Why the Power Mac G4 Was Banned from Export (Seriously)

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What do you get when Apple builds a Mac so powerful the U.S. government says you can’t export it?

A desktop machine legally classified as a weapon!

In this video, I dive deep into the incredible story of the Power Macintosh G4, a machine that, thanks to its gigaflop-crushing performance, triggered actual U.S. export restrictions under Cold War–era technology laws.

We’ll explore:

• The PowerPC G4 processor and its Velocity Engine
• The U.S. government’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• Apple’s brilliant and flirty marketing campaign that leaned into the “weapon” angle
• Comparisons to other computers of the era (Pentium III, SGI workstations, etc.)
• The G4’s evolution and lasting legacy, including the infamous G4 Cube

Whether you're a retro Mac nerd, a hardware history buff, or just like your tech a little spicy, this one’s for you!

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