Apple today announced that it is now offering its consumer-level iMovie 1.0.2 software as a free download for PowerBook G3 and PowerMac G4 users. The 19 MB download does not include the tutorial, which is included with the CD and can be purchased for $20. There had previously been some controversy surrounding the fact that users of these high-end, FireWire-equipped Macs had to purchase expensive software solutions in order to gain the movie-making abilities that the company advertises. [updated]

[Bob Gore] "I can happily report that Apple's iMovie download works successfully with my Wallstreet PowerBook G3 + Ratoc FireWire card and my 7500, retro-fitted with a G3 CPU and FireWire PCI card. Both running the latest OS & FireWire versions. I'm pleased (and not a small bit surprised) that Apple has graciously accommodated even its older units in this fashion." [Phil Dokas] "I was a little upset that Apple decided not to make iMovie available for the PowerMac G3, seeing as how it's got FireWire too, so I decided to download it, just to try. Lo and behold it worked. It installed, launched and runs without a hitch on my B&W PowerMac G3/400. However, since I don't have a DV camera I can't try importing anything, but I doubt there's any problems there. I've imported images, and made audio tracks, the whole works without a hitch."

by MacNN Staff