Get a new Mac for $99. magazine insert (Mac OS 8.5, 1998)

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, part of Apple’s print advertising included magazine inserts. These inserts were “mini-magazines” within magazines. They were glued with a pliable rubber cement that could be easily removed.

The front page of this advertisement is just the words (in the Apple Garamond font) “Get a new Mac for $99.” with the Apple logo.

The 8-page folded and stapled insert opens to the first 2-page spread showing a Mac OS 8.5 CD in a hand with the headline, “Introducing our most powerful Macintosh yet. (Shown actual size.).” The center spread highlights Sherlock, Apple’s then-new search tool. The final spread highlights new Mac OS features for PowerPC Mac models.

The back cover shows the software box and the headline, “Small investment, big return.”

Folded, the size of the insert is 7.5 x 10.5 inches.

Apple CD media (1998)

My collection of Apple CD and DVD media includes operating systems, applications, software collections that shipped with devices, promotional media, diagnostic tools, and educational content. In general, Apple-branded CD or DVD examples in original packaging have been presented separately, while single discs or collections of discs are presented chronologically.

Apple CDs from 1998 include:

  • Mac OS 8 (Version 8.1, 691-1912-A, U97073-121A, 1998)
  • FileMaker Home Page 3.0 (Web site design software, U98073-029C, 1997–1998)
  • WebObjects 4.0 Developer For Windows NT (1988–Version 4.0.1, Z691-2252-A, 1998)
  • Power Macintosh G3 For all-in-one computers (SSW 8.1, CD Version 1.0, 691-1802-A, 1998)
  • Power Macintosh G3 For all-in-one computers (SSW 8.1, CD Version 1.1, 691-2043-A, 1998)
  • Power Macintosh G3 Minitower and Desktop Computers (SSW 8.5, CD Version 1.0, 691-2121-A, 1998)
  • Mac OS 8.5 (Version 8.5, 691-2157-A, 1998)
  • Mac OS 8.5 (Version 8.5, 691-2017-A, 1998)
  • iMac bundle, including iMac Software Restore (SSW Version 8.1, CD Version 1.0, 691-2044-A, 1998)

When the original iMac was released in 1998, Apple changed the CD packaging to a book style. The CD book had cardboard front and back covers in bright yellow. The general software license was printed on the inside covers (in the Apple Garamond font), and the Apple CDs inside were bright orange in white CD sleeves with a clear vinyl front. In addition to the Apple CDs, various bundled software was also included such as a Willams-Sonoma cookbook and Quicken.