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apple-history / Power Macintosh G4 Cube
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# Power Macintosh G4 Cube

Essentials

Family: PowerMac G3/G4/G5

Codename: Trinity

Gestalt ID: 406

Minimum OS: 9.0.4

Maximum OS: 10.4.11

Introduced: August 2000

Terminated: July 2001

Processor

CPU: PowerPC 7400 "G4"

CPU Speed: 450/500 MHz

FPU: integrated

Bus Speed: 100 MHz

Register Width: 32-bit

Data Bus Width: 64-bit

Address Bus Width: 32-bit

Level 1 Cache: 32 kB data, 32 kB instruction

Level 2 Cache: 1 MB backside, 1:2

ROM: 1 MB ROM + 3 MB toolbox ROM loaded into RAM

RAM Type: PC100

Minimum RAM Speed: 100 MHz

Onboard RAM: 0 MB

RAM slots: 3

Maximum RAM: 1.5 GB

Expansion Slots: 2x AGP (filled)

Video

GPU: ATI RAGE 128 Pro

VRAM: 16 MB

Max Resolution: all resolutions supported

Video Out: VGA/DVI, ADC

Storage

Hard Drive: 20/30/60 GB

ATA Bus: ATA-66

Optical Drive: DVD-ROM or CD-RW

Input/Output

USB: 2

Firewire: 2

Audio Out: stereo 16 bit mini, via USB amplifier

Speaker: stereo, via USB amplifier

Networking

Modem: 56 kbps

Ethernet: 10/100Base-T

Wi-Fi: optional 802.11b

Miscellaneous

Power: 200 Watts

Dimensions: 10" H x 8" W x 8" D

Weight: 14 lbs.

Announced in July 2000, the PowerMac G4 Cube introduced a dramatic new case design. Housed in an 8x8x8 cube, the G4 Cube combined the elegance of the iMac with the power of the PowerMac G4. The G4 Cube was a foray into the business market, as well as an answer to those who wanted an iMac-like machine, with more choice in monitors.

The Cube traded expandability for its diminutive size: There were no PCI slots, and while the Graphics was fit into an 2x AGP slot, there wasn't room for full-length AGP cards. With the exception of PCI expansion, the Cube was as versatile as it's larger G4 cousin: Three RAM slots, an AirPort slot, and two USB and FireWire ports.

One gripe many people had with the Cube was its lack of conventional Audio input and output. Instead, it came with an external USB amplifier and a set of Harman Kardon speakers. The amplifier had a standard mini-plug headphone output, but there was no mic included, and having USB as the only sound-input option was considered limiting by many.

Shortcomings aside, the Cube was a remarkable feat of engineering, crammed inside an elegant case. The Cube shipped to retail markets with a 450 MHz G4 processor, a 20 GB hard drive, a 56 kbps modem, 64 MB of RAM, and Apple s Pro Mouse, for $1799. Another configuration was available through the Apple Store, with a 500 MHz G4, a 30 GB hard drive and 128 MB of RAM, for $2299. Gigabit Ethernet was available as a BTO option.

The Cube was not nearly the success that Apple had hoped it would be. The consensus was that Apple had misjudged the market, making the Cube an expensive "luxury" computer instead of a cheaper monitor-less iMac. In december the low-end configuration received a price cut to $1499. In February 2001, The cube received a feature and price change. The low-end configuration was repriced at $1299. A "better" configuration was made available, with a CD-RW drive and 128 MB of RAM, for $1599. Finally, the high-end version got a 60 GB hard drive, 256 MB of RAM, a CD-RW drive and an 32 MB NVIDIA GeForce2 MX video card, and sold for $2199.

The PowerMac G4 Cube was never officially discontinued, but in July 2001 Apple suspended production of the Cube indefinitely. While leaving the door open for a possible reintroduction of the enclosure, Apple quickly and quietly let the world forget the disappointing failure of the G4 Cube.

Picture Credits:
Apple, Inc.