Apple [build-to-order] FIRST Generation "Beige G3" – 24x/ZIP/AV [REFURBISHED] - マッキントッシュ - With replacement box

[ UPGRADED & REFURBISHED ] … and very rare!

This is the "graphic design 90s revolution" Mac …

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

// THE GRAPHIC STUDIO MAC
Step into the world of vintage computing with the FIRST Generation Beige G3, a powerhouse from the late 90s that was widely used in graphic design studios, advertising agencies, and creative offices. With its 300 MHz PowerPC G3 processor and robust multimedia capabilities, this machine was designed to handle the demands of graphic design software, digital media production, and more. Featuring a functional ZIP drive, floppy disk drive, and CD-ROM, this system offers both historical value and practical use for anyone passionate about graphic design, digital art, or vintage tech.

Whether you're a collector, a fan of vintage computing, or simply curious about the early days of Apple hardware, the FIRST Generation Beige G3 is a rare find that brings both function and nostalgia. Don’t miss out on the chance to own a piece of tech history!

// FIRST GENERATION BEIGE G3
The "Beige G3" is a third-generation Power Mac. It has a new motherboard with a faster system bus than earlier models, a third-generation PowerPC CPU, uses a completely different type of memory, has a different way of upgrading the CPU, and includes a personality card slot. The Power Mac G3 comes in desktop and minitower configurations.

The PowerPC 750 (G3) CPU was the first processor designed specifically for the way Macintosh works. Code compatible with the 603e, the G3 was tweaked based on the software Macintosh users ran. This moved the “entry level” chip past the previous powerhouse, the 604e, even at lower clock speeds.

// MINI TOWER MODEL FOR PROFESSIONALS
The "Beige G3" was built for "Graphic Designers" and "Video-makers". It was made for people who wanted a powerful and expandable machine.

Processor: 300 MHz PowerPC G3 – A solid processor for its time, perfect for handling graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Pagemaker (= installed on this Macintosh).

The introduction of the Desktop and Mini Tower models coincided with Apple starting to sell build-to-order Macs directly from its web site in an online store… which was unusual for the time as Dell was the only major computer manufacturer doing this.

The first generation, known colloquially as "Beige" was introduced at a special event on November 10, 1997. The second generation, known officially as "Blue and White", was introduced at MacWorld San Francisco on January 5, 1999.

Apple sold three beige Power Macintosh G3 models: a horizontally-oriented desktop, a mini tower enclosure, and a version with a built-in screen called All-In-One ("AIO"). The All-In-One model was shaped like a human tooth, and thus earned the moniker Molar Mac.

Thus:
You are bidding on a remarkable and valuable "conversation piece" for the Creative Industry and a museum piece.

// WHY BID - BUY?
On a technical level, this entire computer is "disassembled, cleaned, checked and assembled again". The computer has been cleaned inside & outside (dust-free).

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!

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

MICROSOFT OFFICE SUITE 2001 contains:
– Word;
– Powerpoint;
– Excel.

Graphics & Multimedia: Designed to work seamlessly with graphic design applications, making it a great option for those wanting to experience or recreate the creative workflows of the late 90s.

>> 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!

>> The standard RAM was heavily UPGRADED (on this device) to "192 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".

// MAC OS 9: SOME LOVE FOR THE CLASSICS !
Long before the current "macOS Big Sur" or even before any of the OS X systems, there was Mac OS 9. While not as aesthetically pleasing compared to current day operating systems, Mac OS 9 was sleek, super responsive and a joy to use. In fact. It still is!

This iMac comes with a clean install of "System 9.1". Mac OS 9 is the last major release of Apple's classic OS operating system – and promoted as "The Best Operating System Ever"!

// STORAGE OPTIONS

– ZIP Drive: Original 100MB ZIP drive, once a staple for transferring graphic files and large design assets in the days before USB drives and cloud storage.

– Floppy Drive: Includes a floppy disk drive for accessing legacy files or for nostalgic file transfers.

– CD-ROM Drive: Ideal for loading software, digital media, or design projects from CDs.

// 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 & BATTERY ACID

– DUST: the inside of a 20-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;

– LEAKS: 20-year-old batteries will someday leak, causing irreversible damage to the computer. So, if "time and date" are not displayed correctly, you sadly will know what time it is;

A NEW pram battery is placed (to maintain certain important system settings including the system clock & currently date).

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.

– SAFE PACKAGING & SHIPMENT: did you know that shipping a vintage Tower Mac is nearly impossible? After more-than-30 years the plastics becomes brittle and it can break easily during transport. Especially when courier companies drop packages (e.g. they fall off the conveyor belt during sorting). FYI: for the insurance companies, a box must be able to survive a fall from 1.5 meters. But don't worry. As an "experience seller" who ships retro CRT devices every week – to all parts of the world without a hitch – I put a lot of effort into "safe packaging". I pack all my retro-computers solidly in professional carton, styrofoam and lots of bubble wrap and other protection material. If you are not convinced, than I advise you to read all my positive reviews!

// SPECS
The Apple "Beige G3", features a 6.0 GB hard drive, a 24X CD-ROM drive, a ZIP drive and a FLOPPY drive. So, it's equipped with all the media devices of the "eighties and nineties". The well-designed, "flip open" tower case design is significantly easier to upgrade than earlier Power Mac tower cases.

// ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST & BATTERY ACID

– 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;

– LEAKS: 30-year-old batteries will someday leak, causing irreversible damage to the computer. The battery is replaced by a brand new battery;

– REFURBISHED: the floppy drive is refurbished. This includes "floppy drive lubrication". Therefore the "internal floppy drive" works like a charm (formatting, reading and writing disks).

– ORIGINAL VINTAGE HARD DISK: a clean install is performed on the 100% checked original hard-disk.

Fully functional with a well-preserved exterior, this machine is in excellent working condition.

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.

// IMPORTANT NOTES
– the computer works as it should (extensively tested!).
Even the ZIP & CD player works.

- Floppy drive is refurbished and works too.

// WARNING – VINTAGE COMPUTER EXPECTATIONS

The computer shows signs of its past life in graphic design studios, making it a true collector’s item with a rich history.

Please have realistic expectations when buying a vintage (retro) computer.
>> This is NOT a modern machine!

Because it seems like lately all I have are newbies "retrocomputing fans" with unrealistic expectations I give you a warning beforehand.
;)

Eshethics:
– This computer was build in 1997 … so it looks as a (museum) item of the "nineties"
(remember: almost-35 years old!).

 As these are "vintage items", they are being sold as. Normal signs of use and wear. But as an experienced connoisseur I can guarantee that these items are in VERY GOOD condition (always keeping in mind their age). The numerous images are part of the meticulous description. Thus: judge yourself! Be aware: pictures can sometimes give a more positive look-and-feel then reality.

– 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 good condition! There are NO cracks in the plastics. View the numerous images to make your own judgment! PS/ some tiny scratches (and other ware-out) are difficult to capture on picture (but they are there … thus: please have realistic expectations!). You also need to be careful with the case (> plastic becomes brittle after more-than-35-years and can break easily). Thus: HANDLE with both love & care ;)

Mechanics:
All mechanical parts make more noice than you are use to, compared with modern equipment. But this is “normal” behavior. Obviously this is a more-then-25-years old machine. The speed is therefore corresponding.


In addition, the few Beige G3's that are typically sold have several cracks. This specimen has no single crack in the plastic. That's extremely unique!

// A NOTE ON YELLOWED PLASTICS!
Some words on the yellowing.

Old computer cases are made of ABS plastics which contain at that time "bromine". The element bromine reacts over the time of years with UV light and causes some (not-always-even) "yellowing".

Last-but-not-least.

– there are "normal signs of use" (which are to be expected with a device of this age). PS/ some tiny scratches, discolouration (and other ware-out) are difficult to capture on picture (but they are there … thus: please have realistic expectations!).

But as an experienced connoisseur I can guarantee that these items are very good condition!

>> Why Choose the FIRST Generation Beige G3?

– Graphic Design Legacy: This machine was a key part of the graphic design revolution in the 90s, supporting industry-standard design software and offering the power needed for creative professionals.

– Vintage Computing with Practical Use: Perfect for retro computing enthusiasts, designers, and anyone interested in experiencing the tools and workflows of the past. This is the machine that many graphic designers used to create iconic logos, advertisements, and publications.

– Collector’s Gem: A rare find for any Apple collector or those with an interest in vintage design technology. This G3 is a living piece of creative history, perfect for both display and use.

// MORE INFORMATION
This bundle includes:

– the "Beige G3" with working VINTAGE hard drive (6 Gb) ;
upgraded RAM: expanded on this machine to 192 MB (default is 64 MB)

* IMPORTANT NOTE > ONLY THE "G3 TOWER" IS SOLD

This "Power Macintosh G3" bundle ONLY include the Macintosh Tower" > without CRT screen, mouse or Keyboard. But I can help you with this optional items if you like.

The pictures of CRT screen, mouse or Keyboard are for illustration purpose only (and to demonstrate the good working).

// PACKAGING & SHIPPING
The "Power Macintosh G3" is packaged securely and carefully for safe shipment. Moreover, the "Power Macintosh G3" 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!

Let the bidding begin … for this legendary 1997 "Power Macintosh G3".

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