Power Mac G4

The Power Mac G4 debuted in late 1999 and was the first desktop computer to be dubbed a, as the PowerPC G4 processor was capable of doing more than a billion floating-point calculations per second (gigaflop). This Macintosh series was superseded by the Power Mac G5 and discontinued in the Summer of 2004.

Models

 * "Graphite" — The first "graphite" version came in two variants: an early "Yikes!" PCI-only logic board that was based on the pre-existing "blue & white" Power Mac G3, while a more advanced "Sawtooth" logic board introduced AGP graphics. Updates later added gigabit ethernet, digital audio, and Apple's new rewritable DVD "SuperDrive".
 * "Cube" — This short-lived version reduced the volume in a 7-inch cube and boasted 3.5 gigaflops performance.
 * "Quicksilver" — This version upgraded specs and simplified the case design into a cleaner look.
 * "Mirrored Drive Doors" ("MDD") — This version incorporated the architecture of the Xserve, but heat and fan noise issues led it to being referred to as the "wind tunnel"

Export limitations
For about a year after its late 1999 debut, the Power Mac G4 could not be marketed in the mainland of the People's Republic of China, as the U.S. government deemed the "supercomputer" a "weapon". Apple's interim CEO Steve Jobs used the publicity to market the computers elsewhere while lobbying to have the restrictions removed. Mainland Chinese users were able to get their hands on a Power Mac G4 after this limitation was removed. When the Titanium PowerBook G4 -- the first "portable supercomputer" -- was released, no similar sanctions were in place.