eMac gone for consumers but available for schools

MacCentral ^ | Wed Oct 12, 6:37 PM ET | By Peter Cohen MacCentral

[Swordmaker]

In the midst of introducing an updated iMac G5, new iPods and major new release of iTunes, Apple also quietly removed its eMac computer from general circulation. Apple has confirmed the eMac is no longer available, at least for consumers.

“The eMac is no longer available at the online Apple Store or Apple’s retail stores, but we are continuing to offer the eMac on the online education store for institutional customers,” an Apple spokesperson told MacCentral.

The all-in-one eMac incorporates a built-in 17-inch CRT-based display and G4 processor. The system most recently featured a processor clocked at 1.42GHz, and was available with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM “Combo” drive or with a DVD-R “SuperDrive.”

The eMac was originally intended as a lower-cost all-in-one computer specifically designed for and limited to educational institutions following Apple’s introduction of the LCD panel-equipped iMac G4. But public interest in the system caused Apple to rethink its strategy, and within a short period the company began to offer the eMac to consumers too.

“For consumers looking for an affordable all-in-one Mac, the new iMac G5 is a great solution,” said the Apple spokesperson.

The eMac also faced stiff competition for the hearts and minds of penny-pinching consumers with Apple’s own Mac mini. At $499, the Mac mini is Apple’s least expensive Mac yet and $300 less than the eMac — though it eschews amenities included with the eMac, like a built-in screen, speakers, mouse and keyboard

[Swordmaker]

In all the hoopla about the video iPod, Apple discontinued its consumer offering of the eMac, the last CRT based Macintosh.

[Swordmaker]

eMac discontinued except for schools... PING!

Last CRT based Mac... going, going, almost gone...

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.

[Richard Kimball]

Hmmm....interesting.

I just looked at the Apple Store, and it appears that they're slimming down their line significantly. There are only two choices of iMac G5, and both are pretty loaded. They're probably doing this as part of a streamlining to the Intel chips.

[solitas]

eMac discontinued except for schools...

jobs is a FOOL.

[flashbunny]

not really...he's getting rid of the CRT based model and introducing a better LCD version.

[solitas]

"better" is in the eye of the beholder.

[SunkenCiv]

I've always liked the eMac I have access to, but it never appeared to be much more than a white, less curvy version of the original iMac. :')

[antiRepublicrat]

jobs is a FOOL.

CRTs are on their way out all over the industry. Jobs just tends to make big moves first: no floppy, go all USB, go DVI, dump the CRT (which they did years ago for separate monitors), etc.

[daviddennis]

I think it's very difficult to make the iMac for under that $1,299 price point and still maintain margins. The goodies probably aren't that expensive to make.

I'd love to see a $999 iMac but I doubt that it would happen. You can always buy a $999 iBook and I think Jobs feels things are trending that way. I daresay he's right, too.

D