Tech Shout!

Apple has announced a new version of the iMac, which is available only and only to the education-based users. The latest version of the iMac is priced $400 below its counterparts and will ship immediately at a price of $899 USD.

Though this new launch is supposed to replace Apple’s aging eMac educational computer line, the Cupertino, Calif. company said that it would continue to sell the eMac until supplies run out, however the system is no longer in production. The move by Apple to bring its educational line to the Intel platform means than only the Power Mac remains as a PowerPC-powered system.

The educational iMac includes a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 17-inch display, 512MB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, combination DVD-read/CD-write drive, built-in wireless networking, five USB ports, and two FireWire 400 ports.

Those who select the cheaper model over the $1,299 iMac would be letting go half the hard drive space, a SuperDrive, built in-Bluetooth and a more powerful graphics card.

As with the typical iMac package, all machines include the embedded iSight camera and iLife ‘06. Apple has preloaded Mac OS 10.4.6, although consumers would have to self-upgrade to the newest version of the operating system, 10.4.7.

The latest iMac includes connectivity options such as built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking; built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11g WiFi for up to 54 Mbps fast wireless networking; and a total of five USB ports (three USB 2.0) plus two FireWire 400 ports.

Besides, every iMac comes with the latest release of Mac OS X version 10.4.6 “Tiger” including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row, and Photo Booth.

The iMac for education incorporates a Combo drive for burning CDs and reading DVDs; 512MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable up to 2GB; and hard drive storage capacity up to 160GB. What’s more…the customer can also go in for iWork ‘06, Apple Remote, and USB Modem to be included at an extra cost, the company said.

Education is a big market for the ace PC manufacturer; the back to school season is typically one of Apple’s busiest behind the holiday shopping quarter.

The iMac for education is immediately available through the Apple Store for Education at www.apple.com/education/store. Alternatively, interested customers can call an Apple education sales representative at 800-800-APPL.