April 19, 2001: iMac: Over 5 Million Served
It isn't a number McDonald's would be proud of, but when you're selling a relatively pricey product like an iMac, 5 million units moved is nothing to scoff at. The machine was particularly important for Apple Computer, which needed a big consumer hit to spread the magic of the newly released G3 chips.
That the iMac was a hit at all was surprising. When the iMac was first conceived of, everyone was certain the day of the all-in-one form factor machine had long since passed. Whether it was the iMac's unique styling, low price for a Mac, G3 chip or association with the booming internet craze, the computer was an instant smash.
Instant smashes usually fizzle out rather quickly but the iMac proved it had some staying power. Through consistent updates and form factor revisions, the iMac continues to be an integral part of Apple's lineup to this day. The iMac still retained its original gumdrop form factor when Apple announced they had shipped over 5 million iMacs on April 19, 2001.
del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Slashdot
StumbleUpon
Comments
After I saw Steve Jobs announce the iMac at the World Wide Developer’s Conference (WWDC), I was NOT surprised when it was a big hit.
For one thing, by simply canceling so many existing models and then releasing the iMac, it was bound to sell well for a Mac model. Then, the wonderful thing was that the news stories about Apple stopped being about “beleaguered Apple” and started being about “the cool iMac”.
The computer itself was a great deal. Very reliable, fast (for then), and very nice looking. Steve compared the iMac to a comparably priced “bargain PC”. I will always remember him talking about the display on the iMac vs. the PC. He said that one thing about the “bargain PC” is that it comes with a very poor quality display. But the iMac comes with a very good qualiy display (even though not huge - but very crisp). He said, “That’s because we want your software to SHINE!” And the whole place went up in applause.