Original Release Date: August 31, 2004
OS Shipped with: 10.3.5 and classic mode
Processor Type: G5
Processor Speeds: 1600-2100 MHz
Colors: White
Screen Type: LCD
After the introduction of the 20″ iMac G4 models stunned the computing world with its sheer size, Apple decided to end the G4 model line and move on to a different design.
The introduction of the iMac G5 model line showed us a completely different design to the floating iMac G4. The new all in one screen shape has been used in all subsequent iMacs to date.
The design encapsulated the entire machine in a 2 inch thick screen. It is often mistaken for a stand alone LCD display when infact there is a powerhouse of computing contained within. This revolutionary design was a significant departure from previous Apple computers and set the standard for future all-in-one desktop computers.
The iMac G5 was supported by a sturdy aluminum stand that is hinged to allow for tilt adjustment, providing users with ergonomic flexibility.
The model range started with the 17″ 1.6Ghz PPC G5 CPU. It had 256MB of PC3200 DDR Ram as standard. The optical drive on the low end model was a combo drive which in higher end models was replaced with Apples superdrive.
The top range models contained a 20″ display and a 2.1Ghz model. All models could be upgraded to a maximum of 2GB of DDR Ram, allowing for improved performance and multitasking capabilities.
Powering the displays was the job of the NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra video card. These video cards used an 8x AGP port and contained 64MB of dedicated DDR.
USB 2.0 ports came in a threesome and 2 Fire Wire 400 ports provided high speed connections. VGA and S-Video and composite video outputs were available, making it easy to connect to external displays and projectors.
All models were AirPort Extreme Wireless ready with an option to opt for internal Bluetooth, providing wireless connectivity options that were cutting-edge for 2004.
Speakers were now built in to all models, eliminating the need for external audio equipment.
The whole package weighed in at only 18.5 lbs (8.4kg), making it remarkably portable for an all-in-one desktop computer.
For more information about the iMac G5 specifications and support, visit Apple’s official support page.
Pete on March 7th, 2010 at 5:17 pm says:
This was my first iMac, ran really quickly at the time and Tiger was revolutionary compared to any other OS of the time.
Jamie Kenworth on March 20th, 2010 at 4:26 pm says:
For me 10.3 was the first OS X version that was actually usable and could replace OS 9. Features such as expose have become essential on a day to day basis now.
ChuckG on June 29th, 2010 at 11:00 pm says:
I’m still using mine. I can’t watch HD or Netflix, but other than that it works fine after having the power supply replaced once by Apple (no charge). I wish I could upgrade to Snow Leopard.
Bruce Righter on November 17th, 2010 at 12:29 pm says:
While I loved my G5, I’ve had to replace the power supply several times and also the logic board. AppleCare took care of those issues initially, but now the PS is shot again and I’m spending my OWN money—can’t see investing anymore $$$ through Apple but I might invest in an eBay capacitor kit.
greg klein on January 29th, 2012 at 11:11 am says:
I bought the 1st. Gen 20″ model right after it came out and while it is still in limited, secondary use, it has NEVER operated correctly. Multiple power board replacements, power supply replacements, etc. under warranty and addition replacements and recapping at my expense.
The problems of bulging caps, and screen flicker/dimming, were never really acknowledged by Apple, but were pervasive, and on my machine persist to this day.
Lesson: NEVER buy a 1st. Gen Apple product. (Confirmed many times over since then)