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Apple Introduces New iMac for Under $900

biz.yahoo.com — Today, Apple introduced a new iMac that only costs $899 for educational customers. The computer features a 17 in. screen, 1.83 Ghz Core Cuo, 512 mb of RAM, 80 gig hard drive, Combo Drive, and Intel integrated graphics. Looks like an awesome deal for students around the world.

Who dugg this? Made popular Jul 5, 2006

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  • foolfromhell, on 10/12/2007, -19/+93Your Title sucks. Face it.
  • pierre, on 10/12/2007, -5/+41Small screen? (17" is perfect unless your a video editor or something)
    Slow processor? (Core duo is very fast, have you tried it?)
    Low ram? (every computer comes with the basic 512, what do you expect 2 gigs default..)
    Tiny HD? (This is for education, not storing re-runs of tv shows and pirated movies)
  • Terc, on 10/12/2007, -5/+37Windows XP Home - $87.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102059
    Microsoft Office 2003 - $159.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102084
    Core Duo T2400 - $256.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819111179
    Core Duo Compat MOBO - $139.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131007
    VGA resolution webcam - 14.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830200001
    power supply - $13.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817182001
    17" lcd monitor - $145.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824224007
    ATX Case - $9.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811212028
    Kb/mouse/skrs - $11.49 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823174003
    Combo Drive - $24.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151087
    80GB hard drive - $42.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144102
    Name brand 512 RAM - $35.19 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145529

    Total = $944.58 Shipping assembly, and it's not going to have the quality screen or case you'll get with the iMac. The majority of these parts are the lowest cost for their purpose, this won't approach the quality of an iMac
  • mrgreen4242, on 10/12/2007, -3/+33Uh, ya, you can build an iMac for $300... suuuure. Show me where I can get a Core Duo, 17" LCD, plus the RAM, HDD (even if a bit skimpy), motherboard, Combo Drive, and case/PSU for $300... then we will start talking about software. Oh, don't forget to throw in the FW webcam and mic, and wifi card, too!

    $900 is a pretty decent deal for this machine, if it weren't for the GMA950 graphics it would be a nice peice of hardware. They could have at least thrown in a 9800 or some other old discreet GPU.
  • chad78, on 10/12/2007, -3/+31eMac has been gone for a while - students can buy whatever they want.
  • titlesaysitall, on 10/12/2007, -5/+31So no more eMac? Heck yes! Can students buy this?
  • cwoolf34, on 10/12/2007, -5/+30I hope you kidding, the 1.83 Core Duo is plenty of juice for any almost any education market. I have the 1.83 Ghz MBP and use it for FCP, Motion, DVD Studio Pro and it has more then enough power. I think it would be better at $799, but it will eventually go down in price.
  • titlesaysitall, on 10/12/2007, -2/+21a Core Duo will kick a sempron ass anyday.
  • arizonagroove, on 10/12/2007, -0/+18"lame misleading headline"

    are you new here?
  • thavok, on 10/12/2007, -2/+19Seems like a great deal of schools and students I'd definetly buy one.
  • weiran, on 10/12/2007, -5/+22Mohonri: A Core Duo 1.83 is worth perhaps 3 times more than that semperon. Now, compare build quality, form factor, noise and software bundle (iLife), and you'll see where the extra money goes.
  • Quix, on 10/12/2007, -2/+15I guess the price issue is the only thing the Apple-haters have left in their blather boxes, now that Apple is running Intel hardware and has the superior OS. Note to haters: Apple will almost ALWAYS cost more than some generic PC equivalent. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Your rants mean nothing here.

    I'll gladly pay a price premium for Apple hardware, not to mention the OS + software. Just like I'll gladly pay more for a burger at Wendy's than one at McDonald's. Why is this so hard for some of you to figure out? Some of us prefer "just works" to "cheap." Yes, I know, I just blew your minds! Get past your irrational Apple-phobia if you can manage it.

    A 17" iMac for $899 is a great machine at a great price.

    P.S. I've built my own Windows PC boxes before. I'm done with all that nonsense, cheaper or not. Time is money. And my happiness is worth more than a couple hundred bucks. Make Mine a Mac.
  • aplardi, on 10/12/2007, -3/+14According to the site, yes.
  • geardosdotnet, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13There is a huge difference between a tower system and a well engineered all in one system. It's not just the specs it's also the space usage and design.
  • LaughingMan11, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10pierre is right on all points except for the RAM.

    I had the chance to play with the Core Duo 1.86 Ghz Macbook with the stock 512 MB of RAM. Unfortunately, the Intel version of Tiger and all of the apps seems to gobble up comparatively more memory than the PowerPC version. Compound this with the fact that Rosetta gobbles up 2 to 3 times the active memory for PowerPC apps, and the fact that with the GMA900 integrated graphics, a slice of memory is reserved for the video chipset, and you've got a recipie for thrashing on Intel macs, especially if you use PowerPC apps.
  • LaughingMan11, on 10/12/2007, -1/+101.86 GHz Core Duo is actually a formidable chip. You can't compare the Core Duo's clock speed directly to that of the Pentium 4. The Core Duo has much shorter, more efficient pipelines, better prefetching, smarter shared L2 cache, and technologies like ops microfusion that means more bang per mhz...

    Compared to the Pentium 4, i'd put a 1.86 Ghz Core Duo into the same performance category as 3.4Ghz Pentiums, but consumes way less power.

  • StarManta, on 10/12/2007, -6/+14Or, anyone who claims to be an education user.

    Just pick some school from the list...they don't check up on you.
  • davidro, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8Is it possible to upgrade the processor on an iMac as you can with the PowerMacs (with a third-party kit)?
  • garyploski, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9I think I know what will be installed in all the labs at work (aka school) now. = D SCORE! Buh-bye Dell.
  • Spanca, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8I believe you can upgrade the Core Duos in the iMacs and Mac Minis. Google it.
  • AhmedB, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10@StarManta, yes that's true, but is it morally correct even though they don't check on you?
  • Terc, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7that should read "Total = $944.58 [plus] Shipping [plus] assembly" (I forgot Digg removes plus signs)
  • robster113, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8not available in the UK education shop (yet)
  • geardosdotnet, on 10/12/2007, -8/+14really can you show me a fully integrated system with a webcam, 17 inch widescreen, 1000mbit ethernet, a small form factor, that runs on the fast and efficiant core duo, that comes with a bunch of good software? The screens on these are really good too, the screen would probably cost at least 400 on it's own.

    This system is a steal, it is 100$ more than the fastest mini but it has a faster processor and a nice screen.
  • dasil003, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7Well for one thing they don't use the cheapest ***** LCD they can find.
  • serpico, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6Funny how PC users never speak about Sony in the same breath as Apple, it's always Dell or a cheaper version no-name brand PC. Sony computers and notebooks cost more than your average Dell, so there is a premium Sony customer's pay too. Apple is not the only one now. Sony has been doing this for years.
  • LaughingMan11, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6You forgot to include the price of the operating system... or... i'm sorry, were you planning on pirating Windows? my mistake.

    Also, comparing a single core 3Ghz Prescott with a Core Duo is not fair. The Core Duo that is used in that iMac is $256.99 on Newegg.
  • ihatewindows, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7That's a great deal. That's more than enough computer for the targeted audience. Most college students use their computers for email, surfing the internet, and word processing. Sure, the specs may not satisfy some of us on here, but for most college students this is a well-spec'd computer for a reasonable price that can fit in any dorm room (even GA Tech!)
  • deadlierchair, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7In the eyes of Apple, there is only the 'education' user. Education users are: college students, teachers, employees of education institutes, and home-schooled people. Check the education web site! (This means this deal, and the free iPod deal, are for any education user!)
  • cyfer2000, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7"Now, if someone will just match their brilliant industrial design and marketing," Can't you see that cost money?
  • geardosdotnet, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6same for Canada
  • Eccles, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Apple is doing a very smart job reusing a small set of great designs. There really is no off-the-shelf PC comparison to the Mac Mini or the iMac; if there was, I'd have bought the former already. So here we have the current 17" iMac with a smaller drive, combo drive instead of DVD, and integrated graphics -- and a $300 lower price. The only combination missing now is a Mac Mini with accelerated 3-D.
  • cheez, on 10/12/2007, -4/+9nice, but is it just for college students, like the buy a mac get a free nano deal?
  • lightningrod220, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6What all of the guys who say "I could build a Windows computer cheaper than that" fail to mention is the price of the OS (they never account for that), or the integrated webcam, and the FrontRow software and remote. Whether you want those or not is irrelevant. Once you've used them on the Mac, you'll wonder how you did without.
  • weneedsound, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Yea, I noticed that too but not bad for the average user. I would set my sister up with one of these to kill the once a month virus/spyware/adware problems she constantly has.
  • soopafly, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7@Terc

    Awesome post!!! You forgot to add wireless card to that though.

    I can see the PC weenies saying, "But, but, but, but...you guys only have a one button mouse." :-/
  • RyanJohnston, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7@Terc: You included $159 for MS Office. While I'm certainly not arguing against the iMac being a great deal for what it is, it was unfair to include MS Office in the price (as the iMac does not come with an office suite preloaded). The total price without Office would be about $100 less than the iMac. With that extra money you could add a wireless card, and get a nicer monitor (perhaps even a 19").
  • michaelschmitt, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Hope the optical drive can be upgraded as one of the build to order options. Didn't see that in the article, though other upgrade options were listed. Why create movies if you can't burn them? Specifically, why let kids create movies in class if they can't burn them and take them home? Anyway, it's still a great bargain, and an external DVD burner is always an option.
  • LaughingMan11, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5The Core Duos in the iMacs are socketed, so yes, you can upgrade it if you wish.

    You should be able to upgrade it with a Core 2 Duo Merom mobile chip when it ships later this year, since it's pin compatible with Core Duo.
  • LaughingMan11, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8KCorax.. i call ***** on your 50$ computer.
  • ZennZero, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5It looks like the two major compromises as compared to the higher-end iMac is the optical drive (combo drive) and the video chipset (integrated intel - same as the macbook and macmini lines). The rest is pretty minor and "correctable" via upgrades: smaller HUD, ram spread across two dim ms, etc.
  • Spanca, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Not showing up in the Australian one either.
  • davidrussell, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Doesn't come with the remote either.

    I think it's perfect for who it's targetted to. I don't understand why people are complaining about inadequate graphic cards, small hard drives, etc. You are the type of people who require more power, more space, etc, and therefore you get it. These computers are targeted towards STUDENTS. And I'm not talking Digital Film or graphics students - I mean students who use a computer for web browsing, email and word processing - school related activities. The basics. Sure, it's a little expensive if that's all you're doing with it - but you ARE paying for the name and the style. No one's denying that. Same reason everyone buys iPods...
  • moracity, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8So I guess a Dell with the same specs is overpriced as well? The iMac is not an "entry-level" computer. An entry-level computer is the $299 Dell with a Celeron.

    Dimension E510 - $937 (lowest model that can be configured with Duo)

    Pentium® D Processor 820 with Dual Core Technology (2.80GHz, 800FSB)
    Genuine Windows® XP Professional
    Genuine Windows® XP Professional re-installation CD
    512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x256M)
    160GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ 8MB cache
    Single Drive: 48x CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive
    19 inch E196FP Analog Flat Panel
    128MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon X300 SE HyperMemory
    Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Dell A225 Speakers
    Dell USB Keyboard
    Dell Optical USB Mouse
    Microsoft Works Suite 2006 - Includes MICROSOFT WORD plus much more!
    Integrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet
    Award Winning Service and Support
    1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr At-Home Service, and 1Yr HW Warranty Support
    Roxio Creator Plus:Burn,Copy CD Music/Data,Backup,Label(CD-RW/DVD+RW only)
    NETGEAR WG111 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter

    This is the cheapest Duo I could configure at Dell.com. You might be able to use a coupon code or edu discount to get a little more off. Of course, Dell doesn't have a desktop pc with an integrated screen. That actually makes a big difference in the edu market. Desk space is limited.
  • Terc, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5@soopafly,
    Built in wireless too!!? Wow, anyone complaining about the price needs to reconsider. I'm assuming this would be Wireless G, (Airport Extreme)
    Add:
    Internal Wireless G Card - $13.99
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833180030

    New Grand total before shipping and assembly = $958.57

    Go ahead and build your own if you think Apple is a ripoff, I'd rather save the extra $60 and get a better looking computer, and a better monitor. Yes, if you want Windows on the Mac, you'll have to pay extra for it, but I'd be willing to give OSX a try, especially considering I'd be saving $60 on a new computer just to give it a try.
  • Harlequn, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5I want an ultra portable mac. don't like wires anymore
  • nTensify, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Terc, you forgot a Bluetooth adaptor, which Apple builds into their WiFi Module now.
  • Chmarr, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5A "Core Duo" is not an "entry level" desktop. It might be entry level for the Mac world (especially with only 512KB), but for the Windows world, "entry level" gets you a Celeron or Sempron processor, and the Core Duo kicks those two CPUs' butts.
  • 5thfreedom, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I just chatted with an Apple sales rep. Unfortunately, the free iPod promotion doesn't apply to the $899 iMac. Bummer.
  • mccoma, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3it's for education (mostly lab use) - lab's don't need the dvd burner (or bluetooth or frontrow)
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