New Acquisition: Apple iMac G4
| Make | Model | Serial Number |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Computer | iMac G4 - M4984 | QT214235L3V |
Overview
- Manufacturer: Apple Computer.
- Production Years: January 2002 – August 2004.
- Historical Significance: The iMac G4 replaced the iMac G3 and introduced a radical new design: a hemispherical base housing the computer, with a floating LCD display on a fully adjustable stainless steel arm. It was a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovation and elegance.
- Architecture: Powered by the PowerPC G4 processor, the iMac G4 combined performance with a minimalist footprint, and was one of the first Macs to fully embrace LCD technology in a consumer desktop.
Specification
- Processor: PowerPC G4 @ 700 MHz to 1.25 GHz (depending on model).
- Memory: 256MB DDR SDRAM standard, expandable to 1GB.
- Storage: 40GB to 80GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive.
- Optical Drive: Tray-loading Combo Drive or SuperDrive (model dependent).
- Display: 15", 17", or 20" TFT LCD on adjustable arm; resolutions up to 1680×1050.
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce2 MX or GeForce4 MX with 32MB or 64MB VRAM.
- Audio: Built-in stereo speakers with Apple Pro Speaker support; headphone and line-in jacks.
- Connectivity:
- 2× FireWire 400 ports.
- 3× USB 2.0 ports (plus 2× USB 1.1 on keyboard).
- 10/100 Ethernet and 56k modem.
- AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth (optional).
- Operating System: Mac OS X 10.1 to 10.5.8 (Leopard, unofficially).
- Common Faults:
- Cracked or yellowed plastics from UV exposure.
- Hard drive failure due to age or heat.
- Display arm stiffness or looseness over time.
- PRAM battery failure causing boot issues.
How Did I Acquire It?
Where Did I Get It From?
This was picked up on Ebay
How Was It Described to Me?
iMac G4 15 inch
Item specifics
Condition: Used
Seller notes: “Fantastic for its age”
Brand: Apple
Type: imac
Model: G4 Pod
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Item description from the seller
An icon and becoming a collectible. Works perfectly and amazingly quick for its age. Also has Microsoft Office on there and Firefox.
Comes in original box and with the original Harmon Kardon speakers.
Supplier Photos
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Now That I Have It in My Hands
Initial Observations
Yes it has its box
No.....
They used the box as the postage box covering it all over in tape, it's ruined.....
Initial Inspection
Ths OS does still have the previous users personal data so a disk refresh is due.
Whilst the box has been ruied, it did come with half of the origianl packageing and also the origianl installation CD's
Next Steps
Repair and Restoration Plan
- Immediate disk wipe and OS refresh
- Replace the built in battery - check if the old one has caused damage by leaking
- Recap the boards if required
Goals
- What could it have been upgraded to it in its day, what was the maximum spec & OS it can be tricked out to?
- Can we upgrade the processor?
Challenges
Whilst it supports wired RJ45 networking, even the last supported OS is not going to have a browser that is still security signed for internet TLS/HTTPS access.
Does anybody make an alternative live browser that still works on a 25 year old machine?
Wishlist
- An undamaged box
- A set of original manuals
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