In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, certain products stand out not just for their functionality but for the mark they leave on the industry. The iMac G4 series, particularly the Apple iMac Early 2002, affectionately known as the “iMac with Flat Panel Display” or simply the “iMac G4,” holds a revered position in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts.
Introduced on January 7, 2002, the iMac G4 was a departure from conventional desktop designs. It featured an LCD mounted on an adjustable arm, giving it a futuristic and minimalist aesthetic. Unlike traditional desktop towers, the iMac G4 housed its internals in a dome-shaped base, allowing the display to float elegantly above. This unique design not only saved space but also offered unparalleled flexibility in adjusting the screen to the user’s preference.
Underneath its sleek exterior, the iMac G4 packed a punch in terms of performance. Powered by a fourth-generation PowerPC G4 processor, it offered processing speeds of up to 800 MHz, which was impressive for its time. Paired with Apple’s innovative SuperDrive, users could play and burn CDs and DVDs with ease, a feature that was considered revolutionary at the time.
The centerpiece of the iMac G4 was its stunning 15-inch LCD flat screen. With a resolution of 1024 by 768, it provided crisp and vibrant visuals, rivaling the viewing area of larger CRT displays. The inclusion of a 32 MB NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics card ensured smooth performance, making it a favorite among creative professionals for tasks such as graphic design and photo editing.
Apple positioned the iMac G4 as the centerpiece of the emerging digital lifestyle. Equipped with Apple’s award-winning software suite for digital photography, music, and video, it offered users a seamless experience for creative endeavors. From video editing with iMovie to music management with iTunes, the iMac G4 was designed to cater to the diverse needs of multimedia enthusiasts.
At its launch, the iMac G4 came in three configurations, with prices starting at $1,299. Options included different processor speeds, memory capacities, and storage sizes to cater to varying user requirements. Additionally, build-to-order options allowed for further customization, including additional memory and Apple Pro Speakers.
Despite being discontinued in 2003, the iMac G4 continues to hold a special place in Apple’s history. Its innovative design and powerful performance set the standard for future iMac models, leaving a lasting impact on the world of computing. Today, as we reflect on its legacy, the iMac G4 serves as a nostalgic reminder of a time when Apple pushed the boundaries of design and technology.
The iMac G4, particularly the Early 2002 model released 22 years ago, remains a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and user experience. Its groundbreaking design, coupled with robust performance and seamless integration with the digital lifestyle, cemented its status as a beloved classic among Apple fans. As we look back on its legacy, we are reminded of the transformative power of technology to inspire, delight, and shape the way we interact with the world around us.
iMac with Flat Panel Display Details
| Introduced | January 7, 2002 |
| Discontinued | February 4, 2003 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac4,2 |
| Model Number | M6498 |
| EMC | 1873 |
| Order Number | M8672LL/A (700 MHz) M8672LL/B (700 MHz) M7677LL/A (700 MHz) M7677LL/B (700 MHz) M8535LL/A (800 MHz) M8535LL/B (800 MHz) |
| Original Price | $1,299 $1,399 (From March 21, 2002, to August 31, 2002) $1,499 $1,599 (From March 21, 2002, to August 31, 2002) $1,799 $1,899 (From March 21, 2002, to July 17, 2002) |
| 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 7511 G4 PowerPC 7545 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 700 MHz 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 | 40 GB 60 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x CD-RW drive or DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive or 2x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 128 MB 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) |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| 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 (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 10.1.2 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.1.3 Mac OS X 10.1.4 Mac OS X 10.2 Mac OS X 10.2.3 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 9.0.1 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9.2 or Mac OS X 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 |
iMac G4 Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- iMac (Flat Panel): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils the New iMac – Apple Newsroom
- iMac G4 – Wikipedia
- 15″ iMac G4 (Early 2002) – Low End Mac
- 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 6, 2024
