Apple phasing out eMacs at retail stores
Apple this week has begun phasing our eMacs at its retail store, according to a couple of independent reports. Specifically, the company has begun replacing the eMacs in the children's section with 17-inch iMac G5 computers. No other details are available, but the move does not immediately imply an end to the eMac product line. Instead the changes may simply reflect a shift in strategy at the stores. Insiders believe Apple must continue to produce eMacs for education, as the company offers no other all-in-one solution at the eMac's price point. A revision to the eMac has remained in limbo for the last six months, sources said, and is ready for ramp at the company's discretion.
Comments
Originally posted by DHagan4755
Could Apple lower the price of the iMac G5 to the eMac's price point?
Then what would fill the gap where the iMac used to be?
Originally posted by mynameis
Then what would fill the gap where the iMac used to be?
How about... nothing? Prices are there to go down, not stay the same forever. iMac G5 20" could be $1,299 and the 17" could be something like $899.
Originally posted by Gene Clean
How about... nothing? Prices are there to go down, not stay the same forever. iMac G5 20" could be $1,299 and the 17" could be something like $899.
pretty sure that would not be possible. LCDs have dropped a lot in price, but not that much.
Maybe if they could 'ruggedize' the iMac with a clear Lexan front shield and make it harder to tip over.
Originally posted by Unicron
The eMac's durability is something that the iMac can never approach. The long lasting, abuse-resistant glass CRT screen is a must when dealing kids and pointy objects (like pens and scissors). Plus, the weight of the eMac makes it impossible to tip over and difficult to steal.
Maybe if they could 'ruggedize' the iMac with a clear Lexan front shield and make it harder to tip over.
LCDs are used in schools everywhere. Kids can do damage to anything. LCDs are cheaper due to using less power and easier on the eyes which has lead many to require them for future purchases.
All computers in schools are locked down and therefore the argument that the eMac is difficult to steal because of it's bulk is weak at best. They even have lockdowns for the mac mini now.
Originally posted by DoTheEvolution
LCDs are used in schools everywhere.
All the Apples at my school that I have seen are G4 iMacs. I don't think Apple has any reason to drop the price of the iMac since they are selling pretty well at their current price. However, if they sold G5 iMacs for $899, I would buy one.
Originally posted by rayapple
Could it be that the mac mini is replacing the eMacs?
If the next eMac were a g5 then keep it on. If it's another g4, what's the point?
After the warranty expires, an all-in-one with a crt is a big liability...
The iMac 17" can and should be sold for 999. They already do it for edu institutions, and the price differences between that model's components and those in the retail model are negligible at best. Basically, they're both so low, that there's no real benefit in terms of savings --it is done more so to protect sales of higher end models.
That said, CRTs are awfully tired in 2005, and 999 for a 17" LCD system is by no means "cheap"
It's actually just right, and provides some really nice up-sell potential for those unsuspecting customers who wander in looking for a Mini.
Originally posted by mynameis
All the Apples at my school that I have seen are G4 iMacs. I don't think Apple has any reason to drop the price of the iMac since they are selling pretty well at their current price. However, if they sold G5 iMacs for $899, I would buy one.
I agree, except I would be in only if the sold the 20" for $899, I might even buy two or three. It only seems fair.
If Apple does keep the eMac, I'd like to see a redesign with a true-flat CRT (same size) and a lower price. There's no reason for a CRT-based computer to be much more than $600 today, and Apple could squeeze more into education markets with a competitive price.
Oh, and lose the white color scheme. White is great for slim, tiny designs, but for a cow like the eMac, white only makes it look like a great big whale. Make it look cool, give a black and red color scheme that kids will see and go "oooohhhh, that's bad-aaaaassssssssss!"
Originally posted by Junkyard Dawg
Oh, and lose the white color scheme. White is great for slim, tiny designs, but for a cow like the eMac, white only makes it look like a great big whale. Make it look cool, give a black and red color scheme that kids will see and go "oooohhhh, that's bad-aaaaassssssssss!"
Somehow I think you would be hard pressed to get Bono to sign off on a U2 eMac.