In the realm of personal computing, certain milestones stand out, reshaping our expectations and pushing the boundaries of innovation. One such pivotal moment arrived in November 2003 when Apple unveiled the iMac 20-inch Late 2003 (Flat Panel Display). This remarkable addition to the iMac G4 series revolutionized desktop computing with its advanced features and elegant design.
At its core, the iMac 20-inch Late 2003 boasted the largest flat-panel display ever integrated into an all-in-one desktop. Apple’s bold move to introduce this expansive 20-inch display set a new standard for immersive computing experiences. Compared to its predecessors, such as the 15- and 17-inch models, the 20-inch iMac offered twice the screen area, empowering users to effortlessly multitask by viewing more than two full pages side-by-side.
Accompanying its impressive display, the iMac 20-inch Late 2003 came equipped with Apple’s latest operating system, Mac OS X 10.3 Panther. This upgrade introduced over 150 groundbreaking features, including Exposé, iChat AV, and Fast User Switching. With these tools at their fingertips, users could seamlessly manage multiple tasks, engage in video teleconferencing, and swiftly switch between user profiles.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, aptly captured the essence of the iMac’s design ethos, describing it as “unmatched in the industry.” The iMac’s sleek, all-in-one design, coupled with its adjustable display, created an illusion of floating in mid-air. This ergonomic innovation allowed users to effortlessly customize the height and angle of their display, ensuring optimal viewing comfort.
Underneath its aesthetically pleasing exterior, the iMac 20-inch Late 2003 housed formidable hardware tailored to meet the demands of modern computing tasks. Powered by a robust PowerPC G4 processor clocked at 1.25 GHz, coupled with 256 MB of fast DDR SDRAM, this machine delivered swift and responsive performance. Whether indulging in video editing, DVD creation, or web browsing, users could count on the iMac to handle their tasks with ease.
The iMac 20-inch Late 2003 wasn’t just a productivity workhorse; it also excelled in delivering an immersive multimedia experience. Boasting a pixel resolution of up to 1680-by-1050, the brilliant LCD display provided flicker-free images with unparalleled brightness, sharpness, and contrast ratio. This made it an ideal companion for tasks such as video editing, DVD playback, and gaming, elevating the user’s entertainment quotient.
Apple left no stone unturned in ensuring that the iMac catered to the diverse connectivity needs of its users. With two FireWire 400 and three high-speed USB 2.0 ports, users could effortlessly connect a myriad of devices, including digital cameras, DV camcorders, and iPods. Additionally, support for AirPort Extreme 802.11g wireless networking and optional built-in Bluetooth paved the way for wireless connectivity to peripherals, further enhancing the iMac’s versatility.
Every iMac came bundled with Apple’s iLife applications, a suite of integrated tools designed to streamline digital lifestyle experiences. From managing digital music with iTunes to creating movies with iMovie, users had access to a comprehensive toolkit for unleashing their creativity. Additionally, productivity and entertainment titles such as Quicken 2003 Deluxe and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 added further value to the iMac experience.
Though nearly 20 years have passed since its release, the iMac 20-inch Late 2003 continues to command attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its vintage design and technological prowess serve as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Despite its age, this iconic machine remains functional, capable of running basic software applications and even some modern games, underscoring its enduring legacy in the annals of computing history.
Upon its release, the iMac 20-inch Late 2003 was priced at $2,199, offering a compelling array of features at a competitive price point. Available through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail outlets, and authorized resellers, users had access to build-to-order options and a range of accessories, allowing them to tailor their iMac experience to suit their specific needs.
In retrospect, the iMac 20-inch Late 2003 stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and design excellence. Its impact reverberates through the corridors of technological advancement, inspiring future generations of creators and innovators.
iMac 20-inch Late 2003 Details
| Introduced | November 18, 2003 |
| Discontinued | July 1, 2004 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac6,3 |
| Model Number | M6498 |
| EMC | 1992 |
| Order Number | M9290LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,199 |
| Colors | White |
| Weight | 40.1 Ibs. 18.189 KG |
| Dimensions | 13.93 – 20.9” H x 17.3 – 20.2” W x 10.6 – 17.3” D 35.38 – 51.02 cm H x 43.94 – 51.3 cm W x 26.92 – 43.94 cm D Base diameter 10.6″ / 26.92 cm |
iMac G4 20-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 | 20″ TFT LCD Display |
| Brightness | 230 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 800 x 500 840 x 524 1024 x 640 1280 x 800 1344 x 840 1680 x 1050 (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 (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 – 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 10.3 |
| 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 10.3 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 | 190 W |
| Line Voltage | 90-264 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- iMac (USB 2.0): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces 20-inch iMac – Apple Newsroom
- iMac G4 – Wikipedia
- 20″ iMac G4 (Late 2003) – Low End Mac
- Today in Apple history: Apple introduces its biggest iMac G4 yet – Cult of Mac
- Apple 20-inch iMac – ZDNET
- Apple iMac 20-Inch – Review 2003 – PCMAG UK
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 24, 2024
