In the realm of personal computing, few devices have captivated users quite like the iMac series from Apple. Among these iconic machines, the iMac 17-inch Mid 2002 also known as “iMac 17-inch with Flat Panel Display” or simply “iMac G4” model stands out as a pinnacle of style and innovation.
In the year 2002, Apple revolutionized personal computing once again with the introduction of the iMac G4 17-inch model. Boasting a sleek design and cutting-edge features, this all-in-one computer quickly became the darling of tech enthusiasts and designers alike. With its stunning 17-inch widescreen LCD that seemed to float in mid-air, the iMac 17-inch 2002 redefined the notion of desktop elegance.
At the heart of the iMac G4 17-inch Mid 2002 was an 800 MHz PowerPC G4 processor, delivering powerful performance for a wide range of tasks. Paired with NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics, this machine offered superior visuals and seamless multitasking capabilities. The inclusion of a SuperDrive for playing and burning CDs and DVDs, along with a spacious 80 GB hard drive, made it a versatile hub for digital content creation and consumption.
One of the defining features of the iMac 17-inch Mid 2002 was its integration with Apple’s suite of digital lifestyle software. From iTunes for organizing music to iPhoto for managing photos, this machine served as the ultimate Digital Hub for users to store, create, and share their digital content. Additionally, the inclusion of iMovie and iDVD empowered users to unleash their creativity and produce professional-quality movies and custom DVDs.
What truly set the iMac 17-inch Mid 2002 apart was its innovative design. With a widescreen LCD that appeared to float in mid-air, users could effortlessly adjust its height and angle with just a touch. This ultra-compact design not only saved space but also enhanced the overall aesthetic appeal of the machine. The wide aspect ratio of the display, coupled with a resolution of 1440 by 900 pixels, offered users an immersive viewing experience for everything from movies to gaming.
Upon its release, the iMac 17-inch Mid 2002 was priced at $1,999, making it a premium offering in the world of personal computing. Available through the Apple Store, retail outlets, and authorized resellers, this machine quickly garnered attention for its blend of style, performance, and value.
Although the iMac G4 17-inch was eventually discontinued in 2003, its impact on personal computing and design continues to reverberate to this day. For those who owned or used this iconic machine, it represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of technology. Its sleek design, advanced features, and intuitive user experience left an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying Apple’s reputation as a trailblazer in innovation.
The iMac 17-inch with Flat Panel Display remains a timeless symbol of style and innovation in the world of personal computing. From its stunning design to its powerful performance, this machine encapsulated the ethos of Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Even 22 years later, the legacy of the iMac 17-inch Mid 2002 lives on, reminding us of the transformative impact that technology can have on our lives.
iMac 17-inch with Flat Panel Display Details
| Introduced | July 17, 2002 |
| Discontinued | February 4, 2003 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac4,5 |
| Model Number | M6498 |
| EMC | 1936 |
| Order Number | M8812LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,999 |
| 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 17-inch Mid 2002 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 | 80 GB |
| Media | 1 – 2x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” |
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 | 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 | 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 (8W total power) |
| 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 speakers |
| 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 9.2.2 Mac OS X 10.1.5 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 9.5.1 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9.2 or Mac OS X 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 (Flat Panel): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils 17-inch Flat Screen iMac – Apple Newsroom
- iMac G4 – Wikipedia
- Apple iMac G4 17 ” – The Centre for Computing History
- 20 Macs for 2020: #9 – iMac G4 – Six Colors
- Happy Twentieth Birthday, iMac G4 – Userlandia
- Today in Apple history: iMac G4 gets super-sized screen – Cult of Mac
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 10, 2024
