If you’re a fan of classic Mac design, you might be interested in the iBot G3, a model modeled after Apple’s iconic iMac G3, first released in 1998.
The iBot G3 was designed by Philip Lee, who previously released another Mac-related figurine called ClassicBot. The iBot G3 is Lee’s latest project, and like the classic bot, it’s a fun take on one of Apple’s original Mac designs.
The iBot G3 comes in two variants, a Bondi Blue and a Tangerine, both classic iMac G3 colors. The figures are made from plastic and injection molded with details that closely mimic the design of the original iMac G3.
Injection molding allows for the smallest components to be incorporated, which means you get the classic iMac′ G3 design with transparent teardrop-shaped enclosures, top carrying handles, side hatches that peek into internal components, and even a small round. Mouse and matching keyboard.
It’s so faithful to the original design that even the internal components are made separately so you can see the machine’s hardware through the translucent outer shell.
You’ll see the CRT tube, the front speakers, the vents, the CD drive, the power button (and the tiny keyboard’s power button), all the ports (hidden by the access panel complete with mouse cord cutouts), and the spot where the power cable plugs in. Only an Apple logo is missing, as not including it prevents Lee from running into trademark issues. The traditional Apple logos on the top and back of the iMac G3 have been replaced with smaller bot logos.
The iBot G3 has two little eyes on its display, because it is, as the name suggests, an iMac– transformed into a robot. It has detachable legs and magnetic arms and is able to stand (or sit) on its own. You can remove the arms and legs, add an included stand, and set it up as a more traditional-looking iMac– with keyboard and mouse accessories.
I like that the iBot G3 is convertible because it allows those who prefer the iMac–robot look to use it their way, while others who would rather have a little iMac–which looks like a traditional design can detach it and display it that way. You can combine the two, a sitting or standing iBot G3 with keyboard and mouse nearby.
Speaking of keyboard and mouse, these two things are pretty cute. The mouse is about the size of my fingernail and is an exact miniature replica of the original round mouse that came with the iMac G3, while the keyboard has a transparent plastic housing with black keys.
The arms and legs of the iBot G3 are made from the same clear plastic as the enclosure, so everything matches up. Printed on the display, which is noticeable. I suppose it would have been neater if it had an actual electronic display, but it would have driven the cost and been much more difficult to implement.
However, it would be nice to be able to buy an iBot with different eye expressions, and I would have preferred a lighter film as the iBot’s face can sometimes be a bit hard to see depending on the lighting conditions in the room. .
I don’t have an iMac G3 to compare the iBot with, but I do have an iBook G3 that used the same design elements. It’s in Blueberry, which is similar to Bondi Blue (albeit a touch lighter) so it looks like the Bondi Blue iBot G3’s color is close to correct. The tangerine color also looks very similar to the image of the tangerine iMac G3.
iBot G3 is not a toy and is for display. It’s not made of the hardest plastic and I wouldn’t be too rough with it. I snapped off a small hatch that lets you see inside on a model crash, but it snapped right back into place. Still, I was worried about breaking it while trying to put it back together.
The magnetic connection between the arms is not particularly strong and there are many small components, so it is not an ideal toy for a child. It would be easy to lose pieces since many of the components are so small, and the website has a warning that the display’s laminated cover is prone to scratching. I didn’t have any problems, but I was careful with it too.
$39 is a bit expensive for an inanimate toy, but that’s not unusual for figurines with this level of detail, and given the focus on making the iBot G3 look like the iMac G3, it seems like a fair price.
bottom line
If you’re an Apple fan looking for attractive Apple-related desk or shelf decor, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed by the iBot G3. It’s adorable, fits well with Apple products, and looks good in any home or office environment
Likewise, if you’re looking for a gift for an Apple enthusiast, the iBot G3 is a great choice that will delight everyone who sees it. Hopefully the artist, Philip Lee, will continue to create additional figurines like the iBot G3 based on the classic Mac design because I’m sure Apple fans would love to have a collection of Apple device bots.
How to buy
The iBot G3 can be purchased from the ClassicBot website for $39.
Note: Classicbot provided MacRumors with two iBots for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
