As discussed on episode 600 of Connected:
Projects
Performa Month
In August 2024, I spent way too much time detailing Apple’s confusing line of Performa computers.
Background
68K Performas
- The First of a New Line of Macintosh: The Performa 200, 400, 600, & 600CD
- The First Updates: The 250, 405/410/430, & 450
- The 520: A New All-in-One Design
- Fall 1993 Brought an Avalanche of Machines
- The “Money Magazine Edition” Performas
- February 1994: Performa 575, 577, & 578 Launched
- A Look at a Lot of Performa 630CDs, the 640CD, and Some Cool Expansion Cards
- A Change in Direction Before the PowerPC Transition
PowerPC Performas
- The PowerPC Transition (And a New All-in-One)
- The First PowerPC Updates
- 1996 Arrives with New 5200 & 5400s
- The Final Performa Models
Wrapping it Up
Performa Ads
Apple had ads for the Performa all over the place back in the day, from magazines to TV. The most famous video example is a half-hour special named “The Martinettis Bring Home a Computer.”
Mac OS 9 Wallpapers in 5K Resolution
Mac OS 9 was the final version of the classic Macintosh operating system. Launched in 1999, the colorful images match some of Apple’s best hardware from the era.
If you are looking for more modern macOS wallpapers, head over here.
Sponsored by Rogue Amoeba
The Mac OS 9 Wallpaper Archive is sponsored by SoundSource, from the fine folks at Rogue Amoeba.
SoundSource puts powerful audio control of your Mac right in your menu bar. Adjust app volume instantly, apply audio effects to the audio you hear, and redirect that audio to any device connected to your Mac – now including AirPlay devices.
Mac Pro Log
In December 2019, I upgraded to a Mac Pro. Inspired by Shawn Blanc’s CJ-7 build thread, I thought I’d record what I do with (and to) the machine here.
To learn more about my other gear, check out this page. 
December 19, 2019 - Unboxing
The machine shipped several weeks earlier than expected. Here are the specs at unboxing:
- CPU: 3.3 GHz 12-Core Intel Xeon W
- GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 580X 8 GB
- RAM: 32 GB 2933 MHz DDR4
- Storage: 4 TB SSD
I’m using it with the LG UltraFine 5K display, not the Pro Display XDR. It’s totally fine.
macOS Screenshot Library
While sometimes it can be hard to see from single release to single release, Apple has steadily been refining the Aqua user interface since first introducing it.
Mac OS X started life on CRTs and small notebook screens. Today, macOS spans from 13-inch MacBooks to the 32-inch Pro Display XDR. It has undergone system font changes and the Retina transition. It has had to adapt, hosting the addition of dozens and dozens of features over the years.
Every Default macOS Wallpaper - in Glorious 6K Resolution
Every major version of macOS has come with a new default wallpaper. As you can see, I have collected them all here. While great in their day, the early wallpapers are now quite small in the world of 5K and 6K displays. They have been resized by hand to really shine.
If you want to see detailed screenshots of every release of macOS, click here.
If you are looking for Mac OS 9 wallpapers, this page is for you.
The iMac G3
In April 2016, I acquired every color of iMac G3. All 13: Bondi, Blueberry, Lime, Tangerine, Strawberry, Grape, Graphite, Sage, Ruby, Indigo, Snow, Blue Dalmatian and Flower Power. My family and UPS delivery guy were all very forgiving.
The iMac G3 is a fascinating computer. It was the tool Steve Jobs used to help bring Apple back from the brink. It defined a generation of consumer electronics.
Here’s a complete list of what I’ve done with these machines: