Should Apple make a "Budget iMac" in 2010?

[EliteF50]

I was thinking that Apple should create a "Budget iMac" for the average consumer who doesn't need all the power the 21.5" base iMac offers, but wants an All-In-One for tidiness. I think if Apple were to release a machine like in the picture below for $799 USD, $849 CAD, they'd sell a lot more Macs.

What do you think?

 

[bumzo1]

you spelled "duo" wrong but other than that its a good idea. I know that apple still makes the white 17" iMac but that's only for education.

 

[TheHumphries]

I don't foresee that happening. At that point, it would be better for the consumer to just purchase a macmini. Spend less and use the existing monitor they have.

That price point wouldn't be profitable for Apple at all. They would have to redesign everything. Have to get another model manufactured (cost them more money), marketed, and stocked and distributed.

I understand what you are say and that WOULD be nice, but giving too many options can hurt a company more than help. Plus the existing iMac for $1200 USD is a great system at a very nice price point.

 

[EliteF50]

I know what you mean, but Apple needs to offer cheaper displays or something. At least add a mouse and keyboard to the Mac Mini. For $650, people can get a much better PC.

I'm not sure why the Mac Mini costs so much.

you spelled "duo" wrong but other than that its a good idea. I know that apple still makes the white 17" iMac but that's only for education.

Fixed.

 

[spencers]

No.

 

[powerbook911]

Apple has to be careful not to hurt the more expensive lines too. Personally, I don't mind that Macs start at around $1,000, besides the Mini. The Mini is there for the low end.

Otherwise, let the Mac keep its status.

 

[knewsom]

I know what you mean, but Apple needs to offer cheaper displays or something. At least add a mouse and keyboard to the Mac Mini. For $650, people can get a much better PC.

I'm not sure why the Mac Mini costs so much.

It's pretty, made out of aluminum, and its tiny. It's also got an Apple logo on it.

That's like asking why the BMW 3 series is so expensive. Pretty unremarkable cars, but PRICEY.

 

[EliteF50]

It's pretty, made out of aluminum, and its tiny. It's also got an Apple logo on it.

That's like asking why the BMW 3 series is so expensive. Pretty unremarkable cars, but PRICEY.

Consumers aren't idiots, they know when something is worth the money. The least Apple could do is include a wireless keyboard/mouse in the Mac Mini.

 

[knewsom]

Consumers aren't idiots, they know when something is worth the money. The least Apple could do is include a wireless keyboard/mouse in the Mac Mini.

Some of the most successful businessmen in the history of the world would disagree with you entirely.

...and Apple's sales figures would as well.

 

[racer1441]

No. Apple is as much about good hardware and software as it is about having good products.

Let Acer and Dell deal with the little people.

 

[dejo]

Consumers aren't idiots...

Actually, a lot of the time they are.

The least Apple could do is include a wireless keyboard/mouse in the Mac Mini.

That would go against their whole BYODKM philosophy. What about the people who already have them? And besides, you can buy those with the Mac mini if you need them.

 

[scroto]

No. Apple is as much about good hardware and software as it is about having good products.

Let Acer and Dell deal with the smart people.

Fixed

 

[knewsom]

Fixed

Mind telling me what you're doing on this website then?

 

[fa8362]

Very bad idea. There's no profit in $800 all in one computers.

 

[daxomni]

Consumers aren't idiots, they know when something is worth the money.

The advertising industry has repeatedly proven that assumption dead wrong.

 

[Eidorian]

Very bad idea. There's no profit in $800 all in one computers.

You'll end up buying a tower and display regardless.

Has the educational iMac been updated beyond a 20" 9400M G model yet?

 

[cmaier]

I'm not sure why the Mac Mini costs so much.

It's called "price support." If the spread between the cheapest and next cheapest machine is too big, no one will buy the next cheapest machine.

 

[fa8362]

For $650, people can get a much better PC.

No, they can't...although they might think they can. Regardless, Apple obviously doesn't care about courting folks who think they can get a much better PC for the money.

 

[Eidorian]

No, they can't...although they might think they can. Regardless, Apple obviously doesn't care about courting folks who think they can get a much better PC for the money.

Have you looked at the complete systems available for US$650?

 

[fa8362]

Have you looked at the complete systems available for US$650?

Irrelevant. If you want a mini, you want a mini.

 

[thegoldenmackid]

Irrelevant. If you want a mini, you want a mini.

Agreed, the real need would be something between the Mac Pro and iMac that was reasonably priced.

 

[knewsom]

Agreed, the real need would be something between the Mac Pro and iMac that was reasonably priced.

Here we go again...

 

[thegoldenmackid]

Here we go again...

I don't see either one happening, but I'd say that's more of a desire then a under-speced iMac.

 

[senseless]

I saw a netbook selling at a local supermarket for $179. If this is where the low end of the market is going, let them have it.

 

[cmaier]

I saw a netbook selling at a local supermarket for $179. If this is where the low end of the market is going, let them have it.

Plenty of room to go before they pop out of gumball machines.