Yeah that ThinkSecret article makes no sense. The primary strategy is to lower prices, but they're actually raising the low-end iMac price?
The only way that makes any sense is if the CRT lines (eMac and even original iMac) become the real consumer Macs and the LCD iMac really goes even further into the mid-range category.
I totally agree, I think ThinkSecret just typoed on some prices. If Apple wants to cut prices, a $999 iMac is crucial. And a headless iMac for $599 would be even better. I don't even care about a redesign, just put a VGA port where the chrome bar goes.
I'd like to see two iMac models under $1200 based on what TS says. The prices they list just can't be accurate.
Thinksecret is probably just trolling for page views. They do not even list the supposed specs of the iMacs and instead just make vague references to obvious updates (airport extreme, bluetooth). The iMac price mistake makes the story even look stupider.
This type of rumor is what macosrumors.com normally publishes. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" /> <img src="graemlins/cancer.gif" border="0" alt="[cancer]" />
If I am not mistaken, the current models came out in July of 2000. We had the smaller keyboard and puck before that. Pretty much zero in these technologies in the last four and a half years.
Seems like its time for something else.
Why has Apple waited 13 MONTHS for an update?
What should we expect for an iMac update.
Seems like the only real significant thing is a price drop.
Processor speeds:
100-200 MHZ increase.
Big deal.
Screens will not be bigger than the current 17" model.
Ram goes to PC133.
Wow! I think I built a PC around this tech some 4 years ago.
Graphics WILL NOT go beyond the vast power of the nVidia GeForce 4 MX.
Firewire 800?
No. Apple didn't even find it fit enuff to go in the 12" POWERbook.
Optical drives:
Combos and Superdrives. iMac will get stuck with the 2x Superdrive as Apple feels the 4X to be "PRO" only.
Bluetooth?
Probably
Airport Extreme?
Probably.
Pretty much a yawner here folks.
Seems to me some kind of bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse could be the only wow factor on these new machines.
I dont care much at all about wireless keyboards and mice. A 2 button one would be great, but thats a different thread.
I agree about the yawns, but big price drops are significant, especially like for my mother, who needs something new, but not something impressive. The cheaper the better.
sweet...i have a friend that wants a 1 grand iMac and 15"LCD and minimal spec would be fine since she does not video stuff...just email, iTunes and office....g
Price cuts key to iMac speed-bumps; eMac price cuts only
By Nick dePlume, Publisher and Editor in Chief
February 3, 2003 - Think Secret has learned more details of Apple's tentative plans to announce new iMac models Tuesday, February 4, and that the primary strategy is to lower prices on all consumer models.
The new iMac models are primarily speed-bump editions with the addition of Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme support. That does not include AirPort or Bluetooth cards. Prices will start at US$1299.
In addition, Apple will not be upgrading the eMac line, but will instead lower prices of existing models to stay more competitive, starting at $999 up to $1299.
Sources report Apple's decision to lower prices is based on the current economic climate, price competition from rival Windows-based PCs and surveys taken in Apple retail stores showing customer dissatisfaction with prices. "During the Christmas buying season, we found many customers bringing in ads from competitors literally comparing system prices and features," said one unnamed source who works at an Apple retail Store. "This was reported back to corporate, and they decided this was becoming more of a factor we had to address to continue gaining 'switchers'."
Must be true even <a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/"; target="_blank">this place</a> has info on new iMacs this week. Go figure.</strong><hr></blockquote>
whoa!
i don't even go to the main page anymore... who does, really?
[quote]In addition, Apple will not be upgrading the eMac line, but will instead lower prices of existing models to stay more competitive, starting at $999 up to $1299.
<hr></blockquote>
Uh, yeah, a 100MHz bus, GeForce2MX, and a sub GHz processor is really gonna be "competitive".
Comments
then it would be a price cut
I would still think there would be a $999 model though.
Absolutely sinful Apple could not get an eMAc for around $799.
The current CRT iMac is an atrocity at $799.
Should either be $499 or discontinued.
Maybe we will see tomorrow?
[ 02-03-2003: Message edited by: msantti ]</p>
The only way that makes any sense is if the CRT lines (eMac and even original iMac) become the real consumer Macs and the LCD iMac really goes even further into the mid-range category.
I'd like to see two iMac models under $1200 based on what TS says. The prices they list just can't be accurate.
This type of rumor is what macosrumors.com normally publishes. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" /> <img src="graemlins/cancer.gif" border="0" alt="[cancer]" />
If I am not mistaken, the current models came out in July of 2000. We had the smaller keyboard and puck before that. Pretty much zero in these technologies in the last four and a half years.
Seems like its time for something else.
Why has Apple waited 13 MONTHS for an update?
What should we expect for an iMac update.
Seems like the only real significant thing is a price drop.
Processor speeds:
100-200 MHZ increase.
Big deal.
Screens will not be bigger than the current 17" model.
Ram goes to PC133.
Wow! I think I built a PC around this tech some 4 years ago.
Graphics WILL NOT go beyond the vast power of the nVidia GeForce 4 MX.
Firewire 800?
No. Apple didn't even find it fit enuff to go in the 12" POWERbook.
Optical drives:
Combos and Superdrives. iMac will get stuck with the 2x Superdrive as Apple feels the 4X to be "PRO" only.
Bluetooth?
Probably
Airport Extreme?
Probably.
Pretty much a yawner here folks.
Seems to me some kind of bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse could be the only wow factor on these new machines.
Opinions?
[ 02-03-2003: Message edited by: msantti ]</p>
I agree about the yawns, but big price drops are significant, especially like for my mother, who needs something new, but not something impressive. The cheaper the better.
<strong>The day of reckoning is upon us!</strong><hr></blockquote>
Must be true even <a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/"; target="_blank">this place</a> has info on new iMacs this week. Go figure.
Price cuts key to iMac speed-bumps; eMac price cuts only
By Nick dePlume, Publisher and Editor in Chief
February 3, 2003 - Think Secret has learned more details of Apple's tentative plans to announce new iMac models Tuesday, February 4, and that the primary strategy is to lower prices on all consumer models.
The new iMac models are primarily speed-bump editions with the addition of Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme support. That does not include AirPort or Bluetooth cards. Prices will start at US$1299.
In addition, Apple will not be upgrading the eMac line, but will instead lower prices of existing models to stay more competitive, starting at $999 up to $1299.
Sources report Apple's decision to lower prices is based on the current economic climate, price competition from rival Windows-based PCs and surveys taken in Apple retail stores showing customer dissatisfaction with prices. "During the Christmas buying season, we found many customers bringing in ads from competitors literally comparing system prices and features," said one unnamed source who works at an Apple retail Store. "This was reported back to corporate, and they decided this was becoming more of a factor we had to address to continue gaining 'switchers'."
I only hope for DDR ram and 133mhz bus.
<strong>
Must be true even <a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/"; target="_blank">this place</a> has info on new iMacs this week. Go figure.</strong><hr></blockquote>
whoa!
i don't even go to the main page anymore... who does, really?
nice catch. hahah.
<hr></blockquote>
Uh, yeah, a 100MHz bus, GeForce2MX, and a sub GHz processor is really gonna be "competitive".