WSJ: All iMac G5s not made the same
updated 10:10 am EST, Mon January 17, 2005
iMac G5s not made the same
Apple is one of many companies who are in different parts of the world to counter the effects of globalization or simply counter changes in currency valuation. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple's iMac G5, which is less costly in the US than in other countries, "Indeed, Apple shopper Mr. Caine says he felt ripped off. The iMac G5s Apple sells everywhere except the U.S. and Japan are dual voltage, meaning they can cope with the electrical systems in Fiji, Europe and most of Asia, as well as those in Japan and the U.S. Other Apple products including iPods, the new Mac Mini and its laptops are dual-voltage. Ironically, tweaking products for different regions can increase a manufacturer's costs."
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2002
That does suck
On the positive side, the iMac G5 is supposed to be user serviceable. Hopefully you could replace the power supply purchased from an Apple authorized service center and swap it out yourself if you move to another country and need to be able to run on 220V.
On a related note, I just got the Apple international power adapter kit for iPod and iBook/PowerBook. With both myself and my spouse having iPods and her having an iBook and I a PowerBook, this was a good investment since all of the above products have dual voltage power supplies that use the same inter-changeable plug heads.