In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain products stand out not just for their features but for the mark they leave on the industry. The iMac 17-inch Early 2003 is one such device. Introduced by Apple in 2003, this iMac marked a significant step in the company’s journey toward innovation and remains a cherished piece of tech history.
In 2003, Apple unveiled the iMac 17-inch Early 2003, expanding its acclaimed G4 series. Priced at $1,799, this sleek desktop boasted cutting-edge specifications and a stunning flat-panel display, setting a new standard for consumer desktops.
Powered by a 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor and 256 MB of DDR memory, the iMac 17-inch Early 2003 offered robust performance for its time. Its 17-inch widescreen display, seemingly floating on an ultra-compact base, provided users with unparalleled adjustability. With features like AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth support, as well as an array of connectivity options, it catered to the burgeoning digital lifestyle.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s VP of Hardware Product Marketing, hailed the iMac 17-inch as a game-changer, emphasizing its role in promoting digital creativity. Bundled with Apple’s iLife suite, it empowered users in digital photography, music production, and movie-making, heralding a new era of multimedia computing.
Despite its brief lifespan of just seven months before being succeeded by the Late 2003 model, the iMac 17-inch Early 2003 remains a beloved classic. Its sleek design, powerful specifications, and role in Apple’s evolution cement its status as an icon among tech enthusiasts.
As we celebrate its 21-year anniversary, the iMac 17-inch Early 2003 continues to evoke nostalgia among Apple aficionados. Its impact extends beyond its hardware, symbolizing Apple’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design.
Available through various channels including the Apple Store and Authorized Resellers, the iMac 17-inch Early 2003 offered build-to-order options and accessories, ensuring customization to individual preferences.
In retrospect, the iMac 17-inch Early 2003 stands as a testament to Apple’s vision and ingenuity. Its fusion of power, elegance, and functionality laid the groundwork for future innovations, leaving an indelible mark on the tech landscape. As we look back on its legacy, we’re reminded of innovation’s transformative power and timeless design’s enduring appeal.
iMac 17-inch Early 2003 Details
| Introduced | February 4, 2003 |
| Discontinued | September 8, 2003 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac6,1 |
| Model Number | M6498 |
| EMC | 1956 |
| Order Number | M8935LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,799 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 22.8 Ibs. 10.341 KG |
| Dimensions | 13.03 – 20” H x 16.7 – 17.7” W x 10.6 – 16.7” D 33.09 – 50.8 cm H x 42.41 – 44.95 cm W x 26.92 – 42.41 cm D Base diameter 10.6″ / 26.92 cm |
iMac G4 17-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7445 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 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 | 80 GB |
| Media | 1 – 4x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB (Apple) 2 GB (Actual) |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-2100 200-pin SO-DIMM (User accessible) 1 – PC-2100 184-pin SDRAM (Factory-installed) |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 17″ TFT LCD Display |
| Brightness | 200 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 1152 x 720 1440 x 900 (Native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce4 MX |
| Graphics Memory | 64 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/66 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 |
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 – 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 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 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.2 QuickTime iMovie 2 iPhoto iTunes 2 iDVD 2 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
- iMac (17-inch, 1 GHz): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils Spring iMacs – Apple Newsroom
- 17″ 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 15, 2024
