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Apple's influential, iconic iMac turns 20
There are few individual computer models that have left a lasting mark on the industry, but you can definitely put the iMac on that list. Apple introduced its signature all-in-one desktop at a special event on May 6th, 1998, and it's safe to say the system has had a lasting impact on technology at large. At the same time, the iMac has also been a symbol of the cultural zeitgeist, including for Apple itself -- it shows how the company evolved from an underdog in a Windows world to a behemoth focused more on phones than PCs. The iMac has had a long journey, but it's worth following to see just how much the industry has changed in the past 20 years.
Flickr Find: iPad on a G4 iMac base
Remember the G4 iMac, lovingly called the iLamp because of its unique design that resembled Luxor Jr. of Pixar fame? Spotted on Flickr is this clever iPad stand that uses the base of the G4 as its centerpiece. It was created a few years ago by Flickr member Jamie37211, who documented the process of creating it in a 16-picture photo set. It's a great piece; I wonder if he still uses it?
G4 iMac turned into touchscreen monitor, relegated to Windows servitude (video)
Ahh, the sweet feeling of success -- of completing a project that's been lingering on for many moons. That is the feeling felt by the creator of the Dremel Junkie blog, who has for months been working on a project to take a 17-inch iMac G4 and turn it into a touchscreen monitor. It is, indeed, just a monitor, having been gutted to serve its purpose and is now displaying a signal from a Windows machine, of all things. But, the modder in question promises to rectify this situation shortly with a Mac Mini companion piece, which will surely make this mod feel a little more right. Video exploration after the break, and all the sordid details of its construction are included at the source link.
Turn that old Mac into a functioning clock
Let's say you have a Mac collecting dust in the corner of your garage. Rather than succumb to your spouse's demands and send the old friend to computer heaven, why not re-purpose that Mac into something both functional and beautiful? Cult of Mac points us to one enterprising hardware modder who has converted the base of his iMac G4 into a round wall clock. Take a look above on the left for the final result of his Dremel-sourced endeavor. This Apple fan from Japan was also kind enough to post photos of his DIY adventure [Google Translate link]. Check out another image below; the aluminum really pops on the dark wall. Additionally, it seems that the inspiration for the iClock came from another Japanese modder who converted his PowerMac G5 into a functioning timepiece as well. Seen at the top on the right is the completed product. When all is said and done, it seems as though the PowerMac is still usable as computer. This qualifies the creator's work to be considered a "case mod" rather than an all out butchering -- which is ideal because a chopped Mac is a sad Mac. The PowerClock owner also posted in-progress shots of his work [Google Translate link]. I tend to fall in the camp that favors "software" modification, believing that for any piece of computing hardware there is some flavor of Linux that can breathe in new life. Unfortunately, however, sometimes Macs and PCs alike simply bite the dust and are only good for conversion into clocks or lamps.
LEGO iMac G4 Junior is iMac G4's smaller, friendlier sibling
We tend to go a little weak in the knees for anything in miniature, so this iMac G4 "Junior" made with a 7-inch digital photo frame and a bunch of LEGOs sent us into hysterics. DIY-er Bjarne Tveskov says the creation is inspired by the film Luxo Jr., and though it has no functional G4 innards, it does do dislay basic, totally adorable smiley faces. One more shot after the break, and hit the read link for the entire set.[Via Boing Boing]
