Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1999/03/23/imac_famine_paves_way/

iMac famine paves way for newer, cheaper version

Apple appears to be entering inventory clearing mode

By Tony Smith

Posted in On-Prem, 23rd March 1999 13:39 GMT

Sources in the US suggest Apple is already running down stocks of the multi-colour iMac line in preparation for the release of the next version, codenamed C2, less than three months after the current machine's introduction. According to Web site MacOS Rumors, US retail giant CompUSA is already listing all five flavours of the latest iMac, the so-called 'Revision C' version, in its inventory system as no longer shipping Apple product. In addition to paving the way for the Rev. C2 iMac Apple may be limiting the availability of the current machines to help clear the large stocks that remain of older Rev. A and Rev. B iMacs. It's a move that makes some sense, in that it encourages users to opt for the cheaper models to clear inventories, and it ensures that the company and its channel partners won't again have to face the same problem of what to do with all those 'obsolete' versions of the rapidly evolving iMac they can no longer shift because everyone wants the latest model. The Rev. C2 iMac is also expected to introduce a significant price cut on the iMac line, despite increased processor power (possibly taking the machine to 333MHz to better compete with seemingly faster Celeron-based PCs) thanks to its use of a new motherboard that uses less expensive consumer PC components. The current iMacs are essentially PowerBook portables in a desktop casing -- for example, the computer's monitor is even connected to the motherboard via a standard VGA video-out port, and the machine uses a slimline portable-oriented CD-ROM drive. ®