November 18, 2003: Apple Introduces 20” iMac

The first iMac featured a 15" inch CRT screen and translucent plastics. The design motif took over the world for a time (even stud finders were encased in pastel see-through plastic), but Apple moved on.

The next generation of iMacs eschewed the CRT and added a G4 chip among other enhancements. Screen size also got a boost on the high end, so iMacs could be purchased with a 17" LCD monitor.

As LCD prices predictably fell, Apple decided to present iMac users with an expansive option, a floating 20" LCD panel. The monitor checked in at 1680 by 1050 pixels and set users back a cool $2,199. Those with a lust for more screen real estate could start ordering the first 20-inch iMac on this day in 2003.