iMac G4 (15-inch)
A flat panel on a swivel arm, rising from a hemispherical base.
Overview
Steve Jobs unveiled the iMac G4 as a sunflower: a half-sphere base with a flat panel on a stainless arm that could be pulled, tilted and swiveled with a fingertip. The computer, drive and speakers fit in the dome, leaving the screen thin and free.
Inside was a 700 MHz PowerPC G4 with 128 MB of PC133 memory, an Nvidia GeForce2 MX graphics chip and a 40 to 80 GB hard disk, with a CD-RW, combo or SuperDrive optical unit. There were three USB 1.1 ports, two FireWire 400 ports, mini-VGA output and Ethernet.
It was the first Mac to start up in Mac OS X by default, and its pre-orders were reportedly the highest for any Apple product since the original Macintosh. Over time it grew into 17-inch and 20-inch versions.
Why it mattered
It ended the CRT era for the iMac and placed Mac OS X at the center of the consumer Mac.
At a glance
- Announced
- January 7, 2002
- Released
- February 1, 2002
- Launch price
- $1,299
- Chip / processor
- PowerPC G4, 700 MHz
- Display
- 15"
- Storage
- 40 to 80 GB
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- 15-inch flat panel on an adjustable arm
- Dome base holds all the hardware
- PowerPC G4 at 700 MHz
- First Mac to boot Mac OS X by default
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Display
- Size
- 15-inch
- Type
- TFT LCD
- Resolution
- 1024 x 768
Chip
- Chip
- PowerPC G4, 700 MHz
Memory
- RAM
- 128 or 256 MB PC133 SDRAM
- Storage options
- 40, 60 or 80 GB hard disk; CD-RW, combo or SuperDrive
Graphics
- GPU
- Nvidia GeForce2 MX, 32 MB
Ports
- Ports
- 3 USB 1.1, 2 FireWire 400, mini-VGA, Ethernet, modem, audio out
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Optional AirPort (802.11b)
Design
- Weight
- 9.7 kg (21.2 lb)
- Base diameter
- 27 cm (10.6 in)
Software
- Launch OS
- Mac OS X 10.1 and Mac OS 9.2.2
Availability
- Announced
- January 7, 2002
- Released
- February 1, 2002
- Launch price
- $1,299
Colors
- Finishes
- White
