History of iMac 1984-2020

Summary

This video provides an insightful evolution of Apple's personal computers, starting with the Macintosh 128K in 1984 and continuing through to the latest iMac models in 2023. It highlights significant innovations, including the introduction of the Macintosh SE, Power Macintosh, and iMac G3, as well as the transition to retina displays and sleek designs. Each model is described in terms of its technological advancements and market impact, showcasing Apple's continuous innovation. The video concludes by showcasing the most recent iMac models, known for their powerful processors, sleek design, and advanced tools.

Takeaways

• 💻 The Apple Macintosh 128K, launched in 1984 for $2,495, was Apple's first personal computer, selling over 70,000 units in five months.
• 🖥️ The Macintosh 512K, released the same year, had quadruple the memory of the 128K and was nicknamed 'Fat Mac'.
• 🔌 The Macintosh Plus, launched in 1986, was the first to feature a SCSI port for external devices and had 1MB expandable RAM.
• 💾 The Macintosh SE, released in 1987, was the first compact Mac to include an internal hard drive and an expansion slot.
• 🖨️ The Macintosh SE/30, launched in 1989, supported up to 128MB RAM and included a 1.44MB high-density floppy disk drive.
• 💡 The Macintosh Classic, launched in 1990, was a more affordable model and 25% faster than the Macintosh Plus.
• 💿 The Performa series, introduced between 1992-1997, featured various models with improvements such as CD-ROM drives and more powerful processors.
• ⚙️ The Power Macintosh 5400, launched in 1996, was the first all-in-one Mac with PCI expansion, designed primarily for the education market.
• 🌈 The iMac G3, launched in 1998, had a groundbreaking design with translucent plastic in various colors and introduced USB ports as a standard.
• 📱 The 2014 iMac 5K Retina display revolutionized screen technology, featuring over 14.7 million pixels, while maintaining the previous iMac design.

Q & A

What was Apple’s first personal computer, and when was it launched?

Apple's first personal computer was the Macintosh 128K, launched in 1984 for $2,495.

Why was the Macintosh 512K nicknamed 'Fat Mac'?

The Macintosh 512K was nicknamed 'Fat Mac' because it had quadrupled the built-in memory of the previous model, the 128K.

What were the key innovations of the Macintosh Plus, launched in 1986?

The Macintosh Plus introduced the SCSI port for connecting external devices, expandable 1MB RAM, and a double-sided 800KB floppy drive.

What were the significant features of the Macintosh SE, launched in 1987?

The Macintosh SE was the first compact Mac to include an internal hard drive, an expansion slot, and support for the Apple Desktop Bus for keyboard and mouse connections.

Why was the Macintosh SE/30 significant in terms of memory and performance?

The Macintosh SE/30 supported up to 32MB of RAM (expandable to 128MB unofficially) and was the first compact Mac to feature a 1.44MB high-density floppy disk drive.

What made the Macintosh Classic appealing to consumers, and what was its final price?

The Macintosh Classic was marketed for its affordability, originally planned to be priced around $1,000 but later sold for $2,495. It offered features similar to earlier models but with improved speed.

Which was the first Macintosh to include a built-in CD-ROM, and when was it launched?

The Performa 600, launched in 1992, was the first Macintosh to include a built-in CD-ROM.

What design change was introduced with the iMac G3 in 1998?

The iMac G3, launched in 1998, featured a translucent plastic design, an egg-shaped body, and a 15-inch screen. It was the first Mac to have USB ports as standard.

What was the main innovation of the iMac G5, launched in 2004?

The iMac G5 had a completely different design, integrating the logic board behind the LCD screen, giving it a sleek, all-in-one monitor appearance.

What major update was introduced with the 27-inch iMac 5K Retina in 2014?

The 27-inch iMac 5K Retina, launched in 2014, introduced a display with over 14.7 million pixels, providing unmatched visual clarity, although its external appearance remained similar to previous models.