AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

The New iMac is here

Apple just unveiled the new iMac models at a Paris trade show. The design is quite a bit different than the pole lamp look of the current iMac. The new model, using the powerful G5 processor looks like a tablet PC on a reversed L-shaped bracket. All of the electronics are built into the base of the display. The main unit is only about 2" wide. At prices ranging from $1299 for the base model with a 17" screen to $1899 for a 20" model, the new iMac is on the expensive side for home computers, but then again Macs have always been about 20% more expensive than Windows PCs. The ease of use and built-in software, not to mention the style factor can make up for the difference.

My first impression is that Apple made a big mistake in shipping the computer with only 256 MB of DRAM. If you are selling a computer at a premium price, you really should put enough memory in it to function at a premium level. I have the same opinion regarding the Bluetooth wireless card, which is optional. If you design a product so that a key atribute is reducing the cord clutter to a single power cord, then you should not charge an extra $49 just so users can add a wireless keyboard and mouse.

By the time you get done adding memory and bluetooth, you're looking at paying at least $200 more than the base price.

Apple - iMac G5