The Apple – iMac page has a really odd announcement on it (right, middle) stating that stocks of the old iMac have pretty much run out and the whole line will be replaced in September. The message also apologises to customers for not having a replacement ready.
It’s a weird message. The assorted mac sites have jumped on the message and rumors are flying in all directions: processor shortages, new materials, late redesigns or manufacturing disasters have all been suggested.
The real oddity with the whole thing is the fact that there has been no public announcement of the unit. It wasn’t introduced at the WWDC last week. Why not simply announce it and then explain that it won’t be ready until the end of August? Lots of stories about this too, however it does suggest that the Paris Apple Expo is the most likely candidate for the launch. However I make no prediction on this.
The timescale is odd as well. What exactly can be achieved in 2 months? (or actually about a month and a bit. According to manufacturing sources about 3 weeks are needed to actually get the stuff to retailers). Major redesigns are probably out, processor shortages are hardly unexpected given the situation with IBM at their East Fishkill processor plant. (Is it just me or is there something ironic about a processor plant that uses lots of exotic chemicals having the word Fishkill in it’s title?)
Is there some odd technology or design that can’t be announced until September? Who knows?
It’s unfortunate that this happened now. I was very interested in buying a new iMac to run 10.3 on, but now I have to wait until September. Almost two months away. 🙁
This means that the cocoa version of SQLEditor has been delayed again. Sorry to anyone looking forward to this. I may release a technology demo for anyone still running 10.2.8, but 10.3 will have to wait.
True. Why not go for something a bit more portable, like I did.