Apple limits $899 edu iMac

Apple today quietly pulled its newly introduced $899 iMac from its online education store. The entry-level configuration released last week for the education market that features scaled-down specifications when compared to Apple's two retail configurations is no longer available to individuals, though institutions can still purchase the systems. The education iMac was nearly identical to its consumer counterpart with the exception of an Apple remote and dedicated GPU, featuring a smaller 80GB hard drive and a Combo optical drive. When contacted by MacNN, Apple sales representatives were unable to provide an explanation beyond saying that the company made the change on Wednesday and that it was no longer available to education individuals for purchase.

Industry pundits have speculated the move was an attempt to channel sales directly to institutions, suggesting that the lower-priced configuration may have been cannibalizing sales of its other higher-margin retail configurations which are offered a slight discount to education customers. The $899 iMac is still available to educational institutions with an estimated ship date of 1-3 days.

by MacNN Staff