Apple Power Macintosh G3 400 (Blue & White) – Zip drive version - Macintosh - With replacement box

FORWORD
Please don't make any assumptions, but READ the (full) accompanying text – and look at the (all) photos "very carefully" to avoid disappointments.

Off we go!

For auction. This eye-catching G3 "Blue & White" G3 minitower, the big brother of the first iMac G3 Bondi Blue.
The G3 was build for professionals who wanted more than the regular iMac G3.
This specific item has all the important media-device-types of the late 90s (CD, ZIP, USB).

[ UPGRADED & REFURBISHED ]
A must-have for the die-hard-"Apple/Macintosh" collector!

*** NOTE: ONLY THE MAC IS AUCTIONED ***
(display, keyboard and mouse are shown for display purpose only)

As a Graphic Designer, I’ve always loved the Blue and White G3 Tower. The case is so eye-catching with a splash of color and the G3 silkscreening on the sides. The Mac is easy to carry (handles) and easy to open!

– – SOME HISTORY & FACTS – –
It was the first Apple model to support FireWire and it was also the first professional model to include USB (although it also came with a "legacy" ADB port for backwards compatibility). It’s just a great machine that belongs in every Mac Collection.

With the Blue and White G3, Apple began to let the design of the iMac influence the rest of its products.

Following the translucent and colored design of the iMac, Apple released an all new version of the Power Macintosh G3 TOWER in January 1999. This was the end of the beige computers!

// BRAND NEW CASE
The most striking part about the Blue and White G3 (codenamed "Yosemite") was its brand new case. The case used translucent white plastic on the sides (with the letters ‘G3’ silkscreened below) and teal-blue plastic on the front, back, and top. The pinstripe texture of the iMac was used on the front of the machine. The tower also included handles on each corner which made it easy to carry unlike other towers of the day. Like the iMac, the Power Macintosh G3 was easily recognized as a Mac – and it was part of the same "Think Different" revolution.

// FOLD DOWN DOOR
Expansion was made easy by a brand new pull out door on the side of the Mac. Simply pull on a lever and the entire side of the case would open exposing all of the internals of the machine. It was now incredibly easy to install a hard drive, upgrade memory, and install PCI cards. Everything was easy to find – you could even run the machine while opening and closing the door!

The G3 has room inside for up to four hard drives, four PCI cards and four RAM modules.

// VGA PORT (DISPLAY)
The G3 was also the first Mac to drop the proprietary DB-15 monitor port for a VGA port (industry standard).

Note: VGA monitors are compatible with this Mac.

// ADB (APPLE DESKTOP BUS) & USB
Included USB instead of SCSI and serial ports, and did not offer a floppy drive.
Back then … this was a revolution!

While it did not include SCSI or serial ports, it did retain one ADB port for a keyboard and mouse. It was the last tower to include ADB.

Note: a generic USB keyboard and mouse will work on this Mac.

// WARNING: NEVER BUY A PRE-400 VERSION!
The first version of the G3 contained a defect on the motherboard that caused issues with IDE hard drives. This was fixed in a second revision of the motherboard that shipped on the 400 MHz.

// PRICE TAG
The Power Macintosh G3 400 was designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple Computer in 1999 26 years ago! The price of this G3 tower was $2500.

// PRE-INSTALLED SOFTWARE
This 100 % working, professionally checked “Vintage” bundle includes "tons of pre-installed software*" – like the expensive "Adobe Design Collection" and the "Microsoft Office 2001" suite – ready to use and give you a glimp of the past! Including software:

ADOBE DESIGN COLLECTION contains:
– Adobe Photoshop 7;
– Adobe Illustrator 10;
– Adobe Pagemaker 7;
– Adobe InDesign 2.0 ( the QuarkXPress killer).

MICROSOFT OFFICE SUITE contains:
– Word;
– Powerpoint;
– Excel.

LOTS of RETRO GAMES (for free!)

Note: Both the applications and the operating system are installed in ENGLISH.

Disclaimer:
The computer only includes software* that is classified as "abandonware" ( from the Public Domain, distributed over the internet and available freely, easily and readily). The software is supplied "free of charge" as a free service (for the retro-computing fan).

This is an excellent opportunity for both the "Apple Fan" and the "Graphic Designer / student". In addition to being a "today" still perfectly usable "Desktop Publishing (DTP)" Computer, this "iMac" is also a true collector's item, which can be used as a design object. It gives you the best of both worlds!

I upgraded the standard RAM of "64 MB". This is to use and speed up "rendering" within the graphic ADOBE applications. The screen is COLOR-CALIBRATED * – Adobe RGB 1998 – by myself (I am a professional "Graphic Designer/ Teacher" for 30 years now). Color-Calibration* is a must for every Graphic Designer / Typographer / DTP'er – and for students at "Graphic courses". Last-but-not-least: the firmware is updated to run CLASSIC OS 9.2.2 (needed for the Adobe software).

// IMPORTANT – WHY BUY FROM ME?
(instead of other sellers)

I am a Mac user from way back in the Legacy Era. I offer Vintage Apple computers as I would buy them myself. My admiration for Steve Jobs' legacy is so great that I want the Macs I sell, to stand "the test of time". Furthermore I only sell items I have "passion" for.

Hardware-wise, all my sold computers are completely disassembled, cleaned – and, if necessary, repaired – in order to extend their lifespan. See pictures.

// ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

– DUST: the inside of a 30-year-old computer looks the same as "the collection-container of a vacuum cleaner" (read: a dust bunny). And as you know "dust" can ruin your electronics;

– CD-ROM: the CD-rom is refurbished too. Note: the green-coloured lid sometimes requires "manual support" when closing the CD drawer.

- ZIP-DRIVE: I also installed the optional ZIP-drive. This drive also works!

– HARD DISK CLEAN INSTALL: clean install: the original hard drive is checked and a "clean install" is performed. System 9.2.2 is installed (best OS for G3's).

All configuration is done. So the mac boots up immediately.

Extra note:
Be aware that a 25-year-old-hard drive is "slower" (compared to modern equipment).
Especially "booting up" and "shutting down" can feel slow in 2025.
Furthermore. (mechanical) hard drives are a bit noisy.

Long-Story Short. Computers from other vendors may look the same on the outside. I can guarantee you that the inside is very different! So if you want to enjoy your investment for as long as possible, choosing "wisely" is advisable.

// ONLY THE MAC IS AUCTIONED
Read this paragraph carefully!

Only the (ready-to-use) "Mac tower G3" is auctioned. The monitor, keyboard & mouse on the pictures are there for display purpose only. They are NOT included in this offer.

– An attached monitor/display must connect using a "VGA connector".

– Keyboard & mouse use an USB connection.

Note: optionally I can provide the necessary accessories.

// SPECS
Video Card: ATI Rage 128 GL (or similar – depends on availability at the moment of order)
Expansion Slots: 4 PCI (graphics card)
Ports: 10/100 Ethernet, 56k modem, 1 ADB, 2 USB, 2 FireWire 400, 1 VGA, Audio In, Audio Out.
4 x RAM slots

– Model Number: 5183;
– working HD;
– Total Memory: 256 MB (upgraded from default 64MB);
– System Software 9.2.2 (English version)

// RETRO-COMPUTING EXPECTATIONS

– there are "normal signs of use" (which are to be expected with a device of this age). But as an experienced connoisseur I can guarantee that these items are in very good condition! There are NO cracks in the plastics (there one tiny onnoticeable crack around one if the screws very common). View the numerous images to make your own judgment! PS/ some tiny scratches, stains, … (and other ware-out) are difficult to capture on picture (but they are there … thus: please have realistic expectations!). There is a stain on top of the case (see detailled picture).

Note: 25-year old plastic is fragile

– regarding performance … This is a vintage computer (collectable) – not a modern computer.

// IMPORTANT NOTES

– the computer works as it should (extensively tested!).

– there are NO "flyback issues" (electric ticks that indicate "end-of-life" of the machine a common problem);

– the speaker works properly;

– the USB connections are tested too (they work perfectly);

– the entire "interior" of the transparent plastic has been professionally cleaned so that it is dust-free and looks brand-new!;

– a NEW pram battery is placed (this stores clock settings, systems settings and other personal settings);

– there are "normal signs of use" (which are to be expected with a device of this age). But as an experienced connoisseur I can guarantee that these items are very good to excellent condition! There is NO discoloration and there are NO cracks in the plastics ( rare).

// PACKAGING & SHIPPING
The G3 is packaged securely and carefully for safe shipment.
Moreover, the bundle is shipped INSURED because of its precious value.
Because of the precious content extra attention is paid to the CUSTOM packaging.
This extra cost is included in the shipping price.

"One More Thing"
– Steve Jobs quote

Don't miss this unique opportunity.
Great opportunities don't come everyday!

"One More Thing"
Let the bidding begin … for the revolutionary "G3 Blue & White".

"One More Thing"
When in doubt, check my positive customer reviews ;)
(… because there are some "copycats" out there who copy my style/text and pretend to be me). There is only one "VISENTO"! That's me ;)

"One More Thing"
The most dramatically new macintosh since the original.
Will you have one?