On April 13, 2004, Apple revolutionized personal computing yet again with the introduction of the eMac Early 2004. This sleek and powerful desktop computer, part of the esteemed eMac series, marked a significant milestone in Apple’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology for both personal and professional use.
The eMac Early 2004 boasted a range of enhancements that elevated its capabilities to new heights. With faster PowerPC G4 processors clocking in at up to 1.25 GHz, coupled with 333 MHz DDR memory and upgraded ATI Radeon graphics, this machine promised unparalleled speed and efficiency. Apple’s emphasis on affordability was evident, with prices starting at just $999, making it the most budget-friendly SuperDrive-equipped Mac ever.
Housed in a compact yet stylish all-in-one design, the eMac featured a vibrant 17-inch flat CRT display, supporting resolutions of up to 1280-by-960 pixels in 24-bit color. Whether you were indulging in multimedia entertainment or engaging in graphic-intensive tasks, the eMac’s crisp display ensured an immersive experience like no other.
At the heart of the eMac Early 2004 lay a host of multimedia capabilities designed to cater to the demands of the digital lifestyle. Equipped with either a Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive or Apple’s revolutionary 8x SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW), users could indulge in seamless DVD playback and professional-quality DVD burning at double the speed of previous models. With hard drives scaling up to 80 GB and high-performance ATI Radeon 9200 graphics, the eMac delivered exceptional graphics performance and realistic gameplay, redefining the boundaries of multimedia computing.
Keeping pace with evolving technological trends, the eMac offers a plethora of connectivity options to streamline your digital ecosystem. With USB 2.0 connectivity to peripherals, an optional internal Bluetooth module, and support for AirPort Extreme Card for fast wireless networking, staying connected had never been easier. Additionally, with built-in Ethernet, modem, USB, and FireWire ports, the eMac ensured effortless plug-and-play compatibility with a wide range of devices, from iPods to digital cameras.
Every eMac Early 2004 came bundled with iLife ’04, Apple’s acclaimed suite of digital lifestyle applications. From managing digital music with iTunes to creating and sharing digital photos with iPhoto, from digital movie-making with iMovie to burning Hollywood-style DVDs with iDVD, the eMac provides a comprehensive toolkit to unleash your creative potential. Furthermore, with GarageBand, users could transform their Mac into a professional-quality musical instrument and recording studio, opening doors to endless possibilities in music creation.
Powered by Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, the eMac Early 2004 offered a seamless computing experience, replete with over 150 breakthrough features. From desktop video conferencing with iChat AV to robust data security with FileVault, from intuitive window management with Exposé to lightning-fast wake-up times with Instant On, the eMac epitomized the convergence of innovation and user-centric design. Enhanced Windows compatibility further facilitated seamless integration with cross-platform environments, ensuring maximum versatility and productivity.
The eMac Early 2004 was made available through various channels, including the Apple Store, Apple’s retail outlets, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Standard configurations were offered, with build-to-order options allowing users to customize their machines according to their specific requirements. A range of accessories, including RAM upgrades, larger hard drives, and wireless networking solutions, further enhanced the eMac’s versatility and functionality.
Despite its groundbreaking features and widespread acclaim, the eMac Early 2004 was not destined to be a permanent fixture in Apple’s product lineup. On May 3, 2005, the eMac Early 2004 bid farewell, making way for its successor, the eMac 2005. Nevertheless, its legacy endured, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of users worldwide.
As the eMac Early 2004 celebrates its 20-year anniversary, it stands as a testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. Whether you were fortunate enough to experience its technological marvel firsthand or simply admire its legacy from afar, the eMac Early 2004 remains an iconic symbol of Apple’s enduring legacy in the realm of personal computing.
eMac Early 2004 Details
| Introduced | April 13, 2004 – 20 years ago |
| Discontinued | May 3, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 12 months (1 year) |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac6,4 |
| Model Number | A1002 |
| EMC | Unknown |
| Order Number | M9425LL/A M9461LL/A |
| Original Price | $799 $999 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 50 Ibs. 22.679 KG |
| Dimensions | 15.8” H x 15.8” W x 17.1” D 40.13 cm H x 40.13 cm W x 43.43 cm D |
eMac G4 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7447 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1.25 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 167 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 GB 80 GB |
| Media | 1 – 24x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive or 8x DVD-R/CD-RW Superdrive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB (Apple) 2 GB (Actual) |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-2700 DDR333 184-pin SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 7 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 17″ Shadow-mask CRT Display (16″ viewable) |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 at 138 Hz 800 x 600 at 112 Hz 1024 x 768 at 89 Hz 1152 x 864 at 80 Hz 1280 x 960 at 72 Hz |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Radeon 9200 |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-VGA |
| Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
| External Resolution | N/A |
| Camera | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Optical Drive Interface | ATA/ATAPI-3 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 (ATA-6) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 1.1 (Optional) |
| USB | 3 – 480 Mbps |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps |
| Infrared | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – Mini-VGA |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Keyboard Apple Mouse |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.3.3 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.3 QuickTime iChat AV Safari Sherlock Address Book QuickTime iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD), GarageBand) iSync iCal DVD Player AppleWorks Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink, Quicken 2004 for Mac World Book 2004 Edition Sound Studio Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 Deimos Rising Zinio Reader Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 230 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-220 V AC or 200-240 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- eMac (USB 2.0): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Announces a Faster, More Affordable eMac – Apple Newsroom
- eMac – Wikipedia (Image 2 Source)
- eMac USB 2.0 (2004) – Low End Mac
- Apple eMac (SuperDrive) – Review 2004 – PCMag UK
- Apple eMac PPC review – CNET
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
