What are the "pros and cons" of the eMac models? Is one right for my needs?

Please note that Apple stopped selling the eMac on September 6, 2006.

Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not the eMac is the right Mac for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons of the model to see if your needs are met. This summary may be helpful in making a decision:

Pros:

• Inexpensive, convenient all-in-one design.
• RAM is easy to upgrade.
• Some models can boot MacOS 9, all models support MacOS 9/Classic applications when running MacOS X 10.4.11 or lower.
• Unofficial second display support for some models.
• Two Firewire "400" ports standard.
• Internal modem standard (except for the education-only M8655LL/A and /B configurations of the eMac G4/700).

Cons:

• Heavy (50 lbs, 22.7 kg), and arguably less stylish than the more expensive all-in-one iMac G4 and G5 models.
• The hard drive and optical drive are a pain to upgrade.
• No internal expansion beyond memory -- no extra hard drive bays and no PCI slots.
• Slower than many models in the Power Macintosh G4 series.

If you are looking for an inexpensive all-in-one desktop Mac, MacOS 9/"Classic" support is important, and expansion is not, then the eMac would be a good choice. The iMac G4 and G5 models also would be well worth considering.

If performance, expansion, and MacOS 9/"Classic" support -- as well as price -- is important then a Power Macintosh G4 might be a better choice. If MacOS 9/"Classic" support is not relevant, but the eMac otherwise meets your needs, you might also consider an Intel-based iMac.

Who designed the eMac?

Apple's industrial design for the last several years has been performed entirely in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group, led by Jonathan Ive.

Where can I buy an eMac?

There are any number of places to purchase a used Mac. However, the eMac is so old and heavy that it pretty much only remains of interest to collectors these days; it may show up on auction sites from time-to-time, though.

To purchase upgrades, visit site sponsor Other World Computing, which sells hard drives, memory, and more for the eMac and every other Mac.

What are the default configurations of the eMac?

For the default configurations of every eMac, as well as details on a variety of upgrade options available at the time of purchase, please refer to the specs page for the model of interest.