g4 soft mod


repurposed electronics, custom screensaver / ongoing

This project centers on the iMac G4 from 2002, a once-iconic object now slowly succumbing to technological obsolescence. Its essential digital life, the required Wi-Fi protocols and software support ended a long time ago, leaving it in a state of operational limbo. The device can do nothing but think inside its original case, eventually falling to sleep mode, counting digital sheep, and dreaming of the clouds it can no longer connect to.

The iMac G4 is an early case study in so-called planned obsolescence: a strategy by tech brands to intentionally limit a device's lifespan. The contrast with modern devices is sharp; today's electronics, like many current smartphones, are often non-reparable, sealed with glue and welding. The G4, however, was built at a time with a greater focus on device transparency, which is what makes it uniquely moddable.

The Relevance of Modding

The practice of modding, which started out as a hobby in online spaces, has grown significantly in relevance in times of global crises and increased intransparency from tech brands. Modern electronics depend on rare earth materials and microchips, often sourced from volatile supply chains in China and parts of Taiwan, which are vulnerable to geopolitical and ecological shocks.

In these scenarios, repurposed older devices, kept alive through modification and community support, present a resilient and resource-efficient alternative. This is a direct, practical response that aligns with the growing global movement for the 'Right to Repair,' pushing for laws that require brands to provide the means for device maintenance. This is why the G4, built with a transparent design, holds unique significance: even as time overtakes its original functions, its moddability allows the community to keep it alive and functional.