Saying goodbye to Apple\'s eMac

Apple's eMac computer is soon to become nothing more than a collector's item.

Only three years after introducing the eMac for its education customers, sources are reporting that Apple is ready to permanently discontinue the Mac model.

Introduced on April 29th, 2002, the eMac all-in-one desktop was coined "the most affordable G4 system ever." It featured a 700 MHz PowerPC G4 processor and a built-in 17-inch flat CRT display.

In the three-plus years that would follow, the eMac saw only minimal updates, recently topping out at 1.42GHz — a revision Apple introduced quietly in May of this year without notifying the press.

Although the eMac initially served its purpose in catering to educational institutions that required the "complete package" in a single enclosure at a low cost, its CRT-based design has since grown dated.

Today Apple is able to offer its educational customers a more fashionable all-in-one package with its new flat-panel iMac, and a low-cost solution with its sub-$500 Mac mini.

For Apple, the design of the eMac may have also become burden to produce and revise. According to industry source, the eMac's all-in-one enclosure was the most expensive part of the computer to manufacturer and was uneasily modified.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Apple had yet to issue an official end-of-life notice for existing eMacs, but sources familiar with the matter were told by the company not to expect new models.

Providing further evidence of the discontinuation is Apple's own website and online store, both of which appear to be phasing out references to the computer.

Apple is expected to continue to sell the eMac until existing inventory is exhausted.

46 Comments

nathan22t 315 comments · 23 Years

About 19 years ago

goodbye

melgross 33609 comments · 20 Years

I don't know what the sales to ed. customers have been around the country, but they are still popular here in NYC.

It is popular because it is an all in one, and sturdy as well. The price is also popular.

I'm not sure the iMac is a suitable overall replacememt in K-12.

tim1724 4 comments · 20 Years

the eMac is still available to schools through the Apple Store for Education. (it's no longer available to students or teachers to purchase for use at home, but it's still listed on the page for schools to buy equipment)

Don't forget, this started out as an education-only model and it was not released to the general public for several months after it was announced. It has now returned to its original status.

I think it will stick around for a few more months, but eventually I would expect Apple to tell its education customers to buy the Mac mini and get their CRTs elsewhere.

nagromme 2831 comments · 22 Years

Over at MR there's much silly debate over whether the eMac or Mac Mini is "better." Obviously they BOTH have their own advantages.

eMac: faster (HD), speakers, mic, audio-in, all-in-one simplicity, more USB ports, and no hassle of finding your own peripherals. And CRTs are durable in schools. Mac Mini: flexible, small, light, and CHEAP! And not locked into one display. Great for switchers/adders.

If demand for the eMac has dropped, then so be it. But I do wonder if something new might replace it...

I hope Apple starts to sell a low-end LCD or CRT, because otherwise there is no more "one stop shop" for low-end Mac buyers.

PS, I still like my eMac First-gen, 700 Mhz, still going strong.