iMac G4 iMac G4

iMac 15-inch Early 2003 Explained

Apple’s iMac line has seen remarkable evolution since its inception in 1998. One pivotal moment in its journey was the release of the iMac 15-inch Early 2003, a computer that showcased Apple’s commitment to innovation and user-friendly design.

In 2003, Apple unveiled the iMac 15-inch Early 2003, a part of the iMac G4 series, designed for personal use. With its sleek design and impressive features, it quickly captured the attention of tech enthusiasts. Priced at $1,299, it offered users an 800 MHz G4 processor, setting a new standard for performance and efficiency.

The iMac 15-inch Early 2003 was a game-changer in terms of design. Its ultra-compact base supported a flat panel display, creating a visually striking appearance. Users could effortlessly adjust the height and angle of the display with a simple touch, enhancing comfort and usability. The inclusion of two FireWire 400 and five USB ports facilitated seamless connections to digital devices, reflecting Apple’s focus on user convenience.

iMac with Flat Panel Display
Source: techable.com – iMac with Flat Panel Display

One of the highlights of the iMac 15-inch Early 2003 was its bundled software suite. Powered by Mac OS X Jaguar, it offered a seamless and intuitive user experience. Additionally, Apple’s iLife applications, including iTunes 3, iPhoto 2, iMovie 3, and iDVD 3, empowered users to explore their creativity in digital music, photography, and movie-making. Productivity and entertainment titles like Quicken 2003 Deluxe and Microsoft Office v.X Test Drive further enriched the user experience.

The iMac 15-inch Early 2003 boasted impressive specifications for its time. Equipped with an 800 MHz PowerPC 7445 G4 processor and 256 MB of RAM, it delivered smooth performance and multitasking capabilities. The 15-inch LCD TFT display provided crisp visuals, complemented by the 32 MB NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics for an enhanced viewing experience. With a 60 GB hard drive and options for a CD-RW drive or a DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive, it offered ample storage and versatility.

Upon its release, the iMac 15-inch Early 2003 was available through various channels, including the Apple Store, retail stores, and authorized resellers. However, its stint in the market was short-lived, with discontinuation announced on September 8, 2003, after just seven months of availability. Despite its brief tenure, it left a lasting impression on the tech landscape.

Today, the iMac 15-inch Early 2003 stands as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation and user-centric design. Its influence can be seen in subsequent iterations of the iMac line, each building upon the foundation laid by its predecessors. As we reflect on its legacy, we’re reminded of the strides made in technology over the past 21 years, with Apple at the forefront of innovation. While the iMac 15-inch Early 2003 may now be considered a piece of technology history, its impact continues to resonate, shaping the future of computing.

iMac G4 15-inch and 17-inch
Source: userlandia.com – iMac G4 15-inch and 17-inch

iMac 15-inch Early 2003 Details

IntroducedFebruary 4, 2003
DiscontinuedSeptember 8, 2003
Model IdentifierPowerMac4,2
Model NumberM6498
Order NumberM9105LL/A
Original Price$1,299
ColorsWhite
Weight21.3 Ibs.
9.661 KG
Dimensions12.95 – 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

ProcessorPowerPC 7545 G4
Processor Speed800 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus100 MHz
Cache64 KB L1
256 KB backside L2
CoprocessorBuilt-in FPU

Storage & Media

Storage60 GB
Media1 – 32x CD-RW drive or DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive

Memory

Built-in Memory256 MB
Maximum Memory1 GB
Memory Slots1 – PC-133 133-pin SO-DIMM (User accessible)
1 – PC-133 168-pin SDRAM (Factory-installed)
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in Display15″ TFT LCD Display
Brightness200 cd/m²
Resolutions640 x 480
800 x 600
1024 x 768

Graphics

Graphics CardNVIDIA GeForce2 MX
Graphics Memory32 MB
Display Connection1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-video with adapter)
Display ModesVideo mirroring only
External Resolution640 x 480 at 60Hz
800 x 600 at 75Hz
1024 x 768 at 75Hz
CameraNone

Expansion

Expansion SlotsNone
Optical Drive InterfaceUltra ATA (Shared with hard disk drive)
Hard Drive InterfaceUltra ATA (Shared with optical drive)

Connections

Ethernet10/100BASE-T (RJ-45)
Modem56k
Wi-FiAirPort Card 802.11b (Optional)
BluetoothNone
USB3 – 12 Mbps
FireWire2 – 400 Mbps
InfraredNone
Audio In1 – Built-in microphone
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack
1 – 2.5-mm Apple Pro Speaker minijack
1 – Built-in speaker
Display1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-video with adapter)

Keyboard and Mouse

PeripheralsApple Pro Keyboard
Apple Pro Mouse

Software

Original OSMac OS X 10.2.3
Maximum OSMac OS X 10.4.11
FirmwareMac OS ROM
Bundled SoftwareMac OS X 10.2
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 Battery3.6 V Lithium (922-4760)
Maximum Continuous Power130 W
Line Voltage90-264 V AC

Further Reading and References

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 14, 2024