Last model iMac G3/700

[tmtomh]

Normally don't pay for these, but for $15 I couldn't resist:

- Graphite iMac G3/700MHz

- 60GB HD

- CD-RW drive

- ATI Rage 128 Ultra graphics with 16MB VRAM

- White Apple Pro Keyboard

It didn't have any RAM, but I had 192MB worth of SDRAM lying around that I've put into it.

The only other problems are that the mouse was dead (first time I've seen that happen with an Apple Pro Mouse); and the optical drive works but has the iMac G3 disc-eject problem.

The computer was filthy so I'm thinking if I crack it open and clean the insides out with compressed air, I might be able to get the optical drive's eject mechanism working right again.

 

[Lateralus]

You're very lucky.

The G3 700s have actually become sought after due to their rarity. They go for a good bit on eBay.

 

[tmtomh]

The G3 700s have actually become sought after due to their rarity. They go for a good bit on eBay.

I didn't realize that - wow! [] ]'>

Before I consider selling it, though, I've gotta fix that optical drive. I was just looking at the Service Manual, which says that if the bottom plastic casing is removed and not put back on exactly right, it can prevent discs from ejecting. So I'm hoping someone did just that at some point in the past - would be a heck of a lot easier than yanking the drive and trying to clean it...

 

[slimac55]

Nice score. I've always liked the graphite. Probably because my first PowerPC Mac was a graphite iMac at 400MHz.

 

[paws]

Before I consider selling it, though, I've gotta fix that optical drive. I was just looking at the Service Manual, which says that if the bottom plastic casing is removed and not put back on exactly right, it can prevent discs from ejecting. So I'm hoping someone did just that at some point in the past - would be a heck of a lot easier than yanking the drive and trying to clean it...

The size of the HD suggests it's been disassembled. I don't know about the later models, but I disassembled a Rev A once and I seem to remember having to take it apart pretty much completely to get to the HD and that.

 

[LCGuy]

Let me guess, you got that guide from theimac.com? Regardless of what they say, you don't have to take the entire logic board tray to bits - just remove the CD-ROM drive, and the hard drive's right here.

 

[tmtomh]

Actually, the 700MHz iMac G3's did come with 60GB HDs. And judging from the feel of the screws when I removed the bottom plastic casing, I'm guessing the machine hasn't been taken apart before.

As for disassembly, the slot-loaders are a bit easier to take apart than the Rev A-D tray loaders.

I tested the optical drive with the bottom casing removed, and it turns out the optical drive's insert-eject mechanism is weak. It actually ejects discs okay, but it only pushes them out about 1/4"-1/2" from the inner plastic slot. So when you put the bottom casing back on, the CD doesn't eject far enough to see or grasp it and remove it.

I'm going to see if cleaning the mechanism helps.

 

[~Coxy]

I had a Pro Mouse die under warranty once, actually. It sucked because they had been discontinued and I got the standard "Mouse" instead.

 

[slimac55]

I had a Pro Mouse die under warranty once, actually. It sucked because they had been discontinued and I got the standard "Mouse" instead.

I didn't think there was any difference except for white colour and the lack of cool name.

 

[~Coxy]

The Mouse mouse doesn't have the tension ring on the bottom, which I liked at the time.

 

[Christopher]

As for disassembly, the slot-loaders are a bit easier to take apart than the Rev A-D tray loaders.

Oh without a doubt, I mean I like the idea of being able to slide out the whole chunk of computer like that. But, getting the optical drive to line back up perfectly so it doesn't drag on the case and fail to open is the hardest part for me.

 

[LCGuy]

Same, as well as the fact that when you're installing or removing the tray, you have to make sure that it doesn't catch on any of the 3 (or 4, if you're working on a Rev. A or B) cables.