{"id":23164,"date":"2026-01-09T18:38:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T23:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/?page_id=23164"},"modified":"2026-06-19T14:40:04","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T18:40:04","slug":"vin192","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/vintage-computing\/item\/vin192\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple iMac G4"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n            <div class=\"cu-textmedia flex flex-col lg:flex-row mx-auto gap-6 md:gap-10 my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 max-w-5xl\">\n        <div class=\"justify-start cu-textmedia-content cu-prose-first-last\" style=\"flex: 0 0 100%;\">\n            <header class=\"font-light prose-xl cu-pageheader md:prose-2xl cu-component-updated cu-prose-first-last\">\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold !mt-2 mb-4 md:mb-6 relative after:absolute after:h-px after:bottom-0 after:bg-cu-red after:left-px text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] pb-5 after:w-10 text-cu-black-700 not-prose\">\n                        Apple iMac G4\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                                \n                            <\/header>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/vintage-computing\/item\">Vintage Computing Collection<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"apple-imac-g4\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apple iMac G4<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[Vin192]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-400x300.jpg\" alt=\"Apple iMac G4\" class=\"wp-image-23233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-2048x1538.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_153638278-360x270.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Apple iMac G4 (2002\u20132004) is best remembered for its iconic \u201cdesk lamp\u201d design, an articulated LCD arm paired with a hemispherical base, that decoupled the display from the computer for the first time in a mass-market desktop, influencing modern ergonomic and industrial design across the industry. Technologically, it marked Apple\u2019s transition from CRTs to flat-panel LCDs and helped normalize USB, FireWire, and a clean all-in-one aesthetic in educational and creative environments. Hugely popular and widely deployed in universities and studios, the iMac G4 became a museum-grade example of how industrial design, human-computer interaction, and branding can reshape public expectations of what a computer should look like and how it should fit into everyday academic life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong>: Apple Computer Inc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Released<\/strong>: 2002<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Type<\/strong>: All-in-one personal computer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost at release&nbsp;<\/strong>(base model): ~$3,350 (adjusted for inflation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MIPS<\/strong>: 1,400 &#8211; 1,800<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"hardware-specifications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW169789978 BCX0\">Hardware Specifications<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CPU<\/strong>: PowerPC G4 (various speeds depending on model):\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Early models: 700 MHz and 800 MHz G4 variants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Later models: 1.0 GHz and 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 with Velocity Engine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Level 2 Cache: 256 KB on-chip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>System Bus<\/strong>: Up to ~167 MHz on later USB 2.0 models.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Memory<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>RAM (Standard): 128 MB to 256 MB depending on model; later USB 2.0 models shipped with 256 MB DDR SDRAM.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Max RAM: Upgradable typically up to 1 GB (some unofficial reports of 2 GB possible).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hard Drive<\/strong>: 40 GB, 60 GB, or 80 GB Ultra ATA (most common 7200 rpm on USB 2.0 models).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Optical Drive Options<\/strong>: Combo (DVD-ROM\/CD-RW) or SuperDrive (DVD-R\/CD-RW).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flat-panel LCD sizes<\/strong>: 15\u2033 (1024\u00d7768), 17\u2033 (1440\u00d7900), and 20\u2033 widescreen (1680\u00d71050).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unique Articulated Arm<\/strong>: Adjustable display mounted on a ball-and-arm for flexible viewing angles (iconic design).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/apple-imacg4-ad.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-large wp-image-23170\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/apple-imacg4-ad-400x250.jpg\" alt=\"Apple iMac G4\" width=\"400\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/apple-imacg4-ad-400x250.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/apple-imacg4-ad-160x100.jpg 160w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/apple-imacg4-ad-240x150.jpg 240w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/apple-imacg4-ad-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/apple-imacg4-ad-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/apple-imacg4-ad-360x225.jpg 360w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/apple-imacg4-ad.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>Graphics Processors<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NVIDIA GeForce2 MX with 32 MB VRAM on early units.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NVIDIA GeForce4 MX with 64 MB VRAM on later 1.0 GHz+ units.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Connectivity &amp; Ports<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>USB: 2\u20133 ports (USB 1.1 on earliest; USB 2.0 on later models).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FireWire 400: 2 ports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ethernet: 10\/100 BASE-T built-in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modem: Built-in 56k V.92.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional: AirPort (802.11b\/g) and Bluetooth on later configurations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Audio<\/strong>: Built-in speakers and headphone jack; audio in\/out ports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weight<\/strong>: Approximately 9.7 kg (21.2 lb) for 15\u2033 models and 10.4 kg (22.8 lb) for 17\u2033 models.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"operating-system-programming-languages\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW50331614 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW50331614 BCX0\">Operating System &amp; Programming Languages<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW50331614 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:0}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>O\/S<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shipped primarily with Mac OS X 10.1 \u201cPuma\u201d (early 2002 models) and Mac OS X 10.2 \u201cJaguar\u201d (later models).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Officially supported upgrades up to Mac OS X 10.4 \u201cTiger\u201d, which is generally considered the most stable and historically representative OS for the iMac G4.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Could also dual-boot Mac OS 9.2.2 (Classic Mac OS) on many models, making it a transitional machine between \u201cclassic\u201d and Unix-based Mac computing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Programming Languages<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong data-start=\"545\" data-end=\"558\">C and C++<\/strong> \u2013 primary system and application development languages (via Apple Developer Tools\/Xcode).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"668\">Objective-C<\/strong> \u2013 central to Mac OS X application development (Cocoa framework).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"746\">Java<\/strong> \u2013 officially supported by Apple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong data-start=\"839\" data-end=\"849\">Python<\/strong> \u2013 included with Mac OS X<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong data-start=\"925\" data-end=\"933\">Perl<\/strong> \u2013 bundled with Mac OS X; popular for system administration and web scripting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong data-start=\"1016\" data-end=\"1024\">Ruby<\/strong> \u2013 available via third-party packages and later OS X releases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1106\">AppleScript<\/strong> \u2013 Apple\u2019s native automation and scripting language.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1173\">Pascal<\/strong> \u2013 supported historically through legacy tools and education environments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1274\">Assembly (PowerPC)<\/strong> \u2013 used in low-level or performance-critical academic and research work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"notables\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Commonly called the \u201c<strong>Sunflower iMac<\/strong>\u201d or \u201c<strong>Desk Lamp Mac<\/strong>\u201d due to its articulated arm and lamp-like silhouette.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One of the first mass-market computers to fully decouple the display from the system unit, pioneering ergonomic adjustability now standard in modern monitors and all-in-ones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Famously compared to (and inspired by) the Anglepoise desk lamp, making it a landmark example of industrial design influencing computing form factors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helped normalize flat-panel LCDs in consumer desktops, accelerating the industry\u2019s move away from bulky CRT monitors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Widely adopted in universities, design studios, and media labs, reinforcing Apple\u2019s dominance in creative and academic computing in the early 2000s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bridged Classic Mac OS and Mac OS X, representing Apple\u2019s shift to a modern Unix-based operating system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regularly appears in museums of modern art and design, underscoring its cross-disciplinary significance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apple ads emphasized motion, elegance, and human interaction, often showing the screen floating and moving effortlessly, selling design and experience, not raw specs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seen as the final and most expressive evolution of the iMac line before Apple pivoted to minimalist aluminum designs, making it a high point of expressive, human-centric computer design.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Donated by<\/strong>: Dr. Arlen Michaels<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_142420637-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20260114_142420637-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Imac G4 in a box\" class=\"wp-image-23425\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/vintage-computing\/item\">Vintage Computing Collection<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Apple iMac G4 [Vin192] The Apple iMac G4 (2002\u20132004) is best remembered for its iconic \u201cdesk lamp\u201d design, an articulated LCD arm paired with a hemispherical base, that decoupled the display from the computer for the first time in a mass-market desktop, influencing modern ergonomic and industrial design across the industry. Technologically, it marked Apple\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":19704,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cu_dining_location_slug":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_page_type":[130,90,123],"class_list":["post-23164","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","cu_page_type-mac","cu_page_type-vintage-computing","cu_page_type-vintage-inventory"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23164","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23164"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23164\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24887,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23164\/revisions\/24887"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23164"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_page_type?post=23164"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}