17" iMac G4/800 MHz (2002)

Got an iMac? Join the iMac email list.
Mac OS 9 List is for those using Mac OS 9, either natively or in Classic Mode.
Puma List is for those using Mac OS X 10.1.
Jaguar List is for those using Mac OS X 10.2.
Panther List is for those using Mac OS X 10.3.
Tiger List is for those using Mac OS X 10.4.

Overview

Low End Mac Reader Specials

Memory To Go Special: MacPro 8 Core Memory 4GB kit $192 / 2GB kit $109. MacBook Pro / MacMini / iMac Intel Core2 DUO 2GB $44 1GB $23--Free shipping available.

Download Typestyler, still the Ultimate Styling Tool for Internet, Print and Video Graphics. Works great in Classic with a Native OS X Version on the way. Free Tryout: www.typestyler.com

LA Computer Company: LA Computer Company: Specials on AppleCare, Apple Displays, MacBooks, iMac's, MacBook Pros, Laptop and iPod accessories and more. Apple A/C Adapters for laptops starting at $25.00 Call 1-800-941-7654 or Click Here.

OtherWorld Computing: NewerTech miniStack FW400+USB2 up to 750GB + Built in Hubs. Ultimate in performance storage + saves space with built in FW/USB2 Powered Hubs - all in convenient & sleek 6.5" x 6.5" x 1.5" profile. SPECIALS: 500GB now $219.99; 250GB now $139.99!

Mac users can finally play Party Poker for Mac. Not only that, they can also learn how to play PokerStars for Mac.

Laptop Hardware Provided by TechRestore - Overnight Mac & iPod Repairs.

MacPro Memory 667Mhz With Apple Spec Heat Sink 2GB Kit $ 90 / 4GB Kit $140 / 8GB Kit $278 Click to Maximize your Macs...

Announced at the Macworld Expo on July 17, 2002, the 17" G4 iMac has a wide aspect ratio "cinema" type screen and displays 1440 by 900 pixels - just perfect for DVDs. The new screen is about 1.6" wider than the old one and just a bit taller, and the new iMac is about 1-1/2 pounds heavier than the old one.

The 17" iMac is the top of the line with a SuperDrive, 800 MHz G4, and nVidia GeForce 4 video.

Some Leopard users have reported problems with G4 iMacs that have GeForce2 or GeForce4 graphics. When the system wakes from sleep, the screen will be completely white, making the computer unusable. The only solution at present is to restart the iMac.

Details

introduced 2002.07.17 at US$1,999; replaced by 1 GHz model 2003.02.04
requires Mac OS 9.2.2 or later, OS X 10.1.2 or later, 10.5 not officially supported
CPU: 800 MHz G4
bus: 100 MHz
performance:

Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 394

RAM: 128/256 MB, expandable to 1 GB using one user accessible 144-pin PC133 SODIMM (up to 512 MB) and one 168-pin PC133 DIMM (also up to 512 MB)
Graphics: nVidia GeForce4 MX with AGP 2x support
VRAM: 32 MB
monitor: 17" 1440 x 900 flat panel display
L2 cache: 256 KB on-chip cache running at full CPU speed
hard drive: 80 GB Ultra ATA drive
SuperDrive (8/4/24x)
USB: 3 USB 1.1 ports
FireWire: 2 FW400 ports
modem: built in v.90 56k modem
ethernet: 10/100Base-T
WiFi: 802.11b AirPort optional
Microphone: internal
power: 130W
PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA
height: 13.03-20.0 in/33.1-50.9 cm
width: 16.7 in/42.3 cm
depth: 10.6-16.7 in/27.0-42.3 cm
weight: 22.8 lb/10.4 kg
Part no.: M8812
upgrade path: none

Upgrades

8x SuperDrive DVD±RW upgrade, MCE Technologies, $149. 8x4x12x DVD, 24x24x40x CD. 2 MB buffer. Must be installed by MCE or an MCE authorized upgrade center.

Online Resources

Best used iMac G4 deals, updated biweekly.
Best classic Mac OS deals. Best online prices for System 6, 7.1, 7.5.x, Mac OS 7.6, 8.0, 8.1, 8.5, 9.0, 9.2.2, and other versions.
Best Mac OS X 10.0-10.3 deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3.
Best Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.4.
Best Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.5.
What's the best version of OS X for my Mac?, Ian R Campbell, The Sensible Mac, 2008.02.28. Which version of Mac OS X is best for your hardware depends on several factors.
Unsupported Leopard installation, Dan Knight, 2007.10.31. How to install Mac OS X 10.5 on unsupported hardware - plus field reports.
Faking out the Leopard installer with Open Firmware, Dylan McDermond, Unsupported Leopard, 2007.12.06. You don't have to hack the installer to make the Mac OS X 10.5 installer run on sub-867 MHz G4 Macs by using this simple Open Firmware trick.
Low End Mac's Compleat Guide to Mac OS 9, 2008 edition, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.05.12. Declared dead by Steve Jobs 6 years ago, Mac OS 9 remains fast and stable, but Classic software hasn't kept up with Web changes. What Macs support OS 9, where to buy it, and how to update to version 9.2.2.
Leopard is the way to go, even on most old G4 Macs, Carl Nygren, My Turn, 2008.05.14. The useful and just cool features in Mac OS X 10.5 make this the biggest step forward in the history of the Mac OS.
10 cult Macs adored by collectors, Tamara Keel, Digital Fossils, 2008.05.13. Macs are not only noted for their longevity, but also by the passion which collectors have for some of the most interesting models ever made.
Safari 3.1 will be 'crazy fast', OS X 10.5.2 update, 20x SuperDrive from $35, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.02.15. Also Security Update for Tiger, Graphics Update for Leopard, Mac mini "as powerful as a larger desktop", TechTool Deluxe update, and more.
Adding keyboard shortcuts in OS X, Pismo vs. MacBook Air, horrid Microsoft customer support, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.24. Also the MacBook Air is not for power users, MBA SuperDrive and the MacBook, unsupported Leopard on an 800 MHz iMac G4, and putting an ATX motherboard in a G4 case.
Restore stability to a troubled Mac with a clean system install, Keith Winston, Linux to Mac, 2008.01.15. If your Mac is misbehaving, the best fix just might be a fresh reinstallation of Mac OS X - don't forget to backup first.
Leopard problems with GeForce graphics, on eMacs and Power Macs, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.11.14. More success running Mac OS X 10.5 on iMacs, eMacs, Power Macs, and PowerBooks. Also failures with a Cube and a Blue and White G3 with a G4 upgrade.
Happy with my G3s, plus Leopard on eMacs, G4 iMacs, G4 PowerBooks, and the G4 iBook, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.11.02. A reminder of the happiness found sticking with older versions of the Mac OS on G3 Macs, plus field reports of Leopard running on even more unsupported G4 Macs.
eMac virtual screen solution, PowerBook 3400 problem, IBM Model M and the Mac, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.10.26. Also G4 iMacs inspire lust, TrueType fonts and vintage Macs, deinterlacing DVDs, and Allegro USB sleep issues.
Unsupported Leopard installation and the truth about Leopard DVD Player system requirements, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.10.25. How to create a hacked Leopard installer, and exactly what benefit you gain from a 1.6 GHz CPU with DVD Player under Leopard.
G4 iMac 'not half anything', LEM design comments, and more on Macs not supported by Leopard, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.10.22. The dual 800 MHz Power Mac may be supported, Apple is (or isn't) right to draw the line at 867 MHz, and an LC III that won't work with a PC display.
The future of G4 iMacs in the Age of Leopard, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.10.18. Some G4 iMacs are officially supported under Mac OS X 10.5, but some aren't. Could Leopard run well on 700-800 MHz G4 iMacs?
Software to darken iMac display, columnist returns iPhone, Logitech introduces air mouse, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.07.20. Also a USB turntable for turning your record albums into MP3s, a retractable thumb drive, iPhone: The Missing Manual, Parallels Desktop 3 a major update, and more.
11 ways to optimize your Mac's performance, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 2007.03.12. If your Mac is getting sluggish, here are 11 tips that can help restore its original performance.
Customizing Mac OS 9, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2006.08.01. Fiddling with themes, picking a browser, and making the Classic Mac OS work just the way you want it to.
Building a low cost recording studio around an iMac G4, Ben Barsh, Macs with Music, 2006.07.24. "After learning about GarageBand, I had to have it. I scrounged up a used iMac on my local craigslist for $50."
End of G4 models points to unprecedented value for used G4 Macs, Leaman Crews, Plays Well with Others, 2006.06.02. The PowerPC G4 may no longer have a place in Apple's product line, but that's a far cry from saying G4-based Macs are obsolete. If anything, their value is going to increase.
Making the move from Jaguar (OS X 10.2) to Panther (10.3), Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2006.04.11. One advantage of Apple's "no upgrades" policy for OS X - someone can give you their old copy after upgrading without worrying about violating their license.
Web browser tips for the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2006.01.03. Tips on getting the most out of WaMCom, Mozilla, Internet Explorer, iCab, Opera, and WannaBe using the classic Mac OS.
The best browsers for PowerPC Macs and the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2005.12.16. Two browsers stand out from the pack: iCab 3 is modern and remains under development, and WaMCom brings Mozilla to older Macs.
iMac PC133 memory pricing, ramseeker
The iMac channel
The iMac List, an email list iMac users
The iMac NewsPage
Apple Specs for flat-panel iMac

Go to the iMac and eMac index.

About LEM | Support | Usage | Privacy | Contacts

Entire Low End Mac website copyright ©1997-2008 by Cobweb Publishing, Inc., unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Advice presented in good faith, but what works for one may not work for all. Please report errors to .
LINKS: We allow and encourage links to any public page as long as the linked page does not appear within a frame that prevents bookmarking it.
Access our RSS news feed at http://lowendmac.com/feed.xml.
Email may be published at our discretion; email addresses will not be published without permission, and we will encrypt them in hopes of avoiding spammers. If you prefer your message not be published, mark it "not for publication." Letters may be edited for length, context, and to match house style.
PRIVACY: We don't collect personal information unless you explicitly provide it. For more details, see our Terms of Use.
Low End Mac is an independent publication and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, iBook, iMac, eMac, iPod, PowerBook, MacBook, Mac Pro, Apple TV, and AirPort are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks and are hereby acknowledged.