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Apple to clear out current Mac minis, older G5s [updated]

On the heels of a succesful clearance of previous generation iPods through online discounter Overstock.com, Apple is reportedly looking to dump existing inventory of Mac minis and previous generation G5 systems through similar outlets.

The company late last week held talks with several online retailers and discounters to discuss terms of the inventory liquidation, according to reliable sources. It\'s believed that Apple will again team with Overstock to move the majority of the inventory.

Some of the Mac systems Apple is looking to discount include \"finished goods\" stock of Mac minis, first generation iMac G5s and Power Mac G5 desktops. Sources said a percentage of the G5-based systems are believed to be refurbrished items, while the stock of Mac minis are new retail models.

The mini, which remains due for a refresh, also saw ship times slip to 5 to 7 business days from Apple\'s online store on Tuesday. Apple has yet to update the mini following its inception in early January, but is expected to do so sometime this quarter as sales slow.

On the other hand, the company\'s current iMac offerings remain hot in their current form. Sources speculate that Apple may have slightly underestimated demand for the all-in-one desktops this quarter. Ingram Micro, one of two major US distributors for Apple in the US, had also run dry of some iMac models on Monday.

It was about a week ago that Apple through Overstock.com succesfully sold through \"thousands\" of previous generation 60GB iPod photos in a day, according to sources. The online discounter offered a savings of $100 on the players.

Update: It appears that HP is also making use of Overstock.com to move excess inventory of previous generation 20GB iPods.  While HP\'s own hpshopping.com lists the grayscale 20GB \"Apple iPod + HP\" for $299.99, Overstock.com is selling the same model for $259.95.