The end of 2019 saw the new Mac Pro released boasting impressive features and extremely sleek design. However, judging by the comments on our social media feeds many have likened it to a cheese grater. An affectionate term that first got used when Apple brought out the Power Mac G5 in 2003.
It’s an amusing situation and it’s got us reminiscing about past Mac designs. Whilst we can’t deny that today’s Apple devices are incredibly well-designed, we can’t help but miss some of the other cutting-edge designs they’ve had over the years.
Here, we indulge in a bit of nostalgia and look back at some of our favourite Mac designs throughout history…
Backlit logo
It may only be a small feature, but the glowing backlit Apple logo was iconic. Realistically, it made no difference to how the device performed simply providing a little extra illumination. However, when it was later replaced with a reflective chrome logo we were a little disappointed.
We may be used to it now, but there’s still a part of us that miss the backlit logo ever so slightly.
Dome design
A little further back in history was the iMac G4, which was produced from 2000-2004. This was perhaps a fitting time with the semi-spherical structure resembling the Millennium Dome which was opened in 2000. Many nicknamed the device ‘iLamp’ due to its swivelling monitor.
The reasoning behind it wasn’t purely for aesthetics though – this was Apple’s very first attempt at creating a personal computer with a slim design.
Colourful Macs
Delving back to 1998, the iMac G3 was brought out – in various ‘flavours’. Buyers had a range of colour choices including lime, tangerine, grape, strawberry and blueberry. The following year, Apple launched the iBook G3 featuring a clamshell design in similar shades, as well as a handle – something we just don’t see on portable devices these days.
Nowadays, colour options for Macs are much more neutral – such as space grey, silver and gold. However, there is slightly more variety with some iPhones.
Changes in product placement
The tangerine iBook was incredibly noticeable in the 2001 film, ‘Legally Blonde’. Reese Witherspoon’s stand out character’s device stood out just as much as her – with its orange colour taking centre stage amongst the law school’s room of students working on standard black laptops.
Back then, Apple’s product placement was incredibly obvious. The 1998 movie ‘You’ve Got Mail’ starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan featured the PowerBook, which was also seen in the 1996 film ‘Mission Impossible’. Then there was TV series ‘Sex and the City’, which followed lead character Carrie around as she worked on her PowerBook.
Today, Apple’s product placement feels a lot more natural. To put it simply, it’s expected that characters will not only be on these devices – but own them.
Apple products have become a staple in many businesses too, whether they’re creative or not – and no matter the size of the enterprise. However, still, SMEs can find themselves struggling with the premium price of the Mac.
Thankfully, there is the alternative to lease these devices instead. You can spread the cost of the machines over a much longer period, rather than paying it all upfront. Simply get in touch with Lease Loop today, and we’ll help you find a leasing option that fits your needs.
