Apple’s iMac line has seen remarkable evolution since its inception in 1998. One pivotal moment in its journey was the release of the iMac 15-inch Early 2003, a computer that showcased Apple’s commitment to innovation and user-friendly design.
In 2003, Apple unveiled the iMac 15-inch Early 2003, a part of the iMac G4 series, designed for personal use. With its sleek design and impressive features, it quickly captured the attention of tech enthusiasts. Priced at $1,299, it offered users an 800 MHz G4 processor, setting a new standard for performance and efficiency.
The iMac 15-inch Early 2003 was a game-changer in terms of design. Its ultra-compact base supported a flat panel display, creating a visually striking appearance. Users could effortlessly adjust the height and angle of the display with a simple touch, enhancing comfort and usability. The inclusion of two FireWire 400 and five USB ports facilitated seamless connections to digital devices, reflecting Apple’s focus on user convenience.
One of the highlights of the iMac 15-inch Early 2003 was its bundled software suite. Powered by Mac OS X Jaguar, it offered a seamless and intuitive user experience. Additionally, Apple’s iLife applications, including iTunes 3, iPhoto 2, iMovie 3, and iDVD 3, empowered users to explore their creativity in digital music, photography, and movie-making. Productivity and entertainment titles like Quicken 2003 Deluxe and Microsoft Office v.X Test Drive further enriched the user experience.
The iMac 15-inch Early 2003 boasted impressive specifications for its time. Equipped with an 800 MHz PowerPC 7445 G4 processor and 256 MB of RAM, it delivered smooth performance and multitasking capabilities. The 15-inch LCD TFT display provided crisp visuals, complemented by the 32 MB NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics for an enhanced viewing experience. With a 60 GB hard drive and options for a CD-RW drive or a DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive, it offered ample storage and versatility.
Upon its release, the iMac 15-inch Early 2003 was available through various channels, including the Apple Store, retail stores, and authorized resellers. However, its stint in the market was short-lived, with discontinuation announced on September 8, 2003, after just seven months of availability. Despite its brief tenure, it left a lasting impression on the tech landscape.
Today, the iMac 15-inch Early 2003 stands as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation and user-centric design. Its influence can be seen in subsequent iterations of the iMac line, each building upon the foundation laid by its predecessors. As we reflect on its legacy, we’re reminded of the strides made in technology over the past 21 years, with Apple at the forefront of innovation. While the iMac 15-inch Early 2003 may now be considered a piece of technology history, its impact continues to resonate, shaping the future of computing.
iMac 15-inch Early 2003 Details
| Introduced | February 4, 2003 |
| Discontinued | September 8, 2003 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac4,2 |
| Model Number | M6498 |
| Order Number | M9105LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,299 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 21.3 Ibs. 9.661 KG |
| Dimensions | 12.95 – 20” H x 15.1 – 16.3” W x 10.6 – 16.3” D 32.89 – 50.8 cm H x 38.35 – 41.4 cm W x 26.92 – 41.4 cm D Base diameter 10.6″ / 26.92 cm |
iMac G4 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7545 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 800 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB |
| Media | 1 – 32x CD-RW drive or DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-133 133-pin SO-DIMM (User accessible) 1 – PC-133 168-pin SDRAM (Factory-installed) |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15″ TFT LCD Display |
| Brightness | 200 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce2 MX |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-video with adapter) |
| Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
| External Resolution | 640 x 480 at 60Hz 800 x 600 at 75Hz 1024 x 768 at 75Hz |
| Camera | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Optical Drive Interface | Ultra ATA (Shared with hard disk drive) |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA (Shared with optical drive) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| USB | 3 – 12 Mbps |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps |
| Infrared | None |
| Audio In | 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – 2.5-mm Apple Pro Speaker minijack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-video with adapter) |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.2.3 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.2 QuickTime iMovie 2 iPhoto iTunes 2 iDVD 2 (SuperDrive-equipped system only) DVD Player AppleWorks Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink (includes 30 days of free service) AOL Quicken 2002 Deluxe World Book Mac OS X Edition Mac OS X Chess Otto Matic Deimos Rising FaxSTF Acrobat Reader |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V Lithium (922-4760) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 130 W |
| Line Voltage | 90-264 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Apple Unveils Spring iMacs – Apple Newsroom
- 15″ iMac G4 (Early 2003) – Low End Mac
- iMac G4 – Wikipedia
- 20 Macs for 2020: #9 – iMac G4 – Six Colors
- Apple iMac G4 – The Centre for Computing History
- Apple iMac G4 – Retro Viator
- Why iMac G4 is still the greatest Mac ever made 20 years later – MacWorld
- Happy Twentieth Birthday, iMac G4 – Userlandia
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 14, 2024
