In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, May 6, 2003, marked a significant milestone for Apple Inc. as it unleashed the eMac Mid 2003 also known as eMac with ATI Graphics onto the computer market. This all-in-one personal computer, part of the esteemed eMac series, was poised to revolutionize the computing experience for users, whether at home or in educational institutions.
Apple’s eMac series had already established itself as a formidable player in the desktop arena. However, with the introduction of the eMac Mid 2003, Apple aimed to maintain its stronghold and push further boundaries. Boasting an array of enhanced features and performance capabilities, this iteration of the eMac sought to redefine what users could expect from a personal computing device.
At the core of the eMac with ATI Graphics lay a robust 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, propelling computing speeds to new heights. Complementing this powerhouse was a faster 4x SuperDrive, facilitating seamless data transfer and storage. The integration of high-performance ATI Radeon 7500 graphics ensured immersive visual experiences, while up to 80GB hard drives provided ample storage for digital content.
With a sleek 17-inch flat CRT display, the eMac not only delivered stunning visuals but also optimized desktop space with its compact, all-in-one design. Surpassing its predecessors, the eMac stood out for its remarkably shallow depth, reminiscent of the iconic iMac. Apple’s commitment to affordability remained unwavering, with prices starting at just $799, making the eMac an accessible entry point into the digital lifestyle landscape.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Product Marketing, aptly summarized the essence of the eMac experience, stating, “The eMac offers customers a complete system that is the ideal entry point for today’s digital lifestyle.” From educational endeavors to personal pursuits, the eMac catered to a diverse array of user needs, bridging the gap between functionality and affordability.
Equipped with cutting-edge wireless networking capabilities, the eMac embraced the future of connectivity with built-in support for AirPort Extreme 802.11g wireless networking. This not only facilitated seamless data transmission at impressive speeds but also ensured compatibility with existing Wi-Fi devices. Moreover, the inclusion of essential connectivity options such as Ethernet and modem ports ensured users stayed connected regardless of their preferred network mode.
Central to the eMac’s allure was its ability to cater to the burgeoning multimedia landscape. Bundled with Apple’s iLife suite, users were empowered to explore their creative endeavors with software tailored for managing music, photos, movies, and DVD creation. With a plethora of connectivity ports conveniently located on the system, interfacing with peripherals such as cameras and printers became effortless, further enhancing the eMac’s versatility.
Despite its initial acclaim and popularity, the eMac with ATI Graphics was not destined to endure indefinitely. Just six months after its debut, on October 22, 2003, Apple announced its discontinuation, making way for newer iterations that would continue to push technological boundaries. However, the eMac with ATI Graphics remains a testament to Apple’s innovative prowess and its commitment to delivering cutting-edge computing solutions to consumers.
Today, 21 years later the eMac Mid 2003 stands as a nostalgic relic of a bygone era, symbolizing a chapter in Apple’s storied history. While it may no longer be available for purchase, its legacy lives on in the annals of tech history, serving as a reminder of Apple’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
eMac with ATI Graphics Details
| Introduced | May 6, 2003 |
| Discontinued | October 22, 2003 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac4,4 |
| Model Number | A1002 |
| EMC | 1955 |
| Order Number | M9150LL/A (800 MHz) M8950LL/A (1 GHz) M8951LL/A (1 GHz) M9252LL/A (1 GHz) |
| Original Price | $799 $999 $1,299 |
| 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 Early 2003 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7445 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 800 MHz 1 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 133 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 GB 60 GB 80 GB |
| Media | 1 – 24x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive or 32x CD-ROM or 2x DVD-R/CD-RW Superdrive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 128 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-133 3.3v 168-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 7500 |
| 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 | Ultra ATA (Shared with hard disk drive) |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/66 (ATA-5) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| USB | 3 – 12 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 9.2.2 Mac OS X 10.2.5 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 (800 MHz) Mac OS X 10.5.8 (1 GHz) |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9.2 or Mac OS X 10.2 QuickTime iCal iChat iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, and iDVD) iSync DVD Player AppleWorks Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink AOL Quicken 2003 Deluxe World Book 2003 Edition Mac OS X Chess Otto Matic Deimos Rising Microsoft Office Sound Studio FAXstf Acrobat Reader Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 170 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-220 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- eMac (ATI Graphics): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils New eMac Family – Apple Newsroom
- eMac – Wikipedia
- eMac ATI Graphics (2003) – Low End Mac
- eMac (ATI Graphics) – Apple History
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.
Last updated: February 17, 2024
