I am very new to Apple Computers, but I recently aquired a blue IMAC, dirt cheap and want to learn something about it. From the labels on the outside of the case, it appears to have been built in 2000 and it has a 450 mhz processor. From what I have found on other sites, I infer that this is a G3.
The CRT is broken. (physically, broken glass all over the inside of the case) and I have removed the tube, with the intent to attach a stand-alone monitor using the connector on the back of the machine. This does not have a normal looking cable that feeds back into the case, as in some of the pictures that I have seen and my problem is that there is at least one connector that appears to be hardwired into the motherboard, in addition to the several connections that look like normal internal connectors. I would like to start this thing up, (with the hope that there is not other, less visible, damage that will make this endevour futile) but I am concerned that, if I don't take the appropriate precautions beforehand, I may cause a fire or fry the motherboard.
I have seen instances on this site where people have taken the guts from IMACs and put them in other cases, but I have not seen documentation of the preparation involved. If any one can give me some advice, or point me toward a previous discussion of this matter, it would be greatly appreciated.
I really like this site.
Thank you,
Mel
Hi Mel, nice to have ya here. Your iMac is most likely a DV+ (Summer 2000) it seems. Any info you look at for converting an iMac to a new case should be for slotloading iMacs and not trayloading. Yours should have a normal VGA port on the back, but it might not output a useable video signal at any resolution other than 1024x768. The iMac uses very high refresh rates for 640x480 and 800x600. Unless you have a monitor that can take the likes of 100Hz+ refresh rates, you may not have luck if it isn't set for 1024x768 already.
Uh yeah, the broken glass, that's why you got the iMac cheap, eh? No need to explain.
Anyway, for info on placing your iMac in another case, you may want to have a gander over yonder. I think you'll find all the info you need there.
Yes, an all in one item like this is not worth much with a major part broken. If I can get this thing going though, it will be a real bargain.
Thank you very much for the link. I think it will be very helpful. I liked the idea of putting an LCD where the CRT was.
If the rest of the imac still works, putting a new crt in it shouldn't be a big problem, most dead imac's still have good crt's, so you might could get one from a dead imac. (check your local apple dealer's dumpster, or just ask them, I've got serveral imac's for free)
Hans