Tech Shout!

Apple Computers has slashed the price of its iMac by $200, claiming signs that it wants to move inventory of the older PowerPC-equipped systems after switching the line last month to Intel’s Core Duo processors.

The 20-inch iMac G5’s new price is $1,499, $200 less than before and only $200 more than the 17-inch PowerPC model.

Apple executives said that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company would continue selling its older iMacs as long as supplies lasted, in a conference call with analysts last month. That is when, Tim Cook, Apple’s chief operating officer, estimated Apple had 4-5 weeks’ worth of systems in stock; he also declined to answer questions about possible price cuts to move the older machines, saying “Apple doesn’t comment about future products or future pricing plans.”

Apple launched its first Intel-based iMacs Jan. 10 at San Francisco’s MacWorld Expo trade show, where chief executive Steve Jobs flaunted the new machines.

The 20-inch iMac G5 comprises of a 2.1GHz PowerPC G5 processor, 512MB of memory, a 250GB hard drive, an optical drive, and integrated wireless and Bluetooth.

The price of the 17-inch iMac G5 remained at $1,299, the same price as the similar-sized Intel iMac.