“Apple’s pending iMac update will spell the end of the day for the 17-inch iMac, the most affordable computer in the line. The refreshed iMac, currently on track to arrive by the end of June according to sources, will feature just 20- and 24-inch models,” Think Secret reports.
“The decision to axe the smallest iMac comes as display prices continue to track downwards, making the cost difference for Apple between a 17-inch display and a 20-inch display almost negligible,” Think Secret reports.
“Eliminating the low-end iMac will also improve logistics for Apple, which will need to track and stock considerably fewer parts,” Think Secret reports.
Full article, including the rumor that Apple’s 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display may soon grow an inch, here.
Hey Famous Grouse, Thats a sweet idea there. That the new iMacs would come in the same form factor as the Cinema Displays. Instead of just white plastic, optional black, and Aluminum.
I don’t beleive eliminating the 17 inch is a good move. It can fit anywhere. I love the realestate of the bigger screens, but I had to go for a 17 inch because of price and desktop space. I find the 17 inch to be more of a personal size.
But If Apple does drop the price of the 20 inch to the same as the 17 or lower, I will go for one.
In Addition, Apple would have to drop the price of the Mac Mini which is already overpriced.
If they’re launching new iMacs, it’s ENTIRELY possible that these new ones will share the same panels as future Cinema Displays.
Do you work for General Motors?
Yes it’s a great idea from a supply and warehousing point of view, but what happens when they’re sharing self space on the retail floor? How does Apple explain that two identical-looking products are very different, that one is an iMac and one is a monitor?
I get the idea of product-family appearance; you just want to avoid everything looking TOO much alike.
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Not everyone chose the 17″ because of price. Some chose because of limited space. It is unfortunate everything has to be SUPERSIZED. Why?! There are many reasons a smaller computer is necessary. I wish Apple would not assume everyone has unlimited desktop space.
I have a 30″ monitor at work, but at home, on my kitchen counter a 17″ iMac is perfect. Keep the price low and leave us a 17″ please.
This would be just plain stupid decision on Apple’s part, which is why I don’t believe this rumour.
I started out with a PPC 20″, sold it and got the latest version Intel 17″. Why did I drop to a 17″? I wanted a lighter machine and anyway I use it in extended desktop mode, with a 19″ (4:3 aspect ratio) external giving me two for less than the price of one 20″, plus a choice of screen formats as well.
And, the 17″ weighs a lot less than the larger computer and thus more portable, provided one keeps the box it came in. Truth be told, with a wireless keyboard it makes a much better portable than any laptop unless one has to travel by air.
Who needs the 20″ or worse yet the 24″? Get a big external monitor and you get two monitors for the price of one. As for reducing the number of SKUs, just to piss off your customers, that makes a lot of sense.
Well Cpt. Obvious, It doesn’t have to look identical to the cinema desplays.
The Edges would have to be wider, the top would have to be taller to fit the iSight Camera. And it would need a longer bottom to accomidate the speakers.The iMac will be chunkier in every way and everyone will differentiate that.
So it will not entirely look like the cinema display, I just thought that it should take more cues from the cinemas to fit into the Line up. This way it would have a more powerful and professional look, ( Like the MacPro and the Cinema display).
In desktops, the iMac is the Lame duck in the apple lineup, heck even the Mac Mini has more of a Pro look because of the Aluminum casing and sharp edges.