Apple's iMac G4 in 2020: The Coolest Desktop Ever Made!

[@podrouzk]

This is definitely the most beautiful computer ever.

[@LoveTech4U]

Indeed! Only if they’d re-release it as a special edition!! Haha.

[@jasonrotairo]

I’ve got an 17” iMac G4 from 2003. I just use it for listening to music these days and want to upgrade it to modern times. It’s still runs really well.

[@LoveTech4U]

That’s cool. Yeah those speakers 🔊 do sound amazing 🤩 considering that they are from 2003/2004.

[@pheflin526]

I have one too! I also use it as my ‘jukebox’, have it connected to speakers

[@kl10sx]

Any iTunes alternative recommendations for a 1Ghz G4 iMac running 10.5.8?

[@macinjosh2223]

@@kl10sx Vox is a pretty good music player for powerpc

[@kl10sx]

@@macinjosh2223 I'll check it out

[@jamesrath]

VoiceOver is how many of us blind folks use our Macs. By having it on automatically after remaining idle for users at the welcome screen, it allows newer blind users to the Mac to set up their Macs independently. It's quite revolutionary, especially for 2003. If you ever lose your sight, you can still use your Macs, even this one from 03. How neat is that?

[@DigitalMentorGroup]

I have a 20 inch Apple iMac in my attic. Every 6 months or so, I fire up this excellent machine. Even though it’s now 20 years old, the OS still feels fresh and new. It’s a collectable now, but could still serve as a daily driver, It even served as my son’s computer in university.

[@carlosr7723]

I love that keyboard ⌨️ I had the 15 inch model and great for school work

[@LoveTech4U]

Yeah. Even though it does collect a lot of dust and dirt, the design is definitely amazing. Gotta love Apple design. 🍎 😌

[@NomadicDmitry]

One of my favorite computers as well!

[@delastdorito4497]

Very cool! Nice to see someone showing a really cool piece of tech

[@LoveTech4U]

Thanks! Yeah I absolutely love this computer 💻. It’s by far the coolest computer design in my mind that was ever made. 🍎

[@kenny2skinny07]

Great video. Just yesterday I was leaving my apartment to run errands and I'd be darn there was a g4 sitting by the dumpster. I happily loaded it in my car and drove away. I've always been a huge fan of this thing and the first Mac I've every touched as a young fanboy. I've always planned to get one as an art piece for my home office when I build my home. Now that I got it for free, I'm going to use it for that reason and also have some fun and mod this baby up as far as it can go. Sad that Apple has ended up where they are: stale and backed into a design corner. They've truly lost their imagination with their products, even though I still buy them. It powered right up to my non hopeful surprise. Whomever owned it before left it on os 9. I'm sure it's the 15". Haven't really gotten into the tech specs yet, I was just aweing at the striking design and sheer surprise that it booted up and cleaned it up (as it has zero flaws and is a perfect example besides the yellow keyboard). I'll just order one on eBay along with the speakers and an airport card. We Fanboys do it for bragging rights and the love of tech, not a profit or truly usability. And if you are able to figure out how to install an Intel processor and a different logicboard, let me know. I'd love to try it myself. I'm one happy guy I tell ya!!

[@LoveTech4U]

That's so awesome you found it in a dumpster! :) You were its hero! haha. Yeah that's what I have mine doing as well (sitting as a beautiful piece of art in my home studio). :) I'll be doing another video on it in the future, so stay tuned for that.

[@kenny2skinny07]

@@LoveTech4U can’t wait to see it! I’m addicted haha

[@yogadebra]

Found mine at a dumpster too! I have upgraded the OS to 10.5.8, and never had it reset to factory settings. I would like to do that although I am fearful I will lose everything on it since it does not seem to connect to my external storage drive. Any suggestions????

[@gibsonlespaulspecial]

Great review. You came up in my search because I was thinking about upgrading mine. I was wondering if a Mac mini or components could be used? Would love to have the current OS on it!

[@LoveTech4U]

Thanks for the compliment 😀. I don’t think you can use Mac Mini internals mainly because Apple switched over to Intel a few years after the G4 came out and the parts are not cross compatible.

[@richeyrich2203]

I was thinking this! Take the mac mini internals and house it in the base, and then upgrade the panel with a same size modern led and hardwire it to the mac mini. It would not be a true conversion, but just putting the g4 house over a new mac mini and monitor. You could also keep the panel it has and wire it into the mac mini through hdmi

[@spookypineapple]

My 8th grade school's library had a bunch of these that we would use. I would watch homestarrunner and ebaumsworld videos on them before class started. That's an old ass sentence.

[@LoveTech4U]

They are pretty cool, aren’t they? Do you know which screen size they were?

[@dancook4993]

Do a pram reset hold down command option P and R will fix start up delay and a new Pram battery

[@jsalzerppm]

I just got a 20 inch version with zero accessories for free... Didn't know anything about it and I'm watching your video now, wow it just powered up man!! Anyway I'm not a huge computer Aficionado so any suggestions? And also trying to figure out if it's 128 or something higher?

[@LoveTech4U]

That’s really cool! I am jealous you got one for free! If you click on the “Apple” icon in the menu bar and click on “About this Mac” it will tell you what version you have along with how much RAM you have installed. :) I Hope that helps.

[@midnightblaze3509]

I found my old iMac g4 but I can’t login I forgot the passwords any help to reset it!???

[@LoveTech4U]

If you don't care about the content on it, you should be able to put the OS install disk in and then hold the "C" or the "Option" key down when you boot it up and you should be able to load a fresh copy of the OS onto it.

[@jackeroo08]

Great video. I love this machine too and hope to be getting one real soon. There are some going real cheap in the local classified where I live in Spain. I’m subscribing to see what you do with it. Thanks again.

[@LoveTech4U]

Thanks so much for the comment and the subscription. Really appreciate it! 🙂 I’m currently in process of upgrading my 2010 Mac Pro and then in the next few weeks will be upgrading my iMac G4. Can’t wait to upgrade it. 🙂 I have some “basic” plans for it and then some surprises in store as well that I want to do.

[@jackeroo08]

LoveTech .. cheers & take your time. Keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@oscarmanuell]

En cuanto? Yo acabo de adquirir una ayer por unos 120 dólares funcionando bien

[@danielmcdonald9177]

Love the video man! I just got my Used iMac a few days ago, I'm pretty sure it's one of the 2012 models. Any tips?

[@LoveTech4U]

That’s cool! Yeah I really want to get an iMac from that timeframe as well and do a restoration video on it. Recommendation wise is it a 21 or 27 inch iMac? I know that the 2011/2012 models often had graphics card overheating / failure issues... So maybe look into upgrading that to a better card? Another thing to you can replace to bring new life back into your iMac is putting an SSD into it. So I’d definitely recommend that as an option as well. If you have the 27” version of the 2012 model you can also very easily upgrade/ add more ram through the RAM door in the back without having to take apart the computer itself.

[@danielmcdonald9177]

Thanks! By the way, it's a 21 inch, sadly i think. But after watching another video, i think it is a 27 inch. I'm not sure myself...

[@LoveTech4U]

@@danielmcdonald9177 If you look at the back of the computer, right below where the power cord goes, is there a RAM door there? If so, it's the 27"

[@danielmcdonald9177]

Sadly, no. But i did notice when i was watching the 27" version of the unboxing.

[@thomasbrennan3029]

I'd like to see you change the logic board and run Catalina

[@LoveTech4U]

I really want to!!! Any ideas on logic board replacements? I was given the idea of using a Mac mini board possibly. Also there are some smaller Intel boards that I’ve heard that you can potentially use.

[@guilhermecervo3931]

Just got myself a 20 inch 1.25 ghz with 1.25gb of RAM with pro keyboard and mouse for 150$ Canadian (120 USD) ! Will probably try to install a m1 Mac mini inside it as a future project

[@annasper]

Yes, it is the most beautiful machine ever. A question : can you tell me how to open the dvd tray to insert a dvd? I have not used it in ages. Oceans of thank yous.

[@LoveTech4U]

Try pressing the Eject key on your keyboard (if you have an Apple Keyboard). If not, try pressing CMD+E

[@pineappleroad]

The mouse you have there looks like the ones that were in the music room at the school I went to in 2012/2013 (the school moved into a new building and got Mac mini’s to replace all of the windows computers, but only the music room had apple keyboards and mice)

[@willphoenix2621]

Even today the competition can’t make such beautiful designs

[@LoveTech4U]

Yeah! I agree! This was (in my mind) the most beautiful Mac ever made!

[@lamont8121]

It is December 13, 2021 and I am wondering if you ever tried to upgrade this 20 inch snowball? Please let us know out here and KZbin land. If you did please do a video on that! How exciting!

[@FG-lq4pz]

Oh snap - I have one of these ^_^ - Mine has the 80GB drive, 1GB of RAM, and airport card. It was sitting in a school, unused and I somehow got it.

[@LoveTech4U]

That’s awesome!! They are definitely one of the best designs apple has ever made.

[@shubhamdwivedi7766]

Hit like if you also came to see if this computer still boots😂👍

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Nice video , just a detail about the intro: the earth spins in the other direction, it’s backwards

[@LoveTech4U]

Haha! I never noticed that before! 😂 Thanks for sharing. I changed my intro over a year ago now, so a lot of my other videos no inter use that intro.

[@fuosdi64]

Looks better than computers now.

[@LoveTech4U]

I totally agree! Wish Apple would come out with a new design for the iMac 🖥. It’s been the same “design/shape” since the G5.

[@steve-852]

I paid $185 USD for mine, so you got a good deal!

[@cesarwdominguezsommerfeld4161]

im buying a imac g4 soon

[@nathanthecollector429]

I'm getting one with pretty much everything today :D

[@LoveTech4U]

That’s awesome! Are you getting the 20” version like mine?

[@nathanthecollector429]

LoveTech I think it’s the 800mhz 15” from 2002 because it has the old font.

[@nathanthecollector429]

Welp, turned out to be an early 2003 model. Forced MacOS 9 on it and probably gonna force Leopard on it today too. Found a bunch of good software too, definitely worth it.

[@richeyrich2203]

@@nathanthecollector429 how well is it running with osx 9 and 10? I would figure it gets bogged down by the system..??

[@jamhuman2499]

We’re would you put the airport card also you deserve more subscribers you remind of Leonard from the Big Bang Theory

[@LoveTech4U]

The Airport card for the G4 goes in the bottom of the computer itself. Simply flip over the G4 and take the metal circular plate off of the bottom and the airport card is right under the cover as well as one of the two sticks of RAM (for easy upgrade ability). Thanks for the kind comment about wishing I had subscribers. I’m trying really hard to reach 1000 by the end of the year! I know it’s a big goal, but people like yourself give me hope!! Invite your friends to subscribe if you wish. I’d appreciate any subscribers I could get. :) Also thanks for “I look like Leonard” reference from Big Bang! Haha! I’ve heard that before, especially as I get older I think I am looking more like him too! Haha. Big Bang was one of my favorite shows (ironically) as well. Stay tuned to the channel for more exciting things coming soon and more great videos :)

[@ryanhamstra49]

I have one of these sitting in the garage, I used it for most of high school to do homework. I typed more a lot of papers on that thing....

[@LoveTech4U]

It is certainly a beautiful part of history that’s for sure. 😀

[@markiavelo]

¿Can i install Leopard on this mac? Its an iMac G4 17"

[@LoveTech4U]

Yes. Leopard is the highest it can support.

[@williamsonangelaM]

My 17" from 2003 ran great (almost 18 years) Until this morning, after a power outage it won't power back up now. This is one heavy computer - now paperweight.

[@LoveTech4U]

Ohh no! 😲 sounds like the power supply got fried.

[@kl10sx]

Hopefully it can be repaired, and if not there are people out there that'd prefer to get a dead mac just to use the casing for PC modding, rather than destroy a working system.

[@FG-lq4pz]

Are the 20" ones rare?

[@LoveTech4U]

Yes they are. They were manufactured for less years than the 15” and 17” models.

[@SirenaWF1]

I should’ve written my guess because I would’ve been spot on.

[@LoveTech4U]

On the weight of the computer or the price I paid for it? I got a great deal on it, that's for sure! :)

[@SirenaWF1]

@@LoveTech4U The price.

[@Stewbular]

When he said clean I assumed he was gonna blow the dust out of the insides

[@LoveTech4U]

I am hoping to make a follow-up video on the G4 in the future and will be doing some upgrades and more in-depth cleaning (which would include this). :)

[@CantCampThereMate]

just picked up the 15" version with 800MHz G4 for £20

[@LoveTech4U]

Nice! :)

[@snip3rm00n]

The iMac G4 has a beauty that is has been unparalleled by even the most modern devices. A design that is as elegant as it is futuristic. It stands proud, like a sunflower, gorgeous and striking. Apple's design language has strayed so far from this beauty. Getting a working unit in such wonderful condition is a good find.

[@LoveTech4U]

Well said! I totally agree! :) It is one of Apple's most beautiful products in my mind.

[@snip3rm00n]

@@LoveTech4U absolutely, it’s a timeless classic who’s design holds up even today. I often think about getting a non-functional one and modding an modern pc into it.

[@Sssssssslf]

for being 20 years old the design still looks really modern today, at least to me

[@LoveTech4U]

Yes, I agree! Love the G4’s design. 😀

[@ShinyTechThings]

Hackintosh it with a NUC!

[@jamesbesser2557]

Enjoyed

[@pheflin526]

Was the follow up video ever posted?

[@LoveTech4U]

No I haven’t had the chance yet to do a follow-up video. It is coming in the next few months... It’s still on my radar to make. :) Stay tuned!

[@pheflin526]

@@LoveTech4U okay cool! Just didn’t know if I had missed it

[@marktravis4381]

Can I add WiFi and Bluetooth

[@LoveTech4U]

Yes you should be able to buy a AirPort card for it. Search for “AirPoint card G4” on eBay. Hope that helps.

[@yogadebra]

If you have not already ordered an airport card be careful- I got an airport express card from ebay and it does not fit! I cannot return it so I am stuck with something I can't use.

[@heatheralisa8658]

To anyone that knows how this thing works: my parents have pictures on the computer and I can’t get it to connect to the Ethernet no matter what I tried I also don’t know how to connect an external hard drive to this computer either. Any advice is appreciated

[@LoveTech4U]

Do they have an iMac G4 then? If so, something on the logic board could have gone for the Ethernet. Do you know if it have a Wi-if (airport) card? You should be able to connect any USB A powered external hard drive to it. I hope that helps some. 😀

[@LuisMercadoorg]

You never did the upgrade video :/

[@LoveTech4U]

Hi Luis. I know I haven’t (yet).... It will be coming in the future though (the next 3-5 months) so stay tuned to the channel for it. :)

[@techporn6261]

I am jelly 🤓

[@kyleg6158]

what is a "ge-force"...

[@LoveTech4U]

A graphics card.

[@techporn6261]

You got lucky with price. Just saw one on eBay for £900

[@LoveTech4U]

Thanks!! Yeah I love just how beautiful it looks!!

[@UnitedPebbles]

Does it? Eh not really eye candy or retro tv frame chassis

[@MrMorseng]

2002 ( it is )

[@SkullTrail97775]

Tone down the music ... otherwise great video about an amazing design

[@LoveTech4U]

Thanks for the suggestion. In my newer videos I have toned down the music more so it is less distracting. Thank you for the comment on the video as well.

[@xentryxx]

Like 2400

[@maineman5240]

I have one i just got if anyone is interested hmu

[@phillipsmith4485]

14 ib

[@leenevin8451]

$150

[@leenevin8451]

Hahahaha smashed it. I was gonna say $200 but charged it last second

[@LoveTech4U]

Good guesses! 😀

[@leenevin8451]

@@LoveTech4U I bought one but I’m annoyed because it’s slightly yellow after UV damage. Couldn’t tell in the ad

[@LoveTech4U]

Ohh no! 😮 Yeah that’s one bad thing about white plastic after time. I’m glad Apple uses metal now for all of their computers 🖥 😀

[@chriswheeler2912]

40

[@LoveTech4U]

Good guess! :)

[@xentryxx]

I Think 56 pounds

[@LoveTech4U]

It certainly is heavy!

[@NickSoong]

40 pounds