In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, certain products stand out not just for their features or performance, but for the impact they had on the industry and the memories they created for users. One such product is the Apple eMac, a desktop computer that left an indelible mark on the education sector and the hearts of Apple enthusiasts worldwide.
The Apple eMac, short for “education Mac,” emerged from Cupertino’s labs on April 29, 2002, with a mission to revolutionize the classroom computing experience. Crafted with educators and students in mind, it boasted a sleek 17-inch flat CRT monitor and a robust 700 MHz PowerPC G4 processor. Steve Jobs, Apple’s visionary CEO at the time, proudly introduced this compact powerhouse, emphasizing its affordability and purpose-built design for educational institutions.
Resembling its iconic predecessor, the iMac G3, the eMac sported a larger 17-inch flat-screen CRT, offering 40% more viewing area than its predecessor. Despite its expansive display, the eMac maintained a compact form factor, ideal for classrooms and computer labs. It weighed a hefty 50 pounds, indicating the substantial hardware packed within its enclosure.
Under the hood, the eMac boasted a PowerPC G4 processor, a significant leap forward from the previous generation’s G3 chips. This processing prowess was complemented by NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics and upgradable RAM, empowering users with smooth performance for multimedia tasks and educational software.
Connectivity was another area where the eMac excelled. With five USB ports and two FireWire ports, it offered seamless integration with a myriad of peripherals, from digital cameras to printers. Additionally, built-in Ethernet and optional wireless networking ensured effortless connectivity in educational environments.
The eMac came bundled with Apple’s suite of digital lifestyle software, including iPhoto, iMovie, and iTunes. These applications empowered users to manage digital media, create movies, and curate music libraries, fostering creativity and engagement in the classroom.
Upon its release, the eMac garnered praise for its affordability and performance. Macworld’s Jason Snell hailed it as a worthy successor to the iMac G3, lauding its value proposition for educational institutions. However, early models were plagued by issues such as “Raster Shift” and capacitor failures, prompting Apple to implement warranty extension programs to address these concerns.
Despite its brief stint in the spotlight, the eMac left an enduring legacy in the annals of Apple’s history. Its affordability and educational focus democratized access to technology in schools, empowering students and educators alike. While subsequent iterations would refine its design and address early issues, the eMac remains a cherished relic for enthusiasts and a symbol of Apple’s commitment to education.
As we commemorate the 21-year anniversary of the Apple eMac, let us reflect on its journey from the classroom to the hearts of users worldwide. Though its CRT display and G4 processor may seem quaint by today’s standards, the eMac’s impact on education and the Apple ecosystem endures. So here’s to the eMac, a humble yet revolutionary computer that continues to inspire nostalgia and appreciation among Apple fans everywhere.
Original eMac Details
Introduced | April 29, 2002 |
Discontinued | May 6, 2003 |
Model Identifier | PowerMac4,4 |
Model Number | A1002 |
EMC | 1903 |
Order Number | M8655LL/A (700 MHz) M8655LL/B (700 MHz) M8577LL/A (700 MHz) M8578LL/A (700 MHz) M8578LL/B (700 MHz) M8892LL/A (800 MHz) |
Original Price | $999 $1,199 $1,499 |
Colors | White |
Weight | 50 Ibs. 22.679 KG |
Dimensions | 15.8” H x 15.8” W x 17.1” D 40.13 cm H x 40.13 cm W x 43.43 cm D |
eMac Tech Specs
Processor
Processor | PowerPC 7450 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 – 24x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive or 32x CD-ROM or 2x DVD-R/CD-RW Superdrive |
Memory
Built-in Memory | 128 MB 256 MB |
Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
Memory Slots | 2 – PC-133 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
Minimum Speed | 8 ns |
Interleaving Support | No |
Display
Built-in Display | 17″ Shadow-mask CRT Display (16″ viewable) |
Resolutions | 640 x 480 at 138 Hz 800 x 600 at 112 Hz 1024 x 768 at 89 Hz 1152 x 864 at 80 Hz 1280 x 960 at 72 Hz |
Graphics
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce2 MX |
Graphics Memory | 32 MB |
Display Connection | 1 – Mini-VGA |
Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
External Resolution | N/A |
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 (8 W total power) |
Infrared | None |
Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
Display | 1 – Mini-VGA |
Keyboard and Mouse
Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Software
Original OS | Mac OS 9.2.2 Mac OS X 10.1.4 |
Later OS | Mac OS X 10.2 Mac OS X 10.2.2 Mac OS X 10.2.3 |
Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
Firmware | Mac OS ROM 9.2.1 |
Bundled Software | Mac OS 9.2 or Mac OS X QuickTime iMovie 2 iPhoto iTunes 2 AppleWorks Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink, AOL Quicken 2002 Deluxe World Book Mac OS X Edition Mac OS X Chess Otto Matic Deimos Rising PCalc Acrobat Reader FAXstf 10.0 Preview Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
Maximum Continuous Power | 170 W |
Line Voltage | 100-260 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- eMac: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils New eMac for Education – Apple Newsroom
- eMac – Wikipedia
- eMac (2002) – Low End Mac
- Apple’s EMac Flip-Flop – Forbes
- 20 Years Ago Today, Apple Unveiled the eMac – MacRumors
- Apple eMac Review – MacWorld
- The eMac Turns 20– 512 Pixels
- eMac Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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Last updated: February 7, 2024