Apple to sell sub-$500 system?

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2004-12-29 01:26pm

As seen on ThinkSecret...
http://www.thinksecret.com/news/0412expo2.html

Apple is apparently supposed to release a $499 headless iMac at the Macworld Expo this January.

The article explains Apple's reasons, and it actually makes good sense.

It'd be a cheap G4 system, with USB 2.0, Firewire, ethernet, an Airport Extreme slot, a 1.25 GHz G4, Combo drive, VGA and DVI, and the basic software (latest Mac OS X + iLife + AppleWorks). I like the fact that it has AppleWorks, since not all Macs have that and it can open most Office documents.

I might consider buying this...

ASSUMING it has a decent graphics card, or at least a slot for one. I'd be happy with the iMac's Geforce FX 5200 Ultra for this priced system.

Also seen on SlashDot
http://apple.slashdot.org/article.pl?si ... =137&tid=3
And MacRumors
http://macrumors.com/

Vohu Manah · Post by **Vohu Manah** » 2004-12-29 02:12pm

I can't see them releasing this with better specs than an eMac, but that is just me. The reasoning is sound for Apple to do it, but I understand their reservations for not. We'll see in January.

CDS · Post by **CDS** » 2004-12-29 02:25pm

If only they had means of releasing a cheaper version of the iBook or PowerBook. I'm happy with my linux'd workstation, but an apple laptop I'd love

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2004-12-29 02:30pm

Vohu Manah wrote:I can't see them releasing this with better specs than an eMac, but that is just me. The reasoning is sound for Apple to do it, but I understand their reservations for not. We'll see in January.

January they will probably also update the eMac, so by the time this comes out the specs will be weaker than the eMac.

Post by **Mr Bean** » 2004-12-29 02:41pm

Price has always been a sticking point with Apple which is why my first thought when they said "sub 500" is that it was just going to be the box and nothing else

But Emachines and Dell already have that part of the market locked up and those who only want to spend $500 on a computer and know nothing about them... for the most part already have one

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2004-12-29 06:56pm

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=802

Appleinsider has more info. They say the price will be below $600 (meaning it may be $599, or it could be $499 as ThinkSecret reports...thinksecret has a fairly good record, though), two USB 2.0, one Firewire port, VGA and DVI, and have a power brick like the laptops.

Wicked Pilot · Post by **Wicked Pilot** » 2004-12-29 08:14pm

Cheap or not, it's still an Apple, and only socialist and bare foot hippies use Apples.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2004-12-29 08:19pm

Hah! I'll believe the Pizza Box Mac when I see it.

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2004-12-29 08:44pm

Wicked Pilot wrote:Cheap or not, it's still an Apple, and only socialist and bare foot hippies use Apples.

This post isn't even worth the effort it takes me to write this reply...

Wicked Pilot · Post by **Wicked Pilot** » 2004-12-29 09:00pm

Praxis wrote:This post isn't even worth the effort it takes me to write this reply...

That's right, back to the bong with you Apple boy!

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2004-12-29 09:44pm

Wicked Pilot wrote:
Praxis wrote:This post isn't even worth the effort it takes me to write this reply...
That's right, back to the bong with you Apple boy!

An Apple a day keeps the Gates away

darthdavid · Post by **darthdavid** » 2004-12-29 10:01pm

Praxis wrote:
Wicked Pilot wrote:
Praxis wrote:This post isn't even worth the effort it takes me to write this reply...
That's right, back to the bong with you Apple boy!
An Apple a day keeps the Gates away

I'll take my penguin suppository over your apple any day of the week.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2004-12-29 10:03pm

Back on-topic, please

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2004-12-30 01:35am

I think this is actually very logical on Apple's part. I've seen people on other forums that have gotten hooked on the iPod and are interested in finding a cheap Mac to try out. It'd be a brilliant move on Apple's part.

Vohu Manah · Post by **Vohu Manah** » 2005-01-11 02:37pm

I realize that this might be considered thread necromancy but the announcement has been made, Think Secret was spot on with the rumor (Mac mini). Other announcements include the iPod Shuffle ($99 - $149 iPod (512mb & 1gb respectively)), iWork (word processor and Keynote bundle), and the iLife '05 suite.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2005-01-11 03:07pm

/me eats his shoe

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2005-01-11 05:41pm

at phongn