In the annals of Apple’s illustrious history, few products stand out with such iconic stature as the iMac G4 series. Among its esteemed lineup, the iMac 17-inch Late 2003 holds a special place, symbolizing a convergence of style, performance, and innovation that defined an era in computing.
Released on September 8th, 2003, the iMac 17-inch Late 2003 captivated the world with its sleek design and formidable capabilities. Powered by a 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, this machine was a powerhouse of its time, offering users a seamless experience for digital creativity and productivity tasks.
Apple spared no effort in enhancing the iMac G4 series, endowing it with groundbreaking features that set new standards in the industry. The 17-inch Late 2003 model boasted faster PowerPC G4 processors, running at an impressive 1.25 GHz, alongside speedy 333 MHz DDR memory, and upgraded NVIDIA graphics, culminating in an unparalleled computing experience.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, aptly captured the essence of the iMac experience, stating, “The iMac, with its high-quality widescreen displays and bundled iLife applications, is the ultimate computer for working with digital photos, digital music, and digital video.”
At the heart of the iMac G4 series was its revolutionary design. Crafted around an ultra-compact base, the computer’s flat-panel display seemed to levitate effortlessly, allowing users to adjust its height and angle with a simple touch. This design ethos not only showcased Apple’s commitment to aesthetics but also prioritized user comfort and convenience.
Moreover, the iMac 17-inch Late 2003 offered a plethora of connectivity options, including FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 ports, facilitating seamless connections to peripherals such as digital cameras, DV camcorders, and iPods. With support for AirPort Extreme 802.11g wireless networking and optional built-in Bluetooth, the iMac ensured users remained tether-free in their digital endeavors.
Complementing its hardware prowess, the new iMac G4 17-inch came bundled with Mac OS X Jaguar and Apple’s iLife applications, providing users with a comprehensive suite for managing digital content. From iTunes for music aficionados to iPhoto for photography enthusiasts and iMovie for budding filmmakers, the iMac catered to a diverse array of creative pursuits.
During its prime, the iMac desktops, including the 17-inch Late 2003 model, were available through various channels, including the Apple Store, retail stores, and authorized resellers. Customization options and accessories, such as additional memory, AirPort Extreme Card, and the AppleCare Protection Plan, ensured users could tailor their iMac experience to suit their needs.
Despite being eventually discontinued on July 1, 2004, the iMac 17-inch Late 2003 model left an indelible mark on the technology landscape. Its legacy lives on as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation and design excellence. For aficionados of vintage technology or those curious about the evolution of the iMac, this model remains a timeless gem worth exploring.
As we reminisce on the 20 years since the debut of the iMac 17-inch Late 2003, we are reminded of the rapid pace of technological advancement. Yet, amidst the ever-changing landscape, this model stands as a beacon of timeless elegance and innovation, inviting us to appreciate the journey of computing evolution.
The iMac G4 series, and particularly the 17-inch Late 2003 model, remains a cherished chapter in Apple’s storied history. Its blend of style, performance, and functionality continues to inspire technophiles and creatives alike, underscoring the enduring allure of iconic design and visionary engineering.
iMac 17-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 | 1991 |
| Order Number | M9168LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,799 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 22.8 Ibs. 10.341 KG |
| Dimensions | 13.03 – 20” H x 16.7 – 17.7” W x 10.6 – 16.7” D 33.09 – 50.8 cm H x 42.41 – 44.95 cm W x 26.92 – 42.41 cm D Base diameter 10.6″ / 26.92 cm |
iMac G4 17-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7445 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1.25 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 – 4x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” |
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 | 17″ TFT LCD Display |
| Brightness | 200 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 1152 x 720 1440 x 900 (Native) |
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/66 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 |
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 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 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
- 17″ 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
