The iMac G3, originally released as the iMac, is a series of Macintosh personal computers sold by Apple Computer from 1998 to 2003. The iMac was the first major new product release for Apple under Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO and cofounder, who returned to the financially troubled company in 1996 after eleven years away. Jobs reorganized the company and simplified the product line; the iMac was designed as Apple's new consumer desktop product, a cheaper computer for average consumers that would easily connect to the internet. The iMac's all-in-one design is based around a cathode ray tube display, with the computer's G3 processor, components, and connectivity included in the same enclosure. Head of design Jony Ive and his team developed a teardrop-shaped, translucent plastic case for the iMac, a radical departure from the look of previous personal computers. They developed new work methodologies to finish the computer in an accelerated timeframe, and created new workflows they would use for designing products going forward. The iMac eschewed legacy technologies like serial ports and floppy disk drives for CD-ROMs and USB ports. Critical response to the iMac was mixed; journalists thought the machine would be good for new users, but bemoaned the lack of legacy technology, or felt the mouse and keyboard were uncomfortable. The iMac was an immediate commercial success, becoming Apple's fastest-selling computer and selling more than 5 million units in its lifetime. The original model was revised several times, increasing the processor speed, memory, hard drive space, and other capabilities. The iMac is credited with saving Apple from financial ruin, and for turning computers from niche, technical products to mass consumer fashion. The translucent plastic look was appropriated by other computers and consumer products, leading to legal action from Apple. The G3-based model was eventually replaced by a G4-powered successor, while the iMac G3's role in education markets would be replaced by the eMac. Background In the late 1990s, computer maker Apple was in a precarious financial position. At the end of 1997, Apple was selling just 1.8 million Macs per year, down from 4.5 million two years earlier. What sales Apple did make were cannibalized by licensed Mac systems that undercut Apple's own computers on price and performance. Apple pulled out of the low-cost computer market entirely, unable to compete on price and getting products to consumers rapidly. In December 1996, Apple purchased computer maker NeXT, with NeXT