In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, certain milestones stand out, marking significant leaps forward in technology and design. One such milestone is the debut of the Apple iMac 15-inch Late 2003 (Flat Panel Display) on September 8, 2003. Part of the legendary iMac G4 series, this computer not only showcased Apple’s prowess in innovation but also set a new standard for desktop computing.
With its announcement, Apple heralded a new era of desktop computing, boasting significant enhancements to its popular iMac lineup. The iMac 15-inch Late 2003 came equipped with faster PowerPC G4 processors, running at speeds up to 1 GHz, delivering blazing-fast performance for both personal and professional tasks. Coupled with faster DDR memory and NVIDIA graphics, this powerhouse of a machine promises unparalleled speed and efficiency.
One of the most striking features of the iMac 15-inch Late 2003 was its groundbreaking design. Crafted around an ultra-compact base, the flat panel display seemingly floated in mid-air, offering users the flexibility to adjust its height or angle effortlessly with just a touch. This innovative design not only enhanced ergonomics but also added a touch of elegance to any workspace.
In addition to its impressive performance and design, the iMac 15-inch Late 2003 offered a plethora of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration with a variety of devices. With FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 ports, users could easily connect digital cameras, DV camcorders, iPods, and more, for quick and hassle-free data transfer. Moreover, with support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and optional built-in Bluetooth, the iMac provided users with the latest in wireless connectivity, further enhancing its versatility.
Every iMac 15-inch Late 2003 came bundled with Mac OS X Jaguar and Apple’s iLife applications, offering a complete suite of tools for managing digital content. From iTunes for music management to iPhoto for organizing photos and iMovie for video editing, users had everything they needed to unleash their creativity right out of the box. Additionally, the inclusion of productivity and entertainment titles such as Quicken 2003 Deluxe and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 ensured that users could work and play with ease.
Under the hood, the iMac 15-inch Late 2003 was powered by a robust 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with ease. Backed by 256 MB of RAM and a 15-inch LCD TFT Display, this machine offered a crisp, clear, and vibrant computing experience. With an 80 GB hard drive and a tray-loading CD-RW drive, users had ample storage space for their files and media. Additionally, the option to upgrade to a DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive provided users with added flexibility for entertainment purposes.
Upon its release, the iMac 15-inch Late 2003 was available immediately through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores, and authorized resellers. Build-to-order options and accessories, including additional memory, AirPort Extreme Card, and Bluetooth, allowed users to customize their iMac to suit their needs. However, despite its popularity, the iMac 15-inch Late 2003 was discontinued on July 1, 2004, after just over a year on the market.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the iMac 15-inch Late 2003 has endured as a beloved icon among retro computing enthusiasts. Its iconic design, coupled with its powerful hardware, continues to captivate users even 20 years later. As a testament to Apple’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, the legacy of the iMac 15-inch Late 2003 lives on, serving as a reminder of the company’s enduring impact on the world of computing.
iMac 15-inch Late 2003 Details
| Introduced | September 8, 2003 |
| Discontinued | July 1, 2004 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac6,1 (Early models) PowerMac6,3 (Late models) |
| Model Number | M6498 |
| EMC | 1990 |
| Order Number | M9285LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,299 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 21.3 Ibs. 9.661 KG |
| Dimensions | 12.95 – 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 15-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7445 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 167 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB backside L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 GB 160 GB |
| Media | 1 – 32x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB (Apple) 2 GB (Actual) |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-2700 200-pin SO-DIMM (User accessible) 1 – PC-2700 184-pin SDRAM (Factory-installed) |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15″ TFT LCD Display |
| Brightness | 200 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce4 MX |
| Graphics Memory | 32 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/66 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 (ATA-6) |
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 – Built-in microphone 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – 2.5-mm Apple Pro Speaker minijack 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 10.2.7 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac 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 Battery | 3.6 V Lithium (922-4760) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 160 W |
| Line Voltage | 90-264 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- iMac (USB 2.0): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Announces Faster iMacs – Apple Newsroom
- 15″ iMac G4 (Late 2003) – Low End Mac
- iMac G4 – Wikipedia
- iMac at 25: a visual history of Apple’s iconic all-in-one computer – The Verge
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 18, 2024
