Happy birthday, iMac! It was three years ago today that Apple introduced the groundbreaking consumer desktop machine that went on to become the biggest-selling personal computer of all time. And it’s considered the turning point of Apple’s comeback after the “dark days” prior to Steve Jobs’ return to the fold.
Apple wants to know how the iMac has changed the lives of its owners. If you’ve got an interesting iMac story to tell, e-mail Apple. They plan to publish some of the best ones on their Web site.
Over five million iMacs have been sold as of April 2001. The consumer machine has the same form factor as it had in 1998 — but has come a long way in terms of performance and storage capability.
The iMac has set off design trends for a variety of products from pens to household appliances. Other computer makers have also tried to duplicate the iMac’s success by producing all-in-one designs themselves — to date nothing has been as successful as Apple’s original design.
“Simply put, the iMac has redefined the consumer and education computer, ushering in several industry firsts including USB, FireWire, desktop movies, wireless networking, quiet fan-less operation and world-class design,” Jobs said in April. “I look forward to shipping our ten millionth iMac in a few years.”