Apple Computer's next-generation iMac PC is considered to be the vendor's first foray into the entertainment PC market, research firm Current Analysis noted, adding that the entertainment PC series offers a remote-friendly user interface and a digital camera integrated into the front of its all-in-one display.
The two versions of the new iMac G5 series, the MA063L/A and the MA064LL/A, are slated for release at Apple stores next week, according to Current Analysis quoting Apple's official press release. The MA063L/A features the 1.9GHz PowerPC G5 CPU and 17-inch widescreen TFT LCD display, with a suggested retail price of US$1,299. The MA064LL/A will be priced at US$1,699, with more high-end features including a 2.1GHz processor and 250GB in HDD memory.
As Media Center PCs are approaching half of total desktop PC sales in the US this year, Current Analysis believes that the entertainment PC era has come of age. Sales in the Media Center PC segment reached 46% of the US retail desktop PC market in September, the research firm stated, adding that 73% of the sales do not offer a TV tuner.
In addition to the unique design and multimedia enhancements shown on Apple's next-generation iMac, the vendor also has a proclaimed 75% of the digital player market, Current Analysis noted.
However, Apple is at a disadvantage when it comes to one-on-one price/ performance comparisons, the research firm pointed out.
Media Center PCs bundling PC and LCD monitor capabilities are regularly promoted by retailers for under US$1,000, Current Analysis indicated. In contrast, Apple is taking the high road, with unique differentiators in design and functionality, the research firm said.
Apple has formally joined the entertainment (sans TV) PC race and joined another notable newcomer, Dell, which also just released its first official entertainment PC products last week, Current Analysis indicated. Both Apple and Dell are hoping to capitalize on the market established by Hewlett-Packard (HP), Gateway, and Sony, who all have all experienced bumps and bruises from the three years it took to establish a true market for Media Center PCs, the research firm stated.
Apple's iPod momentum indicates that there is no better time for “switchers,” but whether consumers will dig deeper into their pockets for an iMac has yet to be determined, according to Toni Duboise, Senior Analyst Desktop PCs. What is clear, though, is that both Apple and Dell are attempting to unseat the current market leaders, which will ultimately benefit the momentum surrounding entertainment PCs for the forthcoming holiday season, commented Duboise.
Story source:
digitimes.com.
