Apple Kills CRTs, Releases iMac for Education
Published July 05, 2006
Apple has announced a new model of iMac, available exclusively for Education customers. It replaces the eMac, which was the last model of computer Apple sold that still included a CRT monitor. No more CRT-based computers are being produced by Apple, and as soon as existing stock of the eMac runs out, only flat-panel LCD displays will be available.
The new $899 iMac is a third iMac option, but only available to people shopping in Apple's Education Store. The specifications for the new computers are very similar to those of the low-end $1299 iMac ($1199 for Education shoppers). Both use a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor and feature a 1440x900 widescreen 17" LCD monitor. Both models also feature built-in iSight camera and Airport Extreme (802.11g wireless), as well as a software bundle that includes iLife '06 and Front Row from Apple, as well as third-party software like Quicken and some games.
Both machines feature 512MB of memory, though the Education model uses two smaller chips rather than one larger chip. The new model's hard disk is half the size, at 80GB. The new model can read DVDs and write CDs, while the existing model features a SuperDrive that can write to even dual-layer DVDs. The Education model also comes with a less-powerful video card, and lacks built-in Bluetooth and the Apple Remote Control.
The question for Education consumers is whether the larger hard disk, the SuperDrive, the nicer video card, Bluetooth, and the Apple Remote are worth the extra $300. The question for Apple is whether they will eventually make this newer model available to non-Education consumers.
When Apple originally released the eMac, it was intended as a low-cost option for schools, but demand for the unique features — and low price — of the eMac caused Apple to open it up to non-Education shoppers. In this case, the new low-end iMac has no unique features, so it is competing with other iMac models on price alone.
At least one missing feature of the new iMac is surprising. By excluding the Apple Remote, Apple is sending the clear message that this Education product is intended for classrooms, not dorm rooms. While college students might be okay with the smaller disk and the lack of gaming power or DVD-burning, the lack of the Apple Remote makes the new iMac nearly useless as an entertainment center for the dorm. The Apple Remote is available separately for $26 (through Apple's Education Store), but it is unclear whether or not the low-end iMac contains the necessary infrared receiver.
The new iMac is available immediately.
- Apple Kills CRTs, Releases iMac for Education
- Published: July 05, 2006
- Type: News
- Section: Sci/Tech
- Filed Under: Sci/Tech: Computers
- Writer: Phillip Winn
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Let me get this off my chest. Apple, read, Apple has some good products i.e. ipod, the Extreme Airport WAP, itunes, but, the mac?!?!?!?
The Mac is a nice toy and is good for what it does and thats about it. If the Mac was "all that" as the mac nutswingers claim it to be, they why the shift to intel and running windows, i'll tell you why, because THE MAC FUCING SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, i misspelled "FUCKING". i'll get that out of the way. I shall explain why macs suck in one word: Proprietary (mac users, open up safari and go to google LMAO!)
In reading these comments I am wondering what other operating systems and hardware some of the posters have used. As a user of Windows, MacOS, Linux, Solaris, Irix, and a few other operating systems, I have found Apple's MacOS X based systems and their newer Intel based hardware to be solid products with a wide variety of applications for various tasks. Also Mac systems have been far from proprietary in the years I have been using them. Yes there are some proprietary applications, but that applies to most operating systems and hardware. I use MacOS and Windows based systems on a daily basis and I move seamlessly between networks, office and multimedia applications, storage media, printers and other technologies. One reason to offer a dual boot Mac that runs on an Intel architecture is to provide users that must run certain Windows only applications a means to experience the simplicity of the MacOS and encourage further application development. I consider this similar to running multiple operating systems on a Sun Ultra Workstation that uses an AMD chip architecture, and I don't consider those systems toys either.
As far as Web browsing goes, I use Safari, Firefox, Netscape, and Internet Explorer (Microsoft only recently stopped developing IE for the Mac) on my Mac for testing web applications and sites (not all through Google), before booting into Windows XP and testing in that environment. I also run Microsoft Office on both platforms along with the Open Source OpenOffice that provides similar non-proprietary capabilities on both platforms.
I hope this helps to inform everyone about some of the options that are available. If you are looking toward a home media center type solution, you can get a USB TV Tuner for the Mac and watch Television and use your Mac like a DVR, while seamlessly switching between your music library, digital photo collection and DVD movies. If a 20" display works for your primary viewing you have a very nice networked media center, but hey you can always hook your system up to a projection system and surround speakers for the theater experience.
Pfiuuu ! Why are people always arguing bad about Mac OS or Windows or Linux !? Why not just let them choose the one they want, and if it suits them...
I'm personaly happy with my mac: not one crash nor loss of data in 3 years, and beautiful environment... My friends who use a PC with Windows can't say that, but on the other hand, they experience great time with games I can't accommodate on my mac.
That's just it. Choose the OS you are happy with, and let others do the same with their computers !
Then... sorry for my english which is not my mother tongue.
No, they're switching to intel to run windows because they're hardware is much better than any normal PC, and if you can play top of the line games on mac then that corners every aspect of the market. Why else would you have a pc if it wernt for gaming?
I own a new Intel Mac and it runs rings around any pc i've ever owned. Windows is faster on my Mac than on my 3.2Ghz Intel Desktop. I can play any games on Windows and swith over to mac when it's time for editing or creating new media. Once you go Mac, you never go back.
All valid points, i will cop to the fact that Apple has done a few thing right with the mac. Though, at the end of the day IBM-compatable PC's running windows dominate and i'm gonna go where the work is. Take that as you will
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I'm still debating whether I'd be happy with one of these for my home.