How I Got a Vintage Mac

Independent Mac repair shops all over the world are rejoicing this week, after Apple’s announcment the company will phase out repair support for certain G4 machines, xserve products and other “vintage” and “obsolete” gear.

After March 17th, Apple will no longer provide service parts or documentation for the products listed after the jump, and the items will not be accepted as Mail-In Repairs to AppleCare Repair Centers.

It’s mighty kind of Apple to support the Apple repair ecosystem this way, and yet gives incentive to the consumer to buy new gear at the same time.

Sheer brilliance.

Via AppleInsider, via MacMerc

Among products on the “vintage” list are:

iMac (Early 2001)
iMac (17-inch Flat Panel)
iMac (Flat Panel)
iMac (Flat Panel 2003)
iMac (Summer 2001)
eMac
Macintosh Server G4 (Digital Audio)
Macintosh Server G4 (QuickSilver)
Macintosh Server G4 (Quicksilver 2002)
Macintosh Server G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors)
PowerBook (FireWire)
PowerBook G4
PowerBook G4 (12-inch) – that’s me!!
PowerBook G4 (17-inch)

Obsolete gear includes:

Macintosh Server G4 (AGP Graphics)
Macintosh Server G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
PowerMac G4 (AGP Graphics)
PowerMac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
PowerMac G4 (PCI Graphics)
PowerMac G4 Cube
PowerBook (Firewire), and even the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh.

What’s the difference between “vintage” and “obsolete,” you ask?

Vintage products are those discontinued more than five and less than seven years ago. Apple has discontinued hardware service for vintage products except for products purchased in the state of California, United States, as required by statute. Owners of these products may obtain service and parts from Apple Service Providers within the state of California, United States.

Obsolete products are those that were discontinued more than seven years ago. Apple has discontinued all hardware service for obsolete products with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.

Apple’s official list of vintage and obsolete products is here.