Time passes for everything, and even more so if we talk about technology, since, although it seems that we have always had phones and computers with cameras, this is not the case, and the first iMac with a built-in webcam dates from 2005which, for its time, was a modernity, since anyone who lived through those years will remember its external camera attached to the computer screen, since having one already on it was something for the rich.
It is true that we are not talking about a cheap computer, and the iMac never was. The model was called iMac G5, it was launched in 2005 and the version with a camera was called iSight, which was what Apple called its cameras at that time, both in MacBooks and iMacs.
iMac G5 (20-inch, iSight)
As we can see from its name, this iMac had, in addition to the new camerawith a 20-inch screen, so, like iPhones, TVs, tablets and any device from a couple of decades ago, it would have increased in size today, since 20 inches at this time would fall short However, in 2005, it was a revolution.
The webcam would have been included thinking make video calls through iChat AV, (precursor to FaceTime), for which we could use an external one, but it would not give us the same comfort as the integrated one.
In terms of quality, this webcam had a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels (VGA), which may seem horrifying to us today, however, mobile phones with cameras (also not very common at the time), as well as external webcams (at least the cheapest ones) barely reached that quality, for What to see, live, and on video, that resolution, was a privilege.
The price of this computer, at its launch, was $1,699which, in its day, was equivalent to 1,699 euros, since at that time the 1:1 exchange rate was common. This price could be a bit expensive if we compare them today due to inflation, however, in terms of exchange rates, it was very modern and surprising, so everyone who purchased it was very happy with their purchase.
It’s funny how 20 years ago we barely had cameras, and today we look for those that record at 8K. What will another two decades hold for us? Will we see today’s webcams as a relic? The truth is that it is difficult to imagine the changes that are to come, but this is an example of how, in a short time, everything evolves, and although it seems that we have had technology like today’s for a long time, it is not so long ago.
And you, what do you think of all this? Were you able to try that computer at the time, or were you not even alive when it was presented? Many times, the perception of time is based on the experience of it. In my case, in 2005, I had my first computer, but as I said, it was one of those that had to buy an expensive and bad webcam to attach on top of the monitor screen, although the good thing is that I could exchange it between the computers.
