 A Power Mac G4 Cube, viewed from above | |
| Developer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Product family | Power Macintosh |
| Release date | July 19, 2000 |
| Discontinued | July 3, 2001 |
| Operating system | Mac OS 9 · Mac OS X |
| Dimensions |
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| Mass | 14 lb (6.4 kg) |
| Predecessor | Power Mac G3 Desktop |
| Successor | G4 Mac Mini |
The Power Mac G4 Cube is a Mac personal computer sold by Apple Computer, Inc. between July 2000 and 2001. The Cube was conceived as a miniaturized but powerful computer by Apple chief executive officer (CEO) Steve Jobs and designed by Jony Ive. Apple developed new technologies and manufacturing methods for the product—a 7.7-inch (20 cm) cubic computer housed in clear acrylic glass. Apple positioned it in the middle of its product range, between the consumer iMac G3 and the professional Power Mac G4. The Cube was announced at the Macworld Expo on July 19, 2000.
The Cube won awards and plaudits for its design upon release, but reviews noted its high cost compared to its power, its limited expandability, and cosmetic defects. The product was an immediate commercial failure, with only 150,000 units sold before production was suspended within one year of its announcement. The Cube is one of the rare failures for the company under Jobs, after having avoided bankruptcy. However, it influenced future Apple products, from the iPod to the Mac Mini. The Museum of Modern Art and other museums hold Cubes in their collections.