BRAND NEW iMac! (G3-powered!)

[Scott Baret]

A while back I had written about the potential of picking up a new old-stock iMac G3. I just brought it home!!! The cost was $25.

I will be filming an unboxing video over the weekend.

The machine is the base model original slot-loader (350MHz G3 in blueberry). I may pick up some RAM for this computer if I decide to use it. Part of me does but part of me wants to remove the battery and store it forever! I need some opinions here!!!

Here's a picture of the box resting at the foot of my couch.

 

[uniserver]

Very nice, post video!

 

[FlyingToaster]

You could save it and open it on it's 20th anniversary...Or sell it then. You're probably too anxious to do that though!

 

[MapGuy42]

If part of you wants to use it, then I say use it and enjoy it. Nothing wrong with pure collecting for the long term, but something this perfect ought to be experienced, IMO.

I would definitely replace the battery anyhow--just because it hasn't been in use doesn't mean the battery won't go. Treat it well!

 

[Theretrogamingroom]

Boy, you're in a pickle aren't you? I have always wondered what to do if I ever came across a brand new still boxed computer. Do you keep it in the box so that it remains brand new or remove it to save it from certain death from the battery???

 

[IIfx]

WOW That was my first mac, the Bondi iMac.

Cool you found a new one....

Only NIB Mac I got was my Macbook. Wish I could find a Quadra or something NIB.

I have gotten other old but new stuff (sealed) in the past:

Macintosh System 7.1.1 Pro

FED-5 Rangefinder

Zenit-Automat Aperture-priority K mount SLR

Unbox it! Its so cool opening what may be the only new one left. Be sure to take good quality video for us.

 

[wardsenatorfe92]

Awesome!!!! Yeah I would unbox it too. Can't wait to see.

 

[Cosmo]

Keep it in the box! There aren't that many still in the box around, for collector's sake (even part of me dispises those who collect boxed machines forever).

You can always get more used iMac G3's to use if you don't already have one.

 

[kite210]

The only thing I ever got New Old Stock was The Journeyman Project: Pegasus Prime.

That is awesome, I just got an iMac DV Indigo last week, they are just such cool machines.

 

[bibilit]

It's a computer, so unbox it (properly) and use it

 

[jsarchibald]

They are a dime a dozen used, so I just don't see the point opening it. You know what it is, what it looks like, and how it works. It has sat unopened all this time, why start now? Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[tt]

Agreed...It's so common, the unopened box is the only thing making it special.

 

[Trash80toHP_Mini]

Concur, make a clear Plexi container/desk/workstation to house it for posterity.

Put another one, with better specs and flashier color scheme on top of the desk, for contrast, and a more enjoyable iMac playtime experience.

An iLamp comes to mind as well, that way you'd have a G4 and both iConic iMacs in one compact workstation/display/storage unit. :approve:

 

[Scott Baret]

I do have the iLamp; in fact, if you look closely in the photo you can see it lurking in the background.

The box's tape was removed only so the guy who found it could see what was inside, but the white foam wrap is still on the Mac. I'm going to take it out regardless because of the battery, but I'm not sure if it goes back in, gets displayed, or something else.

The G4 does have its original box.

 

[TheIanMan85]

I say keep it in the original box after removing the battery to protect it from potential scratches and other harm. That may encourage keeping the box somewhere safe too...I recently lost a lot of Apple boxes from keeping them in an old garage at my Mom's. Someday it'll be worth much more than a beat up one with plenty of use. That's my vote.

 

[Dog Cow]

Or you could reduce your carbon handprint by burning the box. Preferably out-of-doors.

 

[Scott Baret]

I'm about to set up for taping tonight. If all goes as planned, I'll have the video taped and edited within the next 5 hours.

I'm still planning on unboxing it but I'm still split over whether or not to keep it out.

 

[Theretrogamingroom]

Do as you wish, although the fact that it is still new is probably the only perk about the iMac.

 

[Scott Baret]

Update: putting taping on hold for a few days. I'm out of MiniDV tapes!!!