Apple Designs Different: Unveils Next Generation Power Macintosh G3 Computers
New Systems Deliver Greatest Performance Leap in Power Macintosh History
CUPERTINO,California–Nov. 10, 1997–Apple Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL)
today unveiled its next-generation “prosumer” systems–the Power Macintosh
G3 computers. Based on the third-generation PowerPC G3 processor from IBM
and Motorola, the new Apple designs include many technical advancements,
which simultaneously increase performance, lower costs, add features and
simplify the Macintosh product line. The new systems provide millions of
publishing, multimedia authoring, and general productivity customers with
best-in-class product features, quality and reliability while being faster
than even the newest Pentium II/300 products.
According to Steve Jobs, Apple’s interim CEO the new systems are part of a
strategy to change how the Company does business. “It’s time to think
differently about performance,” said Jobs. “The new G3 chip, designs and
configurations deliver speed, speed, and more speed to our Macintosh
customers. The simplicity and power of the new Power Macintosh G3
architecture demonstrates what Apple is all about–building the best tools
for people who think creatively.”
Available in hundreds of flexible desktop and minitower configurations,
starting at around U.S. $2,000, the Power Macintosh G3 systems feature a
PowerPC G3 processor running at speeds up to 266 MHz; a 512K level 2 memory
cache running at speeds up to 133 MHz; a 66 MHz system and main memory bus
with up to 384MB of memory. The innovative design features a small,
efficient logic board design that offers optimal performance, features and
flexibility. These features allow one design to span the needs of
mainstream productivity customers, as well as demanding creative
professionals who require powerful publishing and multimedia application
performance. System enclosures, processor speeds, storage devices, graphics
memory, modems, audio/video capture, and more are all designed for advanced
performance and configurability.
Next-Generation PowerPC Processor Technology
Based on the third-generation IBM/Motorola PowerPC G3 processor, the Power
Macintosh G3 systems dramatically alter the price/performance equation. The
PowerPC G3 chip is the first processor optimized for the Mac OS and
incorporates a new approach to cache memory, providing nearly twice the
performance of systems based on the PowerPC 603e processor. The result is
significant performance gains, which will provide the power needed to
handle resource intensive tasks such as video editing, Internet authoring
and even Windows emulation.
“Personal computing has taken another big step forward today and once again
Apple systems are leading the way in technology and performance,”said Ron
Black, director, PowerPC microprocessors, IBM Microelectronics. “IBM is
delighted to continue partnering with Apple and bring to fruition exciting,
powerful systems using the latest PowerPC microprocessors.”
“With the PowerPC 750 microprocessor, Motorola has provided Apple the
engine they need to build the highest performance systems they have ever
produced,”said Bud Broeker, corporate vice president and general manager of
Motorola’s Personal Computing Division. “This third generation PowerPC
microprocessor packs the most performance per megahertz of any processor we
have ever manufactured.”
Flexible Architecture
Each Power Macintosh G3 system features a 233 or 266 MHz PowerPC G3
processor with a 512K level 2 memory cache running at 117 or 133 MHz; a 66
MHz system and main memory bus; and, 32MB of RAM (expandable up to 192 or
384MB). Built into every configuration are ATI 3D RAGE ll+ 64-bit graphics
and multimedia accelerator chip with 2MB of graphics memory (expandable to
6MB), three standard 12-inch PCI slots, SCSI, IDE, Ethernet, stereo audio,
Apple Desktop Bus and serial interfaces. Storage capabilities include an
internal 4GB or 6GB IDE hard drive; Internal high capacity floppy disk
drive; an internal 24x-speed CD-ROM drive (maximum); an internal 100MB Zip
drive in some configurations and expansion bays for additional storage
devices. Optional items include video capture and a 56K modem.
Mac OS 8 System Software
Apple’s latest system software is included on the Power Macintosh G3
computers. Mac OS 8 offers many new features and technologies to provide
customers with an improved user experience and increased productivity:
simplified Internet access, leading-edge tools, state-of-the-art multimedia
capabilities, and enhanced performance and stability.
Configurations, Prices and Availability
The Power Macintosh G3 Systems are available in either desktop or minitower
configurations and are expected to available in the U.S. immediately. The
systems are scheduled for availability worldwide by mid-December. Example
configurations include:
Power Macintosh G3 (desktop model): U.S. $2,000 233MHz/32MB RAM (supports
up to 192MB)/4GB Hard Drive/24x-speed CD-ROM drive (maximum)/2MB Video
SGRAM/512K level 2 backside cache/66MHz system bus speed/117MHz backside
bus speed/two 3.5-in SCSI bays for additional storage devices
Power Macintosh G3 (desktop model): U.S. $2,400 266MHz/32MB RAM (supports
up to 192MB)/4GB Hard Drive/24x-speed CD-ROM drive (maximum)/Internal 100MB
Iomega Zip drive/2MB Video SGRAM/ 512K level 2 backside cache/66MHz system
bus speed/133MHz backside bus speed/one 3.5-in SCSI bay for additional
storage devices.
Power Macintosh G3 (minitower model): U.S. $3,000 266MHz/32MB RAM (supports
up to 384MB)/6GB Hard Drive/24x-speed CD-ROM drive (maximum)/Internal 100MB
Iomega Zip drive/2MB Video SGRAM (supports up to 6MB) /512K level 2
backside cache/66MHz system bus speed/133MHz backside bus speed/audio and
video input and output/one 5.25-in SCSI bay for additional storage devices
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.
If you are considering the purchase of an Apple product and would like to
have product information faxed to you, please call 1-800-462-4396 in the
U.S. or 1-800-263-3394 in Canada. If you do not have a fax machine or would
like to locate an Apple authorized reseller near you, please call
1-800-538-9696. Customers in the U.S. now have the option of buying
products over the Internet at the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com/) as
part of a distribution strategy that utilizes the Internet, along with the
Company’s existing retailers and resellers to sell products. Customers
outside the U.S. should contact their local Apple representatives for
information.
Diane Hayward
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-0180
email: hayward1@apple.com
Russell Brady
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-6877
email: brady2@apple.com
Todd Paoletti
NRG for Apple Computer
(415) 827-7030
email: todd@nrgpr.com