Stripped down $499 Mac

January 11, 2005 by Mike Wendland

And here’s welcome news confirming our big buzz item of the last month - there really will be a $499 Mac!MSNBC - Apple unveils low-cost Mac, iPod

Share and Enjoy:

Filed Under:
Tagged:

Comments

9 Responses to “Stripped down $499 Mac”

Karl on January 11th, 2005 4:33 pm

A wonderful Macworld Expo! Some great new software, as well. Hopefully, the new MacMini will finally get more people to realize that Once You Go Mac, You Never Go Back!
Frank McPherson on January 11th, 2005 5:03 pm

If Apple is ever going to seriously compete with Microsoft this may be their best chance ever. The combination of all the security problems that Windows has (spam, viruses, etc.) with a very affordable Mac ought to make for a very compelling justification to by a Mac rather than a Windows machine. If they can’t make a dent in market share now, I don’t think they ever will.
ToeKnee on January 11th, 2005 5:14 pm

Advice for Apple– not that they’ll take it–

Make a low cost “iKVM” switch and bundle it with this Mac mini. I envision people like my engineer nephew who has been hemming and hawing about getting an eMac for a year for use for video editing and unix-geeking, but he hasn’t jumped. Although he might have an extra display, if this thing came with a USB-KVM switch, so he could plug it into the wall, the network, and the KVM switch to share keyboard, mouse, and monitor with his current setup, he’d probably jump on it. He could switch back and forth at will, without leaving his desk or having to grab a different mouse or keyboard.

It would convince a lot of people to try the switch without having to switch completely.

T
jra3 on January 11th, 2005 5:26 pm

Mike,

This “headless” Mac combined with the new iLife suite and and iWork suite - are going to position Apple as a reliable alternative, especially when combined with MS Office. There will be very little that someone can’t do on a Mac - at a competive price. Even more attractive if the buyer is eligible for academic pricing.

Toss on the iPod after-glow — Apple Lives. I’m so glad I switched this fall.
Micah on January 11th, 2005 6:04 pm

Congrats on the mention during Job’s Keynote!!
Phil on January 11th, 2005 9:49 pm

It would be nice to see Mac capture a larger market share, as long as they also maintain the higher quality technology. Phil -Nutrition & Weight Loss
Mike on January 11th, 2005 11:58 pm

Hey ToeKnee.. they do make a sort of “iKVM”.. it even comes in maching colors!

It’s the IOGear USB 2-port KVM. I use it with my PowerMac and PC and it’s FANTASTIC! I just double-tap the ScrollLock key to switch between the two.

Microcenter sells it for $69:
http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0170218

Though you can find it for less elsewhere online. Highly recommended…
Paul R on January 12th, 2005 12:32 am

Reading the MSN article it came as no surprise that it was filled with back handed compliments and FUD.

Maybe they should spend more time fixing their garbage than taking pot shots at Apple.
Larry on January 19th, 2005 5:07 pm

http://www.slickdeals.net/#p5668
P4 2.8 GHz, 533 FSB
256MB SDRAM at 400MHz
17″ Flat Panel (E173FP)
40GB HD
CDRW
Mouse, keyboard, etc.
2 Year Basic Plan Warranty
Free Ground Shipping

$483