eMac still with 256MB RAM

[MacSA]

What reason could Apple have leaving the eMac with 256MB now that every other computer has 512 - even the Mac mini? How easy would it be for them to change this - i'm assuming it wouldn't be a major redesign.

 

[Chundles]

Cause they can, it saves them money.

 

[oingoboingo]

What reason could Apple have leaving the eMac with 256MB now that every other computer has 512 - even the Mac mini? How easy would it be for them to change this - i'm assuming it wouldn't be a major redesign.

There would be no redesign required at all to ship the eMac standard with 512MB of RAM. All that would change is that a 512MB DIMM would be inserted into the machine at assembly time instead of a 256MB DIMM.

Unless someone has access to Apple's confidential marketing and financial documents, there's probably no way to know the real reason as to why the combo drive model eMac is still shipping with 256MB standard when all other members of the Mac family ship with at least 512MB. Maybe Apple's market research has determined that prospective combo drive eMac buyers aren't making 512MB of RAM a priority in their purchasing decision. Maybe the margins on the combo drive eMac only allow for a 256MB DIMM to be included at this time. Maybe the product manager for the combo drive eMac inventory is allergic to 512MB DIMMs. Maybe Steve just hates combo drive eMac buyers.

We'll never know. In the meantime, shell out for some extra RAM.