Although Apple’s PowerPC G3 350MHz is aimed at hard-core gamers, this computer will do wonders for any user who’s interested in performance and value. Apple’s new G3 is one of the hottest systems available and hands-down the easiest to install, high performance tool on the market!
Whether you’re into design and publishing (check out the FireWire, USB, and 100BASE-T Ethernet capabilities); a digital video pro (FireWire allows you to wire up your digital camcorder to your G3); a serious gamer (the ATI RAGE 128 3-D graphics accelerator card along with 16 MB of graphic memory comes standard with all G3s); or you’re a home/small office power user, you’ll love the power and flexibility this easy-to-use system dishes up.
The G3’s new design makes it scream. This is not a boring putty-colored box. Thinking differently, Apple’s design team transformed a mini-tower into a wickedly cool, forward-looking translucent case in a striking color of blueberry (very close to the iMac’s original Bondi Blue).
The unit I tested was equipped with a 350 MHz processor with 64 MB SDRAM, 6 GB Ultra ATA hard disk drive, 5x/32x DVD-ROM drive, Mac OS 8.5.1, a K56flex internal modem, and an Apple Studio Display 17″ monitor.
Unfortunately, the new G3s come with the same keyboard and mouse as the iMacs. The round, hockey puck mouse can be easily replaced with a more ergonomic mouse (such as Contour Design’s UniMouse). You can also swap keyboards in a pinch.
Also, you’ll need an external floppy or storage system if you do serious computing with the new G3s. Again, not a problem with the availability of a variety of optional third-party peripherals compatible for the G3.
If you’re impatient when it comes to installing software, you’ll love the G3 350 MHz. Forget wasting time watching tedious progress bars and circling clocks–you’ll increase your productivity by using the G3 if you’re a power user or gamer.
The bus speed is greatly improved–from 66 MHz to 100 MHz, while the Power Mac G3 uses PC100 SDRAM memory–one of the most readily available and least expensive memory available today.
Although I make it a point not to compare Apples to Apples (or PCs, for that matter!), the Power Mac G3 goes to the head of the class for its expansion, performance and customization capabilities.
If you’re into networking, you’ll enjoy the built-in high performance 10/100 megabit per second Ethernet interface.
As a hard-core edutainment software reviewer, I found the RAGE 128 chip the perfect tool to get a grip on 3D games–without compromising 2D images and video acceleration. On most of the 3D graphics-intensive kids’ edutainment software I tested on the G3, I was able to appreciate the video textures and “vivid color rendering” and the G3’s ability to make movements look smooth and fluid (due to the high frame refresh rates and color depth). The RAGE 128 also gives you full-screen anti-aliasing, which corrects scenes with straight lines to convey a more realistic image.
(Hot) plug and play all the way, thanks to the USB, connecting third party peripherals is a snap. Best of all, the USB ports on the G3 co-exist with the more traditional ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) port. This means users can plug in most non-USB peripherals with adapter devices.
One major advantage of owning a new G3 is its FireWire input/output technology. Perfect for multimedia and high-bandwidth peripherals, FireWire is state of the art stuff. Better yet, you can take advantage of digital technology (through a digital video camcorder) and plug in to create the cleanest, sharpest video around with no conversion losses.
Another cool concept is the easy-access which the new design allows. The mini-tower’s side panel swings open oh-so-smoothly to allow you instant access to the components. This translates into a computer that is insanely easy to upgrade. You can also lock the side panel to safeguard your baby!
I loved the 17″ Apple Studio Display with ColorSync technology (with roughly 16″ viewable), although it was massive in size and dominated my desktop. The high-res images (0.25 mm) made for excellent viewing. Images were consistently crisp, sharp and accurate, while the high-contrast monitor with anti-relective screen coating was extremely pleasant on the eyes and seemed to reduce eyestrain considerably.