ) are used. Prices for the entry level model with 20 "screen has been reduced to 999 euros and raised the CPU clock of 2.0 to 2.4 Ghz. In addition, Penryn processors now are used, which include a 4 increased to 6 MB L2 cache.

Facelift ( Revision C )

On 3 March 2009, another version of the iMacs has been published. The CPU clock of the entry-level model was increased to 2.66 Ghz, the top model continues to offer 3.06 Ghz. As graphics cards get an nVIDIA GeForce 9400M ( 20 "and 24 " model with 2.66 GHz ), a nVIDIA GeForce GT 120 ( the 24 "model with 2.93 GHz) and NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 (in 24 " - model to 3.06 GHz). An ATI Radeon HD 4850 512 MB ​​is also available for an additional charge. The prices for the 20 "model were again raised to 1,099 euros. Furthermore, the Penryn processors come in the iMac to use. The working memory ( RAM) has been raised by default to 2 GB (20 -inch model ) or 4 GB ( 24-inch models). Furthermore, the memory of DDR2 was switched to DDR3, thus the memory up to 8 GB of RAM, 4 GB were previously only possible, be expanded. Aside from the now flat tapered base and the connections, instead of FireWire 400 now 800, at the rear, the exterior of the iMacs has not changed.

Sixth Generation (2009)

Revision A

On 20 October 2009, Apple Inc. introduced a new generation of iMacs. The smallest model now offers a 21.5 " (1920 × 1080 ) display, and a 500GB hard drive, the largest has a 27" ( 2560 × 1440) display and a 1 TB or 2 TB hard drive. All models have IPS displays with LED backlight. The 21.5 " iMac as well as the best 27 " model equipped as standard with a 3.06 GHz or 3.33 GHz Intel an optional Core 2 Duo processor. The second 27 " model features the 2.66 GHz Core i5 or the optionally available 2.8 GHz Core i7 processor from Intel, the first iMac with a quad-core CPU.

All iMacs now have four slots for memory and are factory- equipped with 4 GB of RAM which can be expanded in the 21.5 "model and the 27 " model up to 16 GB. In addition, the graphics performance with the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M of the cheapest iMac and the ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics processor in the other models has been improved. The ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics card is already installed in the quad-core iMac from the factory.

By default, the iMac comes with a wireless keyboard and the Magic Mouse. Apple builds from this version also has a SD card slot in the iMac.

Revision B

On 27 July 2010, a new revision of the iMac was presented. External changes there were none. In all models Intel Core i processors now be installed. In the best model, a 500 GB hard drive is installed, in all other this has a capacity of 1 TB. In the more powerful model with 27 "screen comes standard with a Intel Core i5 (Quad -Core) 2.8GHz and an ATI Radeon 5750 for use. An Intel Core i7 2.93GHz is optional at an additional cost here. In all other models, a Core i3 ( dual-core ), 3.2 GHz and an ATI Radeon 4670 ( low end model) or Core i5 (Dual Core) 3.6 GHz and an ATI Radeon 5670 is installed. New to this model, the option is in addition to conventional hard drive and SuperDrive an SSD to get installed, which when installed operation system provides a significantly faster starting of programs and the computer itself.

Revision C

On 3 May 2011, a new revision of the iMac was presented. External changes were not, again, the facelift focuses on the update of the installed components. In all models, current Intel Quad Core i processors Sandy Bridge microarchitecture now be installed and updated the graphics chips to the current AMD GPU generation. Furthermore, Intel's Thunderbolt universal interface has been installed in place of the Mini DisplayPort. After the MacBook Pro, the iMac is thus now the second model series from Apple with this connector. In addition, the iMac now features an integrated FaceTime HD camera.

Seventh Generation (2012 )

Revision A

On October 23, 2012, Apple Inc. introduced a new generation of iMacs. The smallest model has a 21.5 " (1920 × 1080 ) display, and a 1 TB hard drive, the largest model has a 27" ( 2560 × 1440) display and an optional 1 TB or 3 TB hard drive, 1 TB or 3 TB Fusion Drive or 768 GB of flash memory. All models have IPS displays with LED backlight. The smallest 21.5 " iMac comes standard with a 2.7 GHz Core i5, then increases to 2.9 GHz Core i5 with the option to 3.1 GHz Core i7. 's Smallest 27" iMac starts at 2, 9 GHz Core i5, the top model comes standard with a 3.2 GHz Core i5, which can be reconfigured at the Apple Store for the 3.4 GHz Core i7 processor from Intel.

All iMacs have four slots for RAM and are factory- equipped with 8 GB of RAM which can be expanded in the 21.5 "model at 16 GB and the 27 " model up to 32 GB. Only for the 27 "model can be the memory without removing the display subsequently increased. In addition, the graphics performance with the GeForce GT 640M from Nvidia in the best iMac and the GeForce GT 675MX GPU in the other models has been improved. Optionally, can be chosen 680MX 2GB memory in a decided 27 " model also has a GeForce GT.

By default, the iMac with a wireless keyboard and an input device ( Mouse or Magic Trackpad ) will be delivered. Due to the thinner design of the display was no optical drive.

On March 14, 2013 Apple Inc expanded the current generation iMac to a new version that has a VESA mount attachment option. They are supplied as standard without a stand and are available in two standard versions with 21.5 - and 27 - inch screen, by 40 euro premium over the version with stand available.

Revision B

On September 24, 2013 Apple updated the iMac with new wireless cards, which support the standard 802.11ac. In all models now are Intel Core i5 processors Intel Haswell microarchitecture ( also available with Intel Core i7 available ). An also optional SSD or the fusion Drive based on the new models on PCIe. The smallest 21.5 " iMac has an Intel Iris Pro graphics unit, all other models have a NVIDIA GeForce graphics card. The top model with 21.5 " has a NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M, the smallest 27 " model has a NVIDIA GeForce GT 755m and the largest 27 " iMac is powered by a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780m with 4GB of dedicated, GDDR5 graphics memory. Furthermore OS X Mavericks is preinstalled as standard versions and with a VESA - mount mounting options are available which are shipped without a base.

Tube (CRT )

  • IMac G3 Summer 2001-500, 600 or 700 MHz PPC G3 750
  • IMac G3 beginning 2001-400, 500, or 600 MHz PPC G3 750
  • IMac G3 Summer 2000-350, 400, 450 or 500 MHz PPC G3 750
  • IMac G3 DV Slot - Loading - 350 or 400 MHz PPC G3 750
  • IMac G3 5 colors - 266 or 333 MHz PPC G3 750
  • IMac G3 " Bondi Blue" - 233 MHz PPC G3 750

Flat panel display ( LCD)

  • IMac 27 inch aluminum - 2.7 GHz Intel Quad-Core i5 - 3.1 GHz Intel Quad-Core i5 - 3.4 GHz Intel Quad-Core i7
  • IMac 21.5 inch aluminum - 2.5 GHz Intel Quad-Core i5 - 2.7 GHz Intel Quad-Core i5 - 2.8 GHz Intel Quad-Core i7
  • IMac 27 inch aluminum - 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 - 3.6 GHz Intel Core i5 - 2.8 GHz Intel Quad-Core i5 - 2.93 GHz Intel Quad-Core i7
  • IMac 21.5 inch aluminum - 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 - 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 - 3.6 GHz Intel Core i5
  • IMac 27 inch aluminum - 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 3.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 2.66 GHz Intel Core i5 - 2.80 GHz Intel Core i7
  • IMac 21.5 inch aluminum - 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 3.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • IMac 24-inch aluminum - 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 2.93 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme
  • IMac 20-inch aluminum - 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • IMac 24-inch aluminum - 2.80 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme (Early 2008)
  • IMac 20-inch aluminum - 2.40 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (Early 2008)
  • IMac 24-inch aluminum - 2.40 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 2.80 GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme, MVA panel
  • IMac 20-inch aluminum - 2.00 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 2.40 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • IMac 24-inch Serial ATA - 2.16 GHz - 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • IMac 20-inch Serial ATA - 2.16 GHz - 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • IMac 17-inch Serial ATA - 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • IMac 17-inch Serial ATA - 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo ( " Educational iMac " )
  • IMac 20-inch Serial ATA - 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo
  • IMac 17-inch Serial ATA - 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo
  • IMac G5 20-inch Serial ATA - 2.1 GHz G5
  • IMac G5 17-inch Serial ATA - 1.9 GHz G5
  • IMac G5 20-inch Serial ATA - 1.8 GHz and 2.0 GHz G5
  • IMac G5 17-inch Serial ATA - 1.8 GHz and 2.0 GHz G5
  • IMac G5 17-inch Serial ATA - 1.6 GHz G5
  • IMac G4 20-inch USB 2.0 - 1.25GHz PPC G4 7455
  • IMac G4 17-inch USB 2.0 - 1.25GHz PPC G4 7455
  • IMac G4 15-inch USB 2.0 - 1.0 GHz PPC G4 7450
  • IMac G4 17 inch 1 GHz - 1 GHz G4 PPC 7450
  • IMac G4 17 inch - 800 MHz PPC 7450 G4
  • IMac G4 15 inch - 700 or 800 MHz PPC 7450 G4
Electronic visual display PowerPC 7xx IEEE 1394 PowerPC G4 64-bit computing List of Intel microprocessors Mini-DVI Front Row (software) Aluminium Unified Extensible Firmware Interface Apple Wireless Keyboard
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