RodneyfromMd
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: imac g4 1GHz FP vga adapter

where can I find a apple vga adapter for a Imac G4 1Ghz G4?  It is not the mini vga version.  Are Apple or aftermarket adapter cables available now?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jan 25, 2014 9:58 AM

Close
RodneyfromMd

Q: imac g4 1GHz FP vga adapter

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jan 26, 2014 3:35 PM in response to RodneyfromMd
    Level 6 (14,304 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 26, 2014 3:35 PM in response to RodneyfromMd

    For that vintage, you would probably have to go online to sites where they sell and repair older Macs and have inventory of accessories (as available) to match.

     

    The iMac G4 would likely use a similar video adapter as an iBook G4. The specifications may be available for older Apple products either in Apple Support or online in each item area, at everymac.com. If you have and use the Mactracker application (free download) there are several models of specificiations, but not adapter numbers.

     

    The part numbers too may have changed, in so much as a few were backward compatible in their day; but none of the current kinds available will work on any powerPC, and the newest won't work on early intel-based Mac.

     

    The original part was likely an optional accessory to the iMac (and iBook) G4. I happened across a few of these several years ago at a secondhand charity thrift store, for $2. each. I kept one and gave three away.

     

    Companies such as welovemacs, wegenermedia, powermax, and others may (or not) have access to a correct model adapter for your powerPC iMac.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Jan 27, 2014 4:41 AM in response to RodneyfromMd
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Jan 27, 2014 4:41 AM in response to RodneyfromMd

    Actually it is the mini-VGA.  They look almost identical to the mini-DVI.  So you have to be careful.  Sadly, for the iMac G4, all you get is video mirroring.  You can't get extended desktop.   Tricks have been made to update the firmware for the video chip on the logicboard for the iMac G4 to extend the desktop, but they aren't perfect, and often can end up with a dead logicboard.   Make sure your PRAM battery is under 4 years old regardless.  Also make sure you aren't looking for video resolutions that don't mirror the resolutions available for the LCD on the computer. 

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jan 28, 2014 11:01 PM in response to a brody
    Level 6 (14,304 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 28, 2014 11:01 PM in response to a brody

    And in some limited instances, there is the 'screen span doctor' patch...

     

    •use extended desktop with iBook, iMac g4...

    http://www.rutemoeller.com/mp/ibook/ibook_e.html

     

    Can't say if or how it works, especially after Tiger 10.4.11.

     

    Download link for .dmg... says it is a 108KB file, on D/L:

    http://www.rutemoeller.com/mp/ibook/ScreenSpanningDoctor.dmg

     

    The vga adapter for iBook G4 (mid-2005, etc) fits the iMac 1.25GHz.

    Good luck & happy computing!