Back When Apple Were Fun...imac G4



Apple released the first MacBook Pro, which featured a 1-in. Thick aluminum enclosure and weighed 5.6 pounds, in February 2006 - nearly 11 years ago.It was the first MacBook to feature a backlit. Mr Totes iMac G4 take-apart, here. Could do far more with Apple because it was a platform many were already familiar with. Technology held them back in 2003. The original iMac introduced with a “Hello (again)” screen in May of 1994. It’s shape was often compared to a gum drop as the back of the computer was extended and round with a handle and the front included the CRT monitor. It was fast, pretty and powerful – everything that an Apple should be. PC USER GIVEN 1ST APPLE PRODUCT: LOST NEEDS HELP!! I was given an Apple Ibook G4 model number A1134 as a gift recently although I have a little problem. Okay make that more like a medium sized, problem maybe even large. Issue is I dont have the password to the former owners user account. Model Number: A1134. Operating system.

  1. Back When Apple Were Fun..imac G4 Released
  2. Back When Apple Were Fun..imac G4 Introduced

Apple iMac G4 800 (Flat Panel) Specs

Apple has sold “all-in-one” computers that have built-in monitors from its very early days. Although some models were classified as All-In-One, they had separate monitors packaged in the same box. Apple II – 1977. 1977 saw the invention of both the Apple II and the famous rainbow Apple logo.

Identifiers: iMac Flat Panel - M8535LL/A* - PowerMac4,2 - M6498 - 1873

All iMac G4 Models | All 2002 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

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The Apple iMac G4/800 (Flat Panel) features an 800 MHz PowerPC 7445 (G4) processor with the AltiVec 'Velocity Engine' vector processing unit and a 256k on-chip level 2 cache, 256 MB of RAM (PC133 SDRAM), a 60.0 GB Ultra ATA/66 hard drive (5400 RPM), a tray-loading 'SuperDrive', and NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM (AGP 2X support).
The internal components are housed in an attractive 10.6' half-sphere, ice white case with a chromed stainless steel neck that supports a 15' TFT Active Matrix LCD display. This model shipped with MacOS X 10.1 and MacOS 9.2 installed with MacOS X selected as the default, as well as an ice white Apple Pro Keyboard, Mouse, and Speakers. Unlike some earlier iMac models that are convection-cooled, the iMac 'Flat Panel' series is cooled by a quiet internal fan.
Also see: What are the differences between the original iMac G4 'Flat Panel' models?

To buy or upgrade a PowerPC iMac -- as well as newer Macs -- see site sponsor Operator Headgap Systems. OHS has low prices, a warranty and personal support.

Despite the age of this system, site sponsor Other World Computing has RAM, hard drives, SSDs, and other upgrades available for this specific iMac while supplies last.


  • Tech Specs
  • Ports
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on the category for related details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important.


Introduction Date:January 7, 2002 Discontinued Date:February 4, 2003
Details:The 'Introduction Date' refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The 'Discontinued Date' refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2002.
Details:Also see: All models with a 32-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
Details:This model only is compatible with the 32-bit Geekbench 2 benchmark. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the PowerMac4,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
Details:The Geekbench 3 benchmark does not support this model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the PowerMac4,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
Details:The Geekbench 3 benchmark does not support this model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the PowerMac4,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
Processor Speed:800 MHz Processor Type:PowerPC 7445 (G4)
Details:The PowerPC G4 includes the AltiVec 'Velocity Engine' vector processor.
Details:N/A
Details:The processor is mounted directly to the motherboard.
System Bus Speed:100 MHz (8:1)Cache Bus Speed:800 MHz (Built-in)
ROM/Firmware Type:Open FirmwareEFI Architecture:N/A
Details:The Boot ROM is roughly 1 MB, other instructions are loaded into RAM.
Details:256k on-chip level 2 cache runs at processor speed.
Details:Although Apple's original specifications stated that it shipped with PC100 RAM, Apple later warned that 'PC100 RAM is not to be used with iMac (Flat Panel) computers and may create performance and reliability issues'.
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the iMac G4 models? How much RAM of what type do these systems support?
Details:In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this iMac.
In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells RAM and other upgrades for this iMac.
In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells RAM and other upgrades for this iMac.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
Details:*There is one factory installed memory module in a 168-pin DIMM slot and one 144-pin user-accessible SO-DIMM slot.
Details:Shipped with a 'NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics processor with AGP 2X support'.
Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the iMac G4? Is it upgradable?
Details:The video cannot be upgraded.
Built-in Display:15.0' TFTNative Resolution:1024x768
Details:This model has a 15.0' TFT active matrix display with a native resolution of 1024x768 at 'millions of colors'. It also supports '640 by 480 pixels and 800 by 600 pixels'. Apple reports a 'typical' brightness of 200 cd/m, contrast ratio of 300:1, and viewing angle of 120 degrees horizontal and 90 degrees vertical.

Back When Apple Were Fun..imac G4 Released

2nd Display Support:Mirroring Only2nd Max. Resolution:1024x768
Details:Apple reports that this system has a 'mini-VGA output port ([that] requires [a] VGA display adapter)' with support for video mirroring at output resolutions of '640 by 480 pixels at 60 Hz, 800 by 600 pixels at 75 Hz, and 1024 by 768 pixels at 75 Hz'.
Standard Storage:60 GB HDDStd. Storage Speed:5400 RPM
Details:Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the iMac G4 models? Which models support 'big drives' and which do not?
Site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this iMac.
In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells hard drives and other upgrades for this iMac.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.
Storage Dimensions:3.5' (25.4 mm)Storage Interface:Ultra ATA/66
Details:Officially, this model does not support hard drives larger than 128 GB. However, third-parties have discovered that this system will natively support hard drives larger than 128 GB, when running Mac OS X 10.2 or higher. Ultra ATA/100 hard drives are backwards compatible with the Ultra ATA/66 standard.
Standard Optical:2X 'SuperDrive'Standard Disk:None
Details:Apple reports that the tray-loading DVD-R/CD-RW SuperDrive 'writes DVD-R discs at 2x speed, reads DVDs at 6x speed, writes CD-R discs at 8x speed, writes CD-RW discs at 4x speed, [and] reads CDs at 24x speed.'
Also see: What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the iMac G4 models? How do you replace or upgrade the optical drive?
Standard Modem:56k v.90Standard Ethernet:10/100Base-T
Details:Internal 56k v.90 modem and 10/100Base-T Ethernet standard.
Standard AirPort:802.11b (Optional)Standard Bluetooth:None
Details:This model could be configured with AirPort (802.11b) at the time of purchase at additional cost.
Also see: Which iMac G4 models support AirPort and which support AirPort Extreme? How do you replace or upgrade the AirPort card?
Details:This system has three USB 1.1 ports (shared on two 12-Mbps controllers) and two Firewire '400' ports (eight watts shared). Apple advertised that this computer had five USB 1.1 ports, counting three on the system and two on the keyboard.
Details:This model has 'built-in antennas and [a] card slot for [an] optional AirPort card'.
Incl. Keyboard:Apple Pro KeyboardIncl. Input:Apple Pro Mouse
Details:This model also shipped with Apple Pro Speakers.
Case Type:All-in-OneForm Factor:iMac G4 15' Flat Panel
Details:10.6 inch (27.0 cm) half sphere ice white case with a chromed staineless steel neck that supports the display.
Apple Order No:M8535LL/A*Apple Subfamily:iMac Flat Panel
Details:After July 17, 2002, Apple changed the model number to 'B' from 'A', but the configuration was identical.
Apple Model No:M6498 (EMC 1873)Model ID:PowerMac4,2
Details:Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the M6498 Model Number, the 1873 EMC Number, and the PowerMac4,2 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
Details:N/A
Pre-Installed MacOS:9.2.2 & X 10.1.2Maximum MacOS:X 10.4.11
Details:This system cannot run versions of MacOS X more recent than 10.4.11.
Details:
MacOS 9 Support:Boot/Classic ModeWindows Support:Emulation Only
Details:This model is capable of booting in Mac OS 9 and using Mac OS 9 applications within the Mac OS X 'Classic' environment.
Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications.
Dimensions:12.95 x 15.1 x 10.6*Avg. Weight:21.3 lbs. (9.7 kg)
Details:*In inches - height x width x depth - minimum (32.9 cm, 38.3 cm, 27.0 cm). The maximum dimensions are 20 inches x 16.3 inches x 16.3 inches (50.9 cm, 41.5 cm, 41.5 cm).
Original Price (US):US$1799*Est. Current Retail:US$50-US$100
Details:*On March 21, 2002, citing higher memory and LCD costs, Apple raised the price by US$100 -- to US$1899. On July 17, 2002, Apple lowered the price by US$100, back to that originally offered.
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple Computer.


Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.


Video (Monitor): 1 (Mini-VGA) Floppy (Ext.): None
ADB: None SCSI: None
Serial (Standard): NoneSerial (Geoport): None
USB: 3 (1.1)Firewire: 2 (400)
Details:This system has three USB 1.1 ports (shared on two 12-Mbps controllers) and two Firewire '400' ports (eight watts shared). Apple advertised that this computer had five USB 1.1 ports, counting three on the system and two on the keyboard.
Details:N/A
Details:N/A
Details:N/A
Details:One 'Apple Pro Speaker Jack' for connection to Apple Pro Speakers and one rear-mounted headphone jack.
Details:N/A
Details:90V to 246V AC, 130W maximum.
Back When Apple Were Fun...imac G4

Global original prices for the iMac G4 800 (Flat Panel) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

Mexico:N/A United States:US$1799*

Original Prices - Europe

Denmark:N/AFinland:N/A
Ireland:N/AItaly:N/A
Norway:N/A Portugal:N/A
Switzerland:N/A United Kingdom:£1599

Original Prices - Asia

India:N/A Indonesia:N/A
Malaysia:N/AThe Philippines:N/A
Thailand:N/AVietnam:N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand


If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac G4 models follow.


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'Armac' Apple Silicon Q&A

Published July 20, 2020

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Will Intel Macs run the same operating system as ARM-based Apple Silicon Macs?

Yes, in basic terms. Although there likely will be technical build differences, recent Intel-based Macs -- going back to around 2013 -- and the initial release of ARM-based Apple Silicon Macs both will run macOS Big Sur (macOS 11).


Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (macOS Big Sur)

Many of these Intel-based Macs also can run an earlier version of the macOS, like macOS Catalina (10.15) or macOS Mojave (10.14), whereas ARM-based Apple Silicon Macs will not be able to run versions of the macOS before macOS Big Sur (macOS 11).

Will applications written for ARM-based Apple Silicon Macs run on Intel-based Macs?

Yes, in many cases, even natively if recompiled as a 'Univeral 2' binary.

However, going forward, there are unlikely to really be 'Mac apps' in the traditional sense. Because iOS apps also run on ARM-based Apple Silicon Macs, and the iOS has so many more apps and a much larger user base, the iOS inevitably will be the primary developer focus. These iOS apps can be tweaked to support Intel-based Macs, too.

Apple software developer documentation explains:

Although you can run your iOS apps unmodified on Apple silicon, Mac Catalyst lets you build your app specifically for macOS and customize your app's behavior on that platform. Mac Catalyst also supports deployment on both Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers.

Effectively, ARM-based Apple Silicon Macs can run just about all modern iOS apps written for the iPhone and iPad unless the developer opts-out. Intel-based Macs running macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) -- or macOS Catalina (10.15) in many cases -- likewise can run these iOS apps if the developer chooses to use Mac Catalyst.

Will Apple continue to release new Intel-based Macs? Which ones?

In the company press release, Apple claims that the company 'has exciting new Intel-based Macs in development.' In the WWDC 2020 keynote (1:46:16), CEO Tim Cook says that the company has 'new Intel-based Macs in the pipeline' that they are 'really excited about.'

An attorney might argue that having products 'in development' and 'in the pipeline' actually is not an explicit promise of shipping said products to consumers. Without a doubt, Apple has had numerous products in development that the company never released, but these statements do seem to indicate that the company likely will ship at least some new Intel-based Macs.

There also is historical precedent from the PowerPC-to-Intel switch for Apple shipping new Mac models with PowerPC processors after announcing the switch to Intel ones.

In fact, Apple refreshed nearly its entire product line between June 6, 2005, when Apple announced the switch to Intel, and January 10, 2006, when the company shipped its first Intel-based Macs:

Final PowerPC Mac Revision

Introduction Date

July 26, 2005

July 26, 2005

September 27, 2005

September 27, 2005

October 12, 2005

October 12, 2005

October 19, 2005

October 19, 2005

October 19, 2005

October 19, 2005

October 19, 2005


Some of these updates, like the iMac G5 with a slimmer housing and an integrated webcam and the Power Mac G5 with an innovative, albeit ill-fated, liquid cooling system were significant, too.

Apple continued to ship an existing PowerPC-based Mac until it had an Intel-based replacement in each series, and in many cases, for at least a month or two afterwards until supplies were exhausted, but Apple did not release any new PowerPC-based Macs after it shipped its first Intel-based ones.

In many respects, Apple is not the same company it was back in 2005. These days, it would not be surprising for Apple to continue to sell an Intel-based Mac or two with largely outdated specs -- even for months or years -- while simultaneously shipping new ARM-based Apple Silicon Macs. However, it would be odd for the company to introduce new Intel-based Macs after shipping ARM-based Macs. Companies typically do not dedicate significant resources to a product line that they have deemed to be a legacy offering.

If the assumption that Apple will not introduce new Intel-based Macs after shipping ARM-based models is correct, and Apple meets its 'plan' to ship the first ARM-based Apple Silicon Mac 'by the end of the year' (2020), it seems most likely that the company would introduce any new Intel-based Macs this summer or autumn (in the northern hemisphere).

Apple always could do minor refreshes of many models -- perhaps faster processors or graphics or even just upgrades to RAM and storage -- but the iMac and iMac Pro models look like the most viable candidates for a more significant Intel update because they have not been revised in quite some time.

Will Intel-based Macs be supported in the future? For how long?

In the corporate press release and the WWDC 2020 keynote (1:46:10), Apple reports that the company 'will continue to support and release new versions of macOS for Intel-based Macs for years to come.'

For the PowerPC-to-Intel switch, Apple only provided those who bought the last PowerPC-based Mac -- the Power Macintosh G5 -- toward the end of its run a mere 15 months or so of current operating system support. However, in recent years, Apple has been providing Macs with support for the current operating system for at least four years.

No further information is available, but the safest assumption is that 'years' means at least two years of support and three or four years would not be without recent precedent.

Keep in mind that Apple commonly provides a couple more years of bug fixes and security updates for Macs that aren't running the current operating system, as well.

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Back When Apple Were Fun..imac G4 Introduced

EveryMac.com is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Use of any content or images without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.