Apple iMac G4 15-inch

The Apple iMac G4 15-inch introduced the second major iMac design in January 2002. A flat LCD floated on an articulated chrome arm above a white hemispherical base containing the computer and optical drive.

Successive 15-inch versions increased processor speed from 700 MHz to 1 GHz and updated graphics and connectivity. They share the same screen size and core design, so processor and drive options are recorded as revisions of this model.

Notable Features

• A 15-inch LCD mounted on a highly adjustable stainless-steel arm.
• The hemispherical base housed the G4 logic board, drives and cooling system.
• Configurations ranged from CD-RW entry models to systems with Apple’s DVD-writing SuperDrive.

Historical Significance

• The flat-panel iMac replaced the familiar CRT shell with one of Apple’s most recognisable industrial designs.
• Its movable display separated screen positioning from the computer’s compact base.

Collector’s Notes

• Check that the display arm holds position and that the original circular speakers and power supply are present.
• Processor speed and optical-drive type distinguish the main revisions.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Apple iMac G4 15-inch
Manufacturer	Apple
Launched	Monday, January 7, 2002
Discontinued	August 2004
Country	United States
CPU	PowerPC 7450-series G4 at 700 MHz to 1 GHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Mac OS X 10.1.2 through Mac OS X 10.5.8 depending on revision
I/O	USB, FireWire, Ethernet, modem, audio and optional AirPort; later version adds USB 2.0
Keyboard	Apple USB keyboard and mouse
Storage	40GB to 80GB IDE hard disk with tray-loading CD-RW, Combo drive or SuperDrive
Sound	16-bit stereo sound with integrated speakers
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce2 MX or GeForce4 MX
Display	Built-in 15-inch 1024 x 768 active-matrix LCD on an articulated arm
ROM	New World ROM firmware
RAM	128MB or 256MB; expandable to 1GB
CPU Speed	700 MHz to 1 GHz