After our
previous coverage of what we thought Macworld would be all about, it has finally come.
Time has an
exclusive all about
the new iMac that has just been announced. First off lets take a look:
Looks pretty cool huh? Lets talk about what you can expect from a system like this.
First off the LCD is 15" and will feature three different models. We only know about one of the models which will feature an 800MHz PowerPC G4 processor, 60GB hard drive, and a CD-RW/DVD combo. The other two models will be more high-end featuring things like a DVD recorder. Prices should be in the $1,299 to $1,800 range.
Aside from this, Apple will also be announcing a new photo editing program called iPhoto where, according to Time, Apple will offer a hardcover 10 page book of your photos for $30. They are also releasing iTunes 2 and iMovies 2, expanding the capabilities of the software in its previous version.
Apple expects to sell 1 million of these iMacs within the year and I think the new iMac will start a craze just as the first iMacs did. Look at this computer, it's a thing of beauty, Apple fans will love it. Although one thing to take into consideration is the price factor. Starting at $1,300 is a bit pricey for 800MHz. I recently purchased a 1.1Ghz Intel Celeron system for my girlfriend for around $600 (without a monitor), so it really depends if people will adapt to Apple's prices. Apple has had relatively higher prices in the past, so it's not something new, but if they had done something as revolutionary as this and figured out a way to drive the price down to start at a sub $1,000 level, I think it would have made a BIG difference. Only time will tell.