“Even for self-styled Mac pros, the introduction of the consumer-friendly iMac remains a watershed event in the history of Apple. Between its striking industrial design and appealing specs, the entry-level desktop system proved that master marketer Steve Jobs was truly back in Apple’s saddle: The all-in-one system’s distinctive aura of one-button consumer cool recalled the earliest Mac models, but its sub-$1,500 price point appealed to a far wider audience than those $3,000, mid-’80s trailblazers.” Read the rest of the analysis at ExtremeTech.
Analysis: New iMacs For The New Year?
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Eugenia Loli
Ex-programmer, ex-editor in chief at OSNews.com, now a visual artist/filmmaker.
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The original iMac was more than just a cute design. It was also one of the most price competitive macs ever produced (at the time). The all-in-one case design and color welcomed the non-traditional computer user in the same way that the first Macintosh did, and the simple setup, port configuration etc, didnt overwhelm those users like the crowded “technical” back of “Pro” Mac’s and PC’s did. The iMac appealed to a whole new segment of the market who were never really that interested in the standard “beige” box, at a friendly price.
Last July, Apple speedbumped the iMac and eliminated the $799 models. Many insiders saw this as a preperatory move to “brace” the community for increased prices of flat panel iMacs. With off the shelf PC’s pushing $500 I dont think the market will allow a $1000 iMac whos only distinguishing feature is a 15 in TFT, and chances are $1000 is the LOW end. The new iMac has to offer more, it has to be something that a $500 bargain shop PC cant. I’ve heard a tablet concept bandied about, this might be supported by the fact that a laptop maker was contracted to make them.
Well I am kinda speculating that Apple will deliver all iMacs with a standard DVD/CD-RW drive and then you will have a choice of more powerful models with the G4 as a teaser option since the G5 is on its way to become reality and is fast gaining popularity from the media and analysts alike. It is about time for the G3 to move on and make room for the G4s and G5s in the near future!
>It is about time for the G3 to move on and make room for the G4s and G5s in
>the near future!
I believe IBM begs to differ…:-)