In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain milestones stand out as defining moments, shaping the course of innovation. One such landmark was the introduction of the Apple iMac G5 20-inch. Released in 2004, this all-in-one desktop computer revolutionized the industry with its groundbreaking design and powerful performance.
On August 31, 2004, Apple unveiled the Original iMac G5 20-inch to the world, marking a significant leap forward in desktop computing. Boasting the high-performance PowerPC G5 processor, this sleek machine integrated the entire computer into a stunning flat-panel display, making it the thinnest desktop computer at the time, with a depth of just two inches. Priced starting at $1,899, it offered both style and substance to consumers.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, aptly summarized the sentiment surrounding the iMac G5, likening it to the iPod’s impact on portable music players. Its minimalist design, with all components neatly tucked behind the display, represented a paradigm shift in consumer desktops, prompting many to wonder, “Where did the computer go?”
At its core, the iMac G5 20-inch was a powerhouse, catering to the demands of digital lifestyles. With a 1.8 GHz PowerPC G5 processor and up to 2 GB of DDR memory, it delivered blazing-fast performance, ideal for tasks ranging from multimedia editing to gaming. The inclusion of high-performance NVIDIA graphics ensured smooth visuals and immersive gameplay, setting a new standard for desktop computing.
Furthermore, the iMac G5 was tailor-made for Apple’s iLife ’04 suite, a collection of digital lifestyle applications that transformed the way users interacted with their media. From managing music libraries with iTunes to creating professional-grade movies with iMovie, the iMac G5 empowered users to unleash their creativity like never before.
Beyond its impressive specs, the iMac G5 dazzled with its elegant design and thoughtful features. The all-in-one form factor eliminated cable clutter, with I/O ports conveniently positioned for easy access. Its whisper-quiet operation and compact footprint made it a seamless fit for any home or office environment, blending effortlessly into its surroundings.
Additionally, the inclusion of advanced connectivity options such as USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 ports ensured seamless integration with a myriad of peripherals, including Apple’s own iPod digital music player and digital cameras. With optional wireless modules, users could enjoy the freedom of untethered networking, further enhancing the iMac G5’s versatility.
Despite its enduring popularity, the iMac G5 20-inch was eventually discontinued on May 3, 2005, making way for newer iterations. While subsequent models offered improvements in performance and features, many still fondly recall the original iMac G5 for its iconic design and groundbreaking innovation. Its legacy lives on as a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.
In retrospect, the Apple iMac G5 20-inch remains a symbol of innovation and design excellence. Its sleek form factor, powerful performance, and seamless integration of hardware and software set a new benchmark for desktop computing. While it may have been succeeded by newer models, its impact continues to resonate within the tech community, serving as a reminder of Apple’s enduring legacy of innovation.
As we look back on the iMac G5 20-inch, we’re reminded not only of its technical prowess but also of the excitement and anticipation it stirred upon its release 20 years ago. It was more than just a computer; it was a symbol of possibility, inspiring creativity and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in desktop computing. And for that, it will always hold a special place in the annals of technological history.
Original iMac G5 20-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 | A1076 |
| EMC | 2008 |
| Order Number | M9250LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,899 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 25.2 Ibs. 11.430 KG |
| Dimensions | 18.6” H x 19.4” W x 7.4” D 47.24 cm H x 49.27 cm W x 18.79 cm D |
iMac G5 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 970fx G5 |
| Processor Speed | 1.8 GHz |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 600 MHz |
| Cache | 64 / 32 KB L1 512 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 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 | 20″ TFT LCD Display |
| Brightness | 230 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 500 800 x 600 840 x 524 1024 x 640 1024 x 768 1280 x 800 1344 x 840 1680 x 1050 |
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 | 1.5 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
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 – 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 2 – Built-in speakers |
| 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
- 20″ iMac G5 (2004) – Low End Mac
- iMac G5 – Apple History
- iMac G5 Repair – iFixit
- Apple iMac G5 (sept 2004) – Future Style
- Apple iMac G5 Review – Sound on Sound
- Apple shows off new iMac in Paris – BBC News
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