eMac

History

Introduced: April 29, 2002

Discontinued: July 5, 2006

Original Retail Price: $799 (1.42 GHz “Combo” drive model)

Model #: A1002

Tech Specs

Display: 17” CRT

Processor: 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4

RAM: 256 MB

Hard Drive: 128 GB SSD (upgraded)

Optical Drive: “Combo” (CD-RW / DVD-ROM)

OS: 10.4.3

Condition & Notes

This unit is in mint condition, and is complete with all the original packaging, power cable, modem cable, keyboard, mouse, software CDs, and documentation.

The eMac represents the final CRT of any kind that Apple produced. This particular machine is the last and fastest model in the eMac line, featuring a 1.42 GHz G4 processor.

The eMac is known to suffer from leaky capacitors due to age, so in 2026 I had the motherboard and power supply professionally recapped. I also replaced the original 80 GB hard drive with a 128 GB SSD. Scroll to the bottom of the page for more on this.

It is in beautiful working condition and is currently running Mac OS X 10.4.3.

Model Identifier

This particular machine is the 1.42 GHz model from 2005, the last and fastest model in the eMac line.

Packaging

eMac

The ports are aligned on the lower right side like the iMac G3.

This plate on the bottom detaches with one captive screw for access to some internal components.

The machine’s specs can be found inside the optical drive door flap.

When it’s removed, the user has access to upgrade the RAM and also to the PRAM battery holder.

All set up with keyboard and mouse. The screen is crisp and sharp in person - these dark refresh bands/lines only appear on camera, as is typical for CRT displays.

Accessories

Keyboard, mouse, power cable, modem cable, software CD packet, and documentation packet.

User’s Guide, software coupons, AppleCare/license/warranty info, Apple stickers, and software CDs.

System Specs

mSATA SSD Installation

This upgrade makes the computer quieter, faster, and more reliable. I chose to install a 128 GB mSATA SSD using a 2.5” mSATA-to-SATA adapter housing and a 3.5” IDE-to-SATA adapter.

The IDE-to-SATA adapter should be set to “cable select” mode, at least in this model of the eMac (1.42 GHz).

This is the red Startech IDE-to-SATA adapter, which is well-known to work nicely with many vintage Macs of this era. I have used them in many of my machines, including this eMac.

The new drive installed into the eMac’s logic board assembly. I used strong double-sided adhesive to mount it securely.

Original HDD (left) and the new SSD (right). This SSD was a plug-and-play solution with the original IDE interface.

Motherboard & PSU Recapping

The eMac was produced during an era in computing history known as the “capacitor plague” when many defective capacitors had flooded the market and were being used by computer manufacturers. These machines are also now more than 20 years old. As a result of both of these issues, it is good preventative maintenance to have the boards “recapped” to ensure their longevity - even if they are still working.

The motherboard and power supply board were professionally recapped by Thomas Andrews (Amiga of Rochester). If you need this kind of work performed on your vintage Macintosh or Amiga system, I highly recommend his services!

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