In the landscape of personal computing, certain machines stand out not just for their specifications, but for the mark they leave on the industry. One such iconic creation was the Power Mac G4 Mid 2002, affectionately known as the “Power Mac G4 with Mirrored Drive Doors”. Released in August 2002, it quickly became a favorite among Mac enthusiasts and professionals alike, boasting top-tier specs and innovative features that set it apart in its era.
Apple’s unveiling of the Power Mac G4 Mid 2002 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of desktop workstations. Priced starting at $1,699, it targeted the high-end market segment, offering unparalleled performance and cutting-edge technology. With dual PowerPC G4 processors in every model, including variants with dual 1.25 GHz, dual 1 GHz, and dual 867 MHz processors, the Power Mac G4 Mid 2002 set a new standard for desktop computing power.
Powered by Apple’s innovative Xserve architecture and featuring support for up to 2 GB of Double Data Rate (DDR) memory, the Power Mac G4 Mid 2002 delivered exceptional performance for creative professionals. The inclusion of the industry’s first ATI Radeon 9000 Pro graphics card and enhanced storage options, with capacities approaching half a terabyte, ensured that it remained the fastest desktop workstation of its time.
Central to the Power Mac G4 Mid 2002’s performance was its pre-installed operating system, Mac OS X version 10.2 “Jaguar”. Leveraging Jaguar’s advanced UNIX-based architecture and symmetric multiprocessing capabilities, users experienced seamless operation and enhanced productivity. Applications like Adobe Photoshop ran up to 90 percent faster compared to contemporary PC systems, highlighting the machine’s prowess.
At its core, the Power Mac G4 Mid 2002 featured a range of configurations, including dual 867 MHz, dual 1 GHz, and dual 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processors. Paired with 256 MB or 512 MB of RAM and offering various hard drive options, including 60 GB, 80 GB, or 120 GB capacities, users could tailor the machine to their specific needs. Additionally, the inclusion of NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics cards ensured optimal performance for graphic-intensive tasks.
The Power Mac G4 Mid 2002 wasn’t just about raw power; it also offered an unparalleled user experience. With support for dual Apple flat-panel displays, advanced workstation graphics capabilities, and a suite of productivity and professional software titles, including Adobe Photoshop and Apple’s Digital Lifestyle applications, users could unleash their creativity without limitations.
The Power Mac G4 Mid 2002 lineup was available at various price points, starting from $1,699 for the dual 867 MHz model, $2,499 for the dual 1 GHz model, and $3,299 for the dual 1.25 GHz model. Additional customization options were available through the Apple Store, allowing users to tailor their machines to suit their specific requirements.
Despite its popularity and technological advancements, the Power Mac G4 Mid 2002 was on the market for only a short time. It was eventually discontinued on January 28, 2003, making way for newer iterations. However, its legacy lives on as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and quality, continuing to be cherished by enthusiasts and collectors even 21 years after its release.
The Power Mac G4 Mid 2002 remains a timeless icon in the realm of personal computing, embodying the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines Apple’s legacy. From its powerful performance to its groundbreaking features, it set a benchmark for desktop workstations that continues to inspire to this day. As we reflect on its legacy, we celebrate not just a machine, but a symbol of ingenuity that continues to shape the future of technology.
Power Mac G4 Mid 2002 Details
| Introduced | August 13, 2002 |
| Discontinued | January 28, 2003 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac3,6 |
| Model Number | M8570 |
| EMC | 1914 |
| Order Number | M8787LL/A (dual 867 MHz) M8689LL/A (dual 1 GHz) M8573LL/A (dual 1.25 GHz) |
| Original Price | $1,699 $2,499 $3,299 |
| Colors | QuickSilver |
| Weight | 42 Ibs. 19.050 KG |
| Dimensions | 17” H x 8.9” W x 18.4” D 43.18 cm H x 22.6 cm W x 46.73 cm D |
Power Mac G4 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7455 G4 |
| Processor Speed | Dual 867 MHz Dual 1 GHz Dual 1.25 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 133 MHz (Dual 867 MHz) 167 MHz (Dual 1 GHz 1.25 GHz) |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB L2 2 MB L3 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB 7200 rpm 80 GB 7200 rpm 120 GB 7200 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive or 2x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB 512MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 4 – PC-2100 184-pin DDR SDRAM (Dual 867 MHz) 4 – PC2700 184-pin DDR SDRAM (Dual 1 GHz and 1.25 GHz) |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce4 MX NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti ATI Radeon 9000 Pro |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB (GeForce4 MX) 64 MB (Radeon 9000 Pro) 128 MB (GeForce4 Ti) |
| Display Connection | 1 – ADC 1 – DVI |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 4 – 33 MHz 64-bit PCI 1 – 4x AGP |
| Bays | 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay |
| Hard Drive Interface | 1 – Ultra ATA/66 (ATA-5) 1 – ATA/100 (ATA-6) |
| Optical Drive Interface | EIDE (ATA-3) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | None |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps (15W total power) |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 2.5-mm Apple Pro Speaker minijack 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DVI 1 – ADC |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 9.2.2 Mac OS X 10.2 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.2.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.1 or Mac OS 9.2 QuickTime iChat iMovie iPhoto iTunes iDVD (requires SuperDrive) DVD Player Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink (includes 30 days of free service) Acrobat Reader Art Director’s Toolkit FAXstf FileMaker Pro Trial Graphic Converter OmniGraffle OmniOutliner PixelNhance Snapz Pro Developer Tools |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 400 W |
| Line Voltage | 100 – 125 V AC or 200 – 240 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils Dual-Processor Power Macs Starting at $1,699 – Apple Newsroom
- Power Mac G4 – Wikipedia
- Mirrored Drive Doors Power Macintosh G4 – Low End Mac
- Power Macintosh G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors) – Apple History
- Dual-1.25GHz Power Mac G4 Review – MacWorld
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
