Talk:iMac G3
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![]() | IMac G3 has been listed as one of the Engineering and technology good articles under the good article criteria. If you can improve it further, please do so. If it no longer meets these criteria, you can reassess it. Review: December 23, 2022. (Reviewed version). |
Choose Images for the Article
I noticed that recently there have been changes to the images used in the article. Some new photos have been uploaded and have been used to replace some of the old images by a well meaning editor. However, some of these images are (in my opinion) of poor quality. They show the computer at limited angles, in poor lighting, and with defects on the unit (missing optical drive, discolored stand, etc) and do not represent the product accurately. They also replaced photos which were of higher quality and were already adequate for the article.
I feel it might be important to talk about this, and discuss a tactic in how to source good photographs that do justice to this beautiful series of computers. It is important to make sure that new photos are being added to improve the article, and not replaced just for the sake of it. --Melonbob (talk) 04:51, 1 April 2017 (UTC)
- Hi. If you're willing to give me photography tips, I can take better photos. I am also looking for help with getting the card reader properly fitted on my iMac G3. --True Tech Talk Time (talk) 01:16, 4 April 2017 (UTC)
Combined CPU/monitor
At the time, Apple was unique in producing all-in-one desktop computers, in which the CPU and the monitor are contained in one enclosure. Many other PC manufacturers have tried to imitate this; most have met with little success.
It's true that Apple seem to be unique in making computers with combined monitors, but it's a myth that this was new with the iMac - there were plenty of Macs years before then which followed this design.
- Its certainly not true if one is not referring to a specific time (in which case the reference to earlier Macs is hard to understand). See for example Commodore PET for a much earlier example that predates even the first Mac. Arguably this differs in that the keyboard is also included. If including the CPU and monitor but not the keyboard is unique to Macs, then the article should say that. I don't know if that is the case. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 71.84.3.72 (talk) 00:13:39, August 19, 2007 (UTC)
- That Commodore PET may technically be "all-in-one" but it looks like a computer with a separate monitor stuck on top. The iMac G3 has the CPU behind the screen, so essentially all you see is the monitor and a slot. The monitor has no silhouette of its own (like the G4 iMac and the Commodore PET) and it doesn't give an appearance of two freestanding devices that have been glued together after the fact. The G3 iMac is seamlessly all-in-one. Perhaps the word seamless could be combined with all-in-one to clarify the novelty of the design (yes, even compared against the Macintosh) of this personal computer.Gotmywaderson (talk) 19:48, 11 February 2009 (UTC)
Also it's not clear what the last sentence means - was there something wrong with their results, or was it just that all-in-one designs weren't popular with PC users? Mdwh 23:14, 25 March 2007 (UTC)
- No comments, I'm removing the latter sentence as it's unclear and unsourced, and I've rewritten the first sentence to make it clear that the iMac wasn't the first Apple computer to be in this style. Mdwh 20:09, 6 May 2007 (UTC)
Sorry, i removed this one from the category:Industrial design examples
- Restored. See discussion in Talk:iMac G4
It should also be mentioned that Ubuntu offered special designed CD to boot and install Ubuntu on iMac G3 PowerPC. Latest official release Ubuntu 09.04. It is still possible to download latest Ubuntu 10.04 for iMac G3 from http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ports/releases/10.04/release/ —Preceding unsigned comment added by 120.28.243.153 (talk) 04:01, 7 July 2010 (UTC)
Article Structure / Introduction
This article seems to have an overly long and in-depth introduction, probably as a result of it being largely extracted from the iMac article. It would undoubtedly benefit from a restructure and a shorter, more relevant introduction. For example (just a rough draft, not even fact checked),
The iMac G3 is an all-in-one personal computer, encompassing both the monitor and the CPU in a single enclosure. Originally released in striking bondi blue and later a range of brightly coloured, translucent plastic, casings shipped with a keyboard and mouse in matching tints, with later revisions shipping with Pro peripherals. Released in various revisions over it 6 year production run the iMac G3 was the fist personal computer produced by Apple to carry the iMac brand name, representative of its purpose as a Macintosh for the internet, or the internet Macintosh.
- done. --Jerome Potts 18:20, 6 May 2007 (UTC)
Thanks for including the information in this page. I got a few of my questions answered. However I need to point out some things: - Please give references and links to the original articles. For example I have a Bonzi Blue iMac which is 350 MHZ and the article says it is blueberry and it seems factually wrong to me. - Secondly for the same machine it says 512 KB RAM is supported and 1GB is unsupported. Maybe you could hyperlink the word unsupported and explain a bit on what it means and why. Or leave a stub at least for possible enrichment by an insider? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.76.35.196 (talk) 02:19, 22 August 2008 (UTC)
- I'd post this on your talk page, but I'm not sure you'd see it. Are you sure you're not confusing Blueberry with Indigo? Bondi Blue is kind of a turquoise color, but Blueberry is still rather light compared to Indigo. I'm considering buying a 350MHz slot-loading iMac G3 that the seller claims is Bondi Blue, but according to all the specs I've seen they weren't available in that color. Could be wrong though, and if it turns out to be Bondi I'll certainly make mention of it here. 72.236.218.36 (talk) 20:34, 29 August 2008 (UTC)
- Well, I got the iMac and sure enough, it's Bondi Blue. It matches my b&w G3, and the case on those was also Bondi Blue with white. Come to think of it, I seem to recall from old catalogs that even after the newer colors were introduced (at least the first five), you could also choose Bondi Blue. Don't know why sites like LowEndMac.com and EveryMac.com don't acknowledge this, but it does seem that slot-loading iMac G3s were also available in Bondi Blue. 24.254.9.5 (talk) 06:47, 4 September 2008 (UTC)
Photo placement
When you load this page you see no photos. A photo of the G3 needs to be put right at the very top JayKeaton 08:52, 22 September 2007 (UTC)
I agree. Since the iMac G3 is most notable for its design (it is part of the industrial design category), so I feel that it is fitting for the picture to appear at the top of the page. Besides, most articles focusing on one product (when a picture of a product is available) place the picture near the top of the article. Mandanthe1 16:21, 17 October 2007 (UTC)
Promotional iMacs?
I know that, in the late '90s, Apple partnered with other companies and gave specially designed iMacs (usually limited edition) away as promotions. One I specifically remember was a promotion for Digimon: The Movie. They gave away a total of 8 iMacs Bondie Blue color with Digimon logos added to the case. Just thought it might be important to point out. Mandanthe1 16:26, 17 October 2007 (UTC)
Version 0.7 nomination
This article was nominated to be included in the Version 0.7 static release. It satisfies the criteria for inclusion based on importance, but it is lacking a lot of detail on the impact of the iMac on Apple, which is one of the primary reasons for inclusion given in the nomination. I'll revisit this in a while, and I'll decide whether to pass or fail the article's nomination at the time, but any improvements (including removing the remaining {{fact}} statements) in the meantime would be greatly appreciated. Titoxd(?!? - cool stuff) 04:03, 23 October 2008 (UTC)
CPU change
When did the iMac switch from having the CPU on a SODIMM to having it soldered to the motherboard? That change made CPU upgrades very expensive, as one had to either find a compatible mainboard with a faster CPU, or send it away to have the CPU desoldered and a new one soldered on- at a cost of several hundred dollars. For the SODIMM CPUs, companies offered advanced exchange where you could order an upgraded SODIMM then send back the original. Some gave the buyer a period of time to send their old module back, others required an up-front deposit, refunded when they received the original module. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Bizzybody (talk • contribs) 06:09, 1 July 2009 (UTC)
What's a "Bondi?"
The term "Bondi Blue" is used in this article, but nowhere does it describe what a "bondi" is, or why it was named this. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 151.207.242.4 (talk) 16:19, 16 February 2012 (UTC)
- It's a famous beach in Australia. Notice the color of the water. -ProhibitOnions (T) 09:47, 28 September 2012 (UTC)
discepancy over IrDA functionality
I recently obtained a Revision B tray-loading iMac G3, so I figured I would look around Wikipedia for some information, maybe some kind of technical trivia (a lot of technical trivia can be encyclopedic in nature) on getting it booted.
I ran across this obvious contradiction in the Models section (boldness added to both quotes for clarity):
4Mbit/s infrared port (which was only included in Revision A models)
Followed by:
- August 15, 1998 — iMac 233MHz (Revision A) (M6709LL/A). 233MHz processor. ATI Rage IIc graphics with 2MB SGRAM. Available in Bondi Blue only, reset hole on side panel. One of only two iMac models to include an IrDA port.
- October 17, 1998 — iMac 233MHz (Revision B) (M6709LL/B). Minor update featuring new Mac OS 8.5, ATI Rage Pro Graphics with 6MB of SGRAM. Last hardware revision to include the IrDA port and internal mezzanine slot.
Obviously the article conflicts itself.
Useless note: While I am well aware of Wikipedia's policy on original research (no original research), my iMac is a Revision B and has the IrDA port.
Segin (talk) 07:51, 1 August 2009 (UTC)
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GA Review
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- This review is transcluded from Talk:IMac G3/GA1. The edit link for this section can be used to add comments to the review.
Reviewer: DFlhb (talk · contribs) 21:52, 8 December 2022 (UTC)
This is my first GA review, so I'll look for a mentor to make sure I'm not making any mistakes. Already read through the article once, no obvious problems. Will start with a first-pass read-through, checking that every citation properly supports each claim.
- Hey DFlhb, thanks for taking on the review. If you want to check anything based on the print sources, I can send you some copies; the Macworlds and the like are on Archive.org as well but I don't include them in the references themselves since they're likely on Archive.org without copyright holder permission. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 02:12, 9 December 2022 (UTC)
- No trouble so far. My archive.org jiu-jitsu isn't letting me down! DFlhb (talk) 03:39, 9 December 2022 (UTC)
Summary
GA review – see WP:WIAGA for criteria
- Is it well written?
- A. The prose is clear and concise, and the spelling and grammar are correct:
- B. It complies with the manual of style guidelines for lead sections, layout, words to watch, fiction, and list incorporation:
- A. The prose is clear and concise, and the spelling and grammar are correct:
- Is it verifiable with no original research?
- A. It contains a list of all references (sources of information), presented in accordance with the layout style guideline:
- B. All in-line citations are from reliable sources, including those for direct quotations, statistics, published opinion, counter-intuitive or controversial statements that are challenged or likely to be challenged, and contentious material relating to living persons—science-based articles should follow the scientific citation guidelines:
- C. It contains no original research:
- D. It contains no copyright violations nor plagiarism:
- A. It contains a list of all references (sources of information), presented in accordance with the layout style guideline:
- Is it broad in its coverage?
- A. It addresses the main aspects of the topic:
- B. It stays focused on the topic without going into unnecessary detail (see summary style):
- A. It addresses the main aspects of the topic:
- Is it neutral?
- It represents viewpoints fairly and without editorial bias, giving due weight to each:
- It represents viewpoints fairly and without editorial bias, giving due weight to each:
- Is it stable?
- It does not change significantly from day to day because of an ongoing edit war or content dispute:
- It does not change significantly from day to day because of an ongoing edit war or content dispute:
- Is it illustrated, if possible, by images?
- A. Images are tagged with their copyright status, and valid non-free use rationales are provided for non-free content:
- B. Images are relevant to the topic, and have suitable captions:
- A. Images are tagged with their copyright status, and valid non-free use rationales are provided for non-free content:
- Overall:
- Pass or Fail:
- Pass or Fail:
First-pass review
- Lead:
the company's fastest-selling computer in history
— unclear; maybe restate as either "fastest-selling computer in Apple's history" (current citation) or "fastest-selling computer in history" (Press & Cooper 2017). Also, has it been topped since?- I haven't found a lot of good corroboration for "fastest-selling computer in history" (and I imagine a lot would get into the weeds of what you count as a discrete computer versus a lineup or family, etc.) so I've adjusted it to hopefully make it clearer it's Apple's fastest-selling. As to whether it remains that way, unfortunately there's not really any way of knowing—Apple doesn't break out individual models or give unit sales anymore, and hasn't even given total Mac sales for years at this point. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:00, 18 December 2022 (UTC)
- Cool; I'll be doing the second-pass review this weekend at the latest (maybe earlier if I have time). It might turn up nothing, or maybe I missed something minor. Nicely done overall! DFlhb (talk) 14:48, 19 December 2022 (UTC)
- I haven't found a lot of good corroboration for "fastest-selling computer in history" (and I imagine a lot would get into the weeds of what you count as a discrete computer versus a lineup or family, etc.) so I've adjusted it to hopefully make it clearer it's Apple's fastest-selling. As to whether it remains that way, unfortunately there's not really any way of knowing—Apple doesn't break out individual models or give unit sales anymore, and hasn't even given total Mac sales for years at this point. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:00, 18 December 2022 (UTC)
- Misc:
- Copyedit:
last sentence of the penultimate §Release paragraph likely belongs in the next paragraph for clarity;
reduced the company's product offerings and organizational division
— consider "simplified its organizational chart", or some clearer wording. The reduced product offering phrase is also redundant with the "winnowing down" phrase in the after-next sentence;was not original among
can sound value-laden; consider "was not a first for Apple" or similar;We keep repeating "more RAM, larger hard drive, faster processor" all over that section; what do you think of mentioning the exact hard drive size/MHz/RAM size/graphics chipset? On the one hand, it may be excessive, but on the other hand it would avoid redundancy, make things clearer, and might even make some younger readers smirk at how bad those things were! This could meet both parts of The inclusion of details and minor aspects can contribute to good writing, but such details should not overwhelm the article (from WP:GACN). IMO, the level of detail in the revision history of this revision wasn't excessive, and helped clarity.
Optional support for Wi-Fi (AirPort) on 2nd gen models should likely be mentioned too;
What do you think of including prices for entry-level models: the $999 October '99 iMac, and the $799 July '00 iMac? (from the existing citation) Seems encyclopedically relevant, even under WP:NOTPRICES; they're well-covered by secondary sources, and relevant to the product's (and Apple's) market positioning. This should probably just apply to the lowest-end models, so the article doesn't sound stiff;
- I've added the mention of wireless networking, the price, and added a bit more technical detail, as well as varying the language a bit more. Given that the article is supposed to be accessible to general readers and there's complete technical specs, I don't think it makes any sense to give every single update listed out, so I've mostly limited it to processors and when major jumps occurred. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 22:51, 15 December 2022 (UTC)
- Great changes DFlhb (talk) 03:29, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- I've added the mention of wireless networking, the price, and added a bit more technical detail, as well as varying the language a bit more. Given that the article is supposed to be accessible to general readers and there's complete technical specs, I don't think it makes any sense to give every single update listed out, so I've mostly limited it to processors and when major jumps occurred. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 22:51, 15 December 2022 (UTC)
- Accuracy:
unsupported by any third-party peripheral
-> wouldn't "third-party Mac peripheral" be a more accurate paraphrase of that source? Also, it seems Einstein (!) contradicts this;- I don't see the contradiction. The article is talking about the iMac at release versus in development. Once they announced the iMac peripheral makers rushed to produce accessories. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 22:51, 15 December 2022 (UTC)
- You're right; I thought the article came out when the iMac was announced, not when it shipped. DFlhb (talk) 03:29, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- I don't see the contradiction. The article is talking about the iMac at release versus in development. Once they announced the iMac peripheral makers rushed to produce accessories. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 22:51, 15 December 2022 (UTC)
the web version of the Levy Newsweek article doesn't support the golden ticket or radio claims; but I don't have access to the print version. Other web articles claim the golden tickets were a failed idea, illegal under California law for requiring a purchase to enter a giveaway;
- The aforementioned web article is one from months earlier, not the cited source. As to whether the giveaway actually happened, the Segall reference is to the millionth Mac, and specifically mentions a single ticket. Levy could have been wrong and the idea was nixed, but the number, timing (Levy is mentioning it as for the original iMac's launch, not in celebration of the one millionth Mac), and Willy Wonka details being exclusive to Segall's make me think they're referring to different ideas. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:29, 15 December 2022 (UTC)
- It does seem they're referring to different things. Segall was indeed who I was thinking about, but I since found other sources that back up Levy DFlhb (talk) 03:29, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- The aforementioned web article is one from months earlier, not the cited source. As to whether the giveaway actually happened, the Segall reference is to the millionth Mac, and specifically mentions a single ticket. Levy could have been wrong and the idea was nixed, but the number, timing (Levy is mentioning it as for the original iMac's launch, not in celebration of the one millionth Mac), and Willy Wonka details being exclusive to Segall's make me think they're referring to different ideas. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:29, 15 December 2022 (UTC)
- Copyedit:
- §Release:
Since people are now so used to Apple keeping previous product generations around (iPhone, iPad, Intel Mac mini, Touch Bar MacBok Pro, M1 MacBook Air), it might be useful to clarify that all sets of new models were accompanied by the discontinuation of the previous ones; that can either be clarified by slight copyedits in §Release, or in the Specs table by adding a Discontinued row;
- That's difficult to do, considering that it's not something the sources of the time even talked about in their mentions of the new machines. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 22:51, 15 December 2022 (UTC)
- That's fair. DFlhb (talk) 03:29, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- That's difficult to do, considering that it's not something the sources of the time even talked about in their mentions of the new machines. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 22:51, 15 December 2022 (UTC)
- §Reception:
Andrew Gore: I couldn't find anything about empty talk or the Think Different campaign. Maybe I just missed it! If not, perhaps highlight "destined to be a hit" instead?
- Might be checking the wrong issue? July 1998 pg. 17, "...the iMac proves that all of Apple's talk about "thinking different" wasn't empty hype"... etc. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- Ah, I was checking page 17A instead of 17 (which we cite elsewhere). DFlhb (talk) 02:27, 17 December 2022 (UTC)
- Might be checking the wrong issue? July 1998 pg. 17, "...the iMac proves that all of Apple's talk about "thinking different" wasn't empty hype"... etc. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
Tech enthusiasts and current Mac users were often negative
— this is partially supported by SixColors (I don't think "often" is) but it's opposed by Kahney p.133, who says media and tech reviewers were the negative ones, but "Apple's fan base was pumped". Both of these citations are already in.- Tweaked. I think trying to explain that users who weren't the target audience for the machine weren't jazzed about it is probably a bit in the weeds, and the majority of the following focuses on the press. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- §Legacy:
- Comprehensiveness:
Consider mentioning the "iMac to Go" ad campaign for the clamshell iBook G3, and the fact that the iBook was largely inspired by the iMac's design; that was a significant part of the iBook's overall marketing;
- Comprehensiveness:
- §Specifications:
- Clarity:
For iMac (Summer 2001), "Mac OS 9.1 and Mac OS X 10.0.4", which one was preinstalled, and which one was given on a disc? I don't understand if Breen (Dec 2001) means one or the other. If you find out, I'd add a footnote to clarify;
- From my reading of Breen in other stories of the era, both were preinstalled and shipped with the appropriate restore discs; I'm unclear about boot preference (as to whether it would natively start up in OS X first boot or OS 9, or you could choose.) That said, I can't find information specifically saying that about the iMacs themselves. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- I couldn't find it either. Marking as resolved. DFlhb (talk) 02:27, 17 December 2022 (UTC)
- From my reading of Breen in other stories of the era, both were preinstalled and shipped with the appropriate restore discs; I'm unclear about boot preference (as to whether it would natively start up in OS X first boot or OS 9, or you could choose.) That said, I can't find information specifically saying that about the iMacs themselves. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- Sourcing:
The weights, graphics chips, presence of audio input, and hard drive RPMs are not supported by the Apple specs sheets for several models; recommend EveryMac be used, since it would be a significant ommission not to mention graphics. EveryMac is credible and they're the most comprehensive resources on Mac tech specs, online or offline. They're also linked to by Wired, Business Insider, Ars Technica, and Time magazine, among others (I checked backlinks using ahrefs.com). I believe it counts as a tertiary source under WP:NOR, and as reliable under WP:UBO.- Resolved. Struck "weight"; the model where it's missing is practically identical to the previous one, there's no reason to believe the weight changed (sky-is-blue stuff), so that was more of a nitpick. DFlhb (talk) 06:43, 17 December 2022 (UTC)
- Inaccuracies:
According to the Apple spec datasheets and EveryMac.com, the iMac Rev B (Oct '98) officially supported 32-256MB RAM, while Rev A (Aug '98), and the G3 266MHz and 333MHz models, supported 32-128MB.
iMac 266 and 333 had a Rage Pro Turbo, only Rev B had Rage Pro, (per EveryMac). Also verified this using archive.org on Apple.com, it states "Turbo".
- That's a miswrite; there was only ever a Rage Pro Turbo, no Rage Pro. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- Right; not sure where I got the "Rage Pro Rev B" thing from. DFlhb (talk) 02:27, 17 December 2022 (UTC)
- That's a miswrite; there was only ever a Rage Pro Turbo, no Rage Pro. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
Per EveryMac, 64MB was the minimum and 512MB RAM was the maximum for all October '99 Slot-Loading iMacs, except the G3 400 DV SE which had 128MB as the minimum. Our table also goes back and forth between stating what RAM the iMac shipped with, and stating the maximum it could support (since Apple's specs datasheets are formatted differently for both generations). Probably best to stick with what was supported, since RAM was easy to change. Per EveryMac, every other 2nd gen model had a max of 1GB, though the minimum keeps shifting between 64MB, 128MB and 256MB.
The current table is missing a few important things from older revisions. It doesn't state where features were not available in some models (for example, the 350MHz Slot-Load model lacked FireWire, and several models lacked DVD-ROM drives), and it also misses one major feature, optional AirPort 802.11b, in the "Connectivity" row, on the second-gen iMacs. Beyond the 802.11b omission and the need to be accurate about features some models lack, I leave decisions about the level of appropriate detail up to you. Feel free to use EveryMac's Compare tool to save time when working on the table, if you agree that it's a reliable source.
- I'll work on making sure this is harmonized as much as possible; I tried to strip out everything not directly cited to the Apple tech specs, however, because while Everymac is probably accurate, it's absolutely not a reliable source by Wikipedia standards (it's run by one guy who expressly makes no warranty to accuracy). Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 21:37, 9 December 2022 (UTC)
- I've gone through and double-checked the specs versus the given Apple ones, and made some adjustments; where the specs page was missing some info I either generalized it or added citations to the magazines that discussed them. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- I just added some italics about the FireWire exception, so we don't risk misleading readers; but everything else looks good. I'll double-check the table as part of the second-pass review to make sure no errors slipped through. "Fastest-selling" is the only thing remaining for first-pass. DFlhb (talk) 07:03, 17 December 2022 (UTC)
- Clarity:
Second-pass review
- Re: this IP user's edit, on the October 5, 1999 release date: Apple's specs sheet says it's the 4th. But the models were unveiled at the Oct 5 Special Event (see this recording, 1:21:46, he says "available starting today"). I double-checked that the event happened on the 5th. Seems like a typo on Apple's part. Judging by the audience's cheers, that event was the very first time anyone heard about these new iMacs. I was about to re-check all the dates anyway; not sure why, but I had a weird feeling about them. That's one down! DFlhb (talk) 06:40, 23 December 2022 (UTC)
- The other dates are all good! DFlhb (talk) 09:23, 23 December 2022 (UTC)
- Just finished the second-pass review. Would like to make sure you agree with the "October 5" change. Also, before I pass it, I'll look for someone to give this GAR a quick look-over, to make sure I did everything right. If you have any feedback on how I conducted this, I'm all ears (on my talk page). Great job, kick-ass article! DFlhb (talk) 09:48, 23 December 2022 (UTC)
- The other dates are all good! DFlhb (talk) 09:23, 23 December 2022 (UTC)
Optional/suggestions for a future FA-nomination
- Infobox:
March 18, 2003 is not in the body or table; the day of month is not verified by REF51 (512 Pixels), but is verified by EveryMac (not cited)
Same for the precedessor being the Power Mac G3, which is not cited in the infobox or in the body; I found it's supported by Wired (not currently used). These aren't among the WP:GACR(2)(b) types, so not including them as part of the GA review;
- Removed both above. Haven't found a great source for the exact date (I will look) but I think saying the iMac is the direct successor to the AIO Power Mac G3 is a little off, given that the latter was an education-only model (in that way its successor would arguably have been the eMac G4 since that was always directly intended to be for education markets.) Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- Good point. DFlhb (talk) 02:34, 17 December 2022 (UTC)
- Removed both above. Haven't found a great source for the exact date (I will look) but I think saying the iMac is the direct successor to the AIO Power Mac G3 is a little off, given that the latter was an education-only model (in that way its successor would arguably have been the eMac G4 since that was always directly intended to be for education markets.) Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- Images:
- Consider adding a pic for the iSub, or mouse/keyboard, or both;
- Consider adding a §Gallery section, just above §Specifications; something like Garden#Design, which showcases the mouse, keyboard, the vents, the font of the "iMac" name on the front, and other aspects of the design. This would take advantage of the fact that we're not a paper encyclopedia, and would attempt to give reader a "museum" experience for these old products ("old" pet idea of mine);
- I think some of your ideas fall afoul of WP:NOTGALLERY; that said, there's still space within the text to add additional images, and I'll look into dooming so. BTW technically the image above is of the Harmon Kardon soundsticks, a later product that basically shared the look of the subwoofer iSub, but they're different products. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- Indeed. I thought the SoundSticks were just the two sticks, pictured alongside an iSub; didn't know Harman Kardon reused the design. DFlhb (talk) 07:03, 17 December 2022 (UTC)
- I think some of your ideas fall afoul of WP:NOTGALLERY; that said, there's still space within the text to add additional images, and I'll look into dooming so. BTW technically the image above is of the Harmon Kardon soundsticks, a later product that basically shared the look of the subwoofer iSub, but they're different products. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:15, 16 December 2022 (UTC)
- Wikilinks, to cater to the rabbits:
I changed Bondi blue to redirect to Blue-green#Bondi_Blue. Consider linking the first "Bondi blue" in the body to that redirect;
primitive 3D printers
-> consider changing to "stereolithographic printers" and linking the first word to Stereolithography;an OpenFirmware read-only memory
— consider linking New World ROM, and rewording appropriately to avoid MOS:EGG. Also consider linking "machine-specific ROMs" to Old World ROM;- consider linking Subwoofer, and Harman Kardon (I'm neutral on these);
- Copyediting::
to show it off
— consider "to show it off and gather feedback" (verified by same citation); doesn't affect clarity so it's optional;
- Level of detail:
- Consider mentioning $USD prices in the specs table. They were well-covered by secondary sources, and are arguably encyclopedically relevant, even under WP:NOTPRICES, since pricing is a relatively significant component of Apple's marketing and market positioning. International prices were based on the US prices, so variation across location (per WP:NOTPRICES) is a non-concern. This would allow us to show the price segmentation by model, and the prices' evolution over time as Apple tried to conquer market share;
that used the internet to connect to remote servers
— consider expanding on Job's vision of a thin client; that was a near-obsession of his during the NeXT days and very early Apple days; he mentioned it in multiple public Keynotes and leaked internal NeXT speeches, so it's likely covered by secondary sources.- After
De Anza College
: consider adding a sentence fragment reiterating what was riding on the presentation going well i.e. Apple's financial survival, and just as importantly, the need for the product to generate developer enthusiasm to make them stick with the Mac platform, so that the product isn't dead on arrival, etc. From the same Isaacson p.354-5 citation. - Consider briefly mentioning the "Apple New Product Process", which IIRC Kahney says is a direct consequence of the iMac's development
- Breen 2001 says the default RAM was seen as insufficient for OS X. Jobs claimed otherwise in the announcement at 1:11:55 ("plenty enough to run Mac OS X"). Seems due (I found many forum posts by users echoing that).
- Consider highlighting the strategic thinking behind each decision, not just the end result. First, the Internet was the "next big thing". Then, "Digital Video" (iMac DV, bundled iMovie, FireWire to support camcorders). Digital Video didn't catch on, so the "next big thing" became the "digital hub" (FireWire was now good for the iPod), then it became "digital music", (switch from DVD to CD-RW, bundled iTunes so people could burn CDs). Should be in Kahney 2013 or Schlender & Tetzeli 2015; otherwise, check the Mac (computer) bibliography, it's in there, but I don't have access to it right now.
- Consider alternating between two lenses: contemporary and retrospective. It would be nice to render the "rollercoaster": the hype for each model (and each strategic shift: video, hub, music), sourced to WP:RSBREAKING covering the keynote & reactions, contrasted with how they were each critically evaluated, while maintaining strict encyclopaedic neutrality. Might benefit from breaking out each revision into their own section, with their own Reactions subsection, with §Legacy remaining focused on the whole line. A bit out there, but it would help readers put themselves in the shoes of what it was like to be an average 1998-2003 consumer, and avoid those nuances and perspectives being lost to time.
- §Reception:
- Consider listing the percentage of first-time computer users among Mac buyers, and comparing that with the industry; and the percentage of Wintel switchers (32% and 13% respectively by December 1998, according to Jobs (at 1:38:44), but would need secondary source);
- Jobs says (at 1:28:25) that Time, Newsweek, Wired, USA Today, Fortune, Business Week, Popular Science, and Consumer Reports placed the Bondi Blue iMac G3 on "best of" lists in 1998; consider adding if the original articles can be found. Putting this under "Optional" since it's more of a comprehensiveness issue than a POV issue.
- Specifications table:
- Would be nice for each illustration in the table to contain every color of that model; likely requires Photoshopping;
- I believe the level of detail in the Specifications table in older revisions was somewhat good, and could be supported by EveryMac. In particular, the revision names, maximum supported OS, display resolution, which processor speeds were available with which color, and the mention of the officially-supported max RAM, and true max RAM, seem useful to keep;
- Consider giving more complex revisions their own tables, to highlight differences between each model (iMac, DV, DV+, Special Edition, etc.) Features and available colours could vary across models of the same revision. iMac DV had iMovie & FireWire, but the low-end model had neither. Many models could only have one type of drive (CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD), with no built-to-order options; but we imply that buyers could choose between CD, CD-RW and DVD on all 2nd-gen models. Being precise about available drive choices would help reflect Apple's changing strategy (from CD-ROM, to DVD-ROM for Digital Video, to CD-RW for iTunes and CD burning). Not all models of a revision had the same RAM and hard drive options; they were segmented by model.
- This might reinforce the point above: consider whether the first-gen vs second-gen nomenclature truly reflects Apple or secondary sources. If not, then breaking it by revision makes sense. Not counting this as a GA-blocker, since it's more of a precision issue than WP:OR.
- External links:
- Consider adding the EveryMac iMac G3 FAQ and iMac model index to the external links section.
Comments on the review
The review overall looks excellent and quite thorough. I applaud the reviewer's diligence in checking references to ensure that they support the content, as well as providing many suggestions to improve the article. DFlhb I suggest that when you are happy with the article, go a head and pass it! (t · c) buidhe 17:59, 23 December 2022 (UTC)
- Great! Thank you DFlhb (talk) 22:02, 23 December 2022 (UTC)
Screen resolution
What is the screen resolution on these things? Cause it would be useful in the specifications section NintendoTTTEfan2005 (talk) 13:03, 28 April 2023 (UTC)
- I was just about to make the same exact comment. Definitely needs to be added. MisterZed (talk) 02:07, 9 September 2023 (UTC)
Tense and other edits
Smuckola I suppose first you could explain what "procedural" mistake I'm making, secondly you could explain what "illogical and false tense" issues are presented? I'm trying to avoid what your edits have introduced, which is lines like Whereas the original iMac models focus on Internet connectivity, the new iMac line adds the emerging digital video (DV) market that make no sense mixing tenses back and forth. Moreover, I at least attempted to thread the needle with changes I thought were improvements; wholesale reversion is certainly not collegial, especially since you never attempted to discuss your changes except through angry messages in edit summaries. Driveby edits should have more consideration. Der Wohltemperierte Fuchs talk 19:21, 12 February 2024 (UTC)
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