In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, few devices have left as indelible a mark as the Apple iMac G5 17-inch. Introduced in 2004, this groundbreaking machine seamlessly blended cutting-edge technology with an iconic design, captivating users worldwide.
At its core, the Original iMac G5 series represented a paradigm shift in desktop computing. Apple’s integration of the entire computer into the flat-panel display set a new standard for sleekness and efficiency. The 17-inch variant, in particular, stood out with its compact form factor, measuring a mere two inches in depth, making it the thinnest desktop computer of its time. This fusion of form and function laid the groundwork for a new era of desktop design.
Upon its debut, the iMac G5 garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative features and performance capabilities. Powered by the high-performance G5 processor, users experienced enhanced speed and responsiveness for their digital tasks. The inclusion of a SuperDrive or Combo drive provided seamless access to multimedia content, whether for watching DVDs or burning professional-quality discs. Coupled with a sleek aluminum foot and whisper-quiet operation, the iMac G5 seamlessly blended into any environment, from home offices to creative studios.
Beyond its hardware prowess, the iMac G5 was designed to elevate the user experience with Apple’s iLife ’04 suite. From managing digital music with iTunes to creating Hollywood-style DVDs with iDVD, each application empowered users to unleash their creativity. GarageBand, in particular, transformed the iMac G5 into a bona fide musical instrument and recording studio, democratizing music production for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
In keeping with Apple’s commitment to seamless integration, the iMac G5 offered a plethora of connectivity options. With five USB ports and two FireWire 400 ports, users could effortlessly connect their favorite peripherals, including digital cameras, printers, and the ubiquitous iPod. Optional upgrades such as Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme further enhanced wireless connectivity, ensuring users remained at the forefront of digital communication and networking.
Complementing its hardware prowess, the iMac G5 came pre-installed with Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, a robust operating system heralded for its breakthrough features. From the intuitive desktop video conferencing of iChat AV to the enhanced security of FileVault, each feature was meticulously crafted to enhance productivity and peace of mind. Instant On capabilities and Automatic Networking further streamlined the user experience, ensuring seamless transitions between tasks and network connections.
Despite its groundbreaking features and enduring popularity, the Original iMac G5 17-inch eventually made way for newer iterations, culminating in its discontinuation in 2005. However, its legacy lives on as a testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and design excellence. Today, as we reflect on its 20-year journey, the iMac G5 serves as a reminder of the transformative power of technology to inspire and empower generations of users.
Original iMac G5 17-inch Details
| Introduced | August 31, 2004 – 20 years ago |
| Discontinued | May 3, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 245 days (8 months) |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac8,1 |
| Model Number | A1058 |
| EMC | 1989 |
| Order Number | M9248LL/A (1.6 GHz) M9249LL/A (1.8 GHz) |
| Original Price | $1,299 $1,499 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 18.6 Ibs. 8.436 KG |
| Dimensions | 16.9” H x 16.8” W x 6.8” D 42.92 cm H x 42.67 cm W x 17.27 cm D |
iMac G5 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 970fx G5 |
| Processor Speed | 1.6 GHz 1.8 GHz |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 533 MHz 600 MHz |
| Cache | 64 / 32 KB L1 512 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 GB 80 GB 160 GB 250 GB |
| Media | 1 – 4x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” slot-loading |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-3200 183-pin DDR SO-DIMM 400 MHz |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
Display
| Built-in Display | 17″ TFT LCD Display |
| Brightness | 200 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 500 800 x 600 1024 x 640 1024 x 768 1152 x 720 1440 x 900 (Native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra |
| 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/133 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 (ATA-6) or 1.5 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k (Optional) |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 1.1 (Optional) |
| USB | 3 – 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) |
| 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/optical combo jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-video with adapter) |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Keyboard Apple Mouse |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.3.5 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.3 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 Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3 V CR2032 Lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 180 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-120 V AC or 100-240 V AC |
iMac G5 Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- iMac G5: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils the New iMac G5 – Apple Newsroom
- iMac G5 – Wikipedia
- 17″ iMac G5 (2004) – Low End Mac
- iMac G5 – Apple History
- iMac G5 Repair – iFixit
- Apple iMac G5 (sept 2004) – Future Style
- 17-inch iMac G5/1.8GHz (2004) Review – MacWorld
- Apple iMac G5 Review – Sound on Sound
- Apple shows off new iMac in Paris – BBC News
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