iMac - What is rev A, B, C ?

I believe "rev" stands for revision, and the number/letter is just the latest model in that line, or the newest model. Usually, the next model manages to solve or fix problems associated with the one before it, either in hardware or in actual design.

Bryan

Tom Cray...

See >--> http://developer.apple.com/qa/hw/hw32.html

Those were the official iMac designations back moons ago. The rest is misinformation or just street-yack.


...Ron

In the context of your question, A would be original with standard 256mB RAM, B would have the ALS (Ambient Light Sensor) with standard 512mB RAM, and C would have built-in iSight.

Joe

I'll break it down for you;

Revision A; Was the first model iMac G5 released just over a year ago. This model (from first hand experience and written reports), has been marred by heat issues, noise issues, and horribly faulty power supplies. In fact this model had so many problems that it caused Apple to extend the standarad waranty on it by a year. I myself had this versison and it broke down on me 5 times, eventually being replaced by Applecare, out of waranty, with the new iSight or Revision C model.

Revision B; Was Apples attempt to correct many of the issues that plagued the first version of its new G5 iMac. Although the main problem with the model was internally where the parts of the computer were placed. This model is identical inside to the first only with a few more bells and whistles AND a light sensor to dim the sleep light, which many users complained was far to bright in a dark room. This model had the same issues with heat, noise and power that the first did.

Revision C; this model is the current model also being reffered to as the iMac G5-iSight model. This model saw Apple COMPLETELY redo the computers internals and much of the computer was changed. All the heat creating internal components that were at the bottom of the computers case in Rev A and B were moved to the top of the case nearest the vent. IMO this is the single most important thing Apple did to create a cooler iMac G5. Instead of the power supply, the G5 processor marinating the motherboard with the heat it created the new model flippep everything around sop the heat had an easier time to escape.

This model, so far, and from first hand knowledge is a much more viable G5 computer for Apple. The outside case anywhere you touch it is cool to warm. The first 2 models had places on the outsude of the case that were literally warm to HOT to the touch. Not only did Apple add evereything to Rev C that was an option in the first two revisions but it totally redid the placement of the compnents inside the computer.

The first two revisions were user accessible. Meaning that if something broke down and needed replaced APple had the option to send you the part for you to replace yourself. The iMac G5 iSight is not like this. The case is now sealed by screws that only Apple has the tool to open. Memory is now the only thing you can safely upgrade yourself.



I would suggest that if you are going to buy a new iMac and dont want to have the problems that are almost inherrant with the first two revisions, I would suggest you get yourself the newest iMac G5, the one that is revision C or the iSight model. Quiet, cool running, and stable, the newest iMac G5 is finally the computer that I had hoped for when I bought the first rev. almost a year ago. The new one has been completely redone inside and out. Heres a link to look at the insides first hand and see just how much has been changed about this model.

http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurlpagecontent?lp=ja_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.kodawarisan.com%2fimacg5isight%2fimacg502i.html


Good luck in whatever you do. If you get yourself one of the newest iMacs youll love it. I am so happy with mine! So much to love about them!

While I agree with Macsastic's well written post- I do think it is important to note that many of us iMac Rev. A and B owners have had no problem at all with our machines- in fact, it is fair to say that the majority of Rev, A and Rev. B iMacs have been worry free. So if you can get a good deal on either of these, especially if you can get one that is covered by Apples excellant 3 year applecare coverage, it is still a good buy, IMHO. If you do get one, lean towards either the 20" Rev. A or Rev. B. There were quite a few noise complaints about both 17" models, especially Rev. A.

It is also worth mentioning that there have been many complaints about the Rev. C 20" 'buzzing' noise- a little alarming considering the short time it has been out. The new design appears to have reversed itself, now the irratating noise seems to be predominantly eminating from the 20" model!

Yea what John says is true. as an owner of a seriously flawed Rev A, I might be biased to think they all had problems. Im glad to know that there are probably more people with no problems than with.

For me, I'd be tempted to go with the newest model. If for nothing else, the fact that there is much written about the changes made to the first two revisions.

Again, I shouldve noted that Im sure there are many, many happy users with Rev A and B models. But jeez, there are so many nice things that Apple added to the newest Rev C model;)

/whispers, " get the Rev C if ya can."

What's wrong with the official names

a) iMac
b) iMac ALS
c) iMac iSight

please?

Tom, to answer to your question: " Revision"

iMacs Rev A, B, C and D are the first G3 iMacs that came out in 1998-1999.
Exactly
the Rev A was known as "Bondi Blue",
the Rev B was the same computer with better graphics memory,
the Rev C were the ones that came out in five different colors (remember?- Blueberry, Strawberry, Lime, Tangerine and Grape), and
the Rev D then had its processor bumped to 333MHz.

Thanks Mactracker.
Axl

AxL...

All this alphabet soup started over a Apple Official Part Number.

http://developer.apple.com/qa/hw/hw32.html

"Q: What are the differences between the iMac rev A, B & iMac 266 models?
A: There are a number of changes among the three revisions the iMac that are relevant to Mac developers.
The first iMac (rev A) was built with a different logic board than the Rev B and iMac 266 models.
As far as actual part numbers are concerned, the iMac 266 is not classified as a revision C; it is actually a
revision A product and has been assigned new part numbers (one for each color). "

...Ron

Way to try and confuse the guy, if he didnt know what the differenet revision of the iMac G5, adding the ones from decades ago does nothing but confuse. GG.

Macsastic...

Why use something that isn't an official description?

Revisions do not apply to a G5. Each one is a new product, and still yet, you have a 17" and a 20".

What's next... AA 17", AB 20", BA 17" ALS, BB 20" ALS,...?





Message was edited by: Ron JACKLE

Thought you would never ask, Axl. 😉

Hi Macsastic,

You are very right about avoiding confusion as much as possible.
That's why I started with a (quite clear I think)
a) iMac
b) iMac ALS
c) iMac iSight

I should have said also " Go for the iMac iSight"
(as he is probably not very interested in a G3 266Mhz).

This is another example of misleading "alphabet soup" or "street-yack", as Ron rightly puts it.

Tom,
follow Macsastic's excellent advices and explanations, and go for an iMac iSight if you can.

Have a nice week-end all!

PS. Nice to "see" you again Macsastic, long time no see...
Ron I miss your fantastic icons...
Axl

LOL!

Thanks for the Developers link...

Now put this huge "...Ron" INSIDE a third eMac 🙂

AxL...

Your welcome!

Tried that once but never looked right.

...Ron