Apple Drops Classic iMac, Adds Xserve

The original iMac was quietly removed from sale this week, marking the end of a product that long stood as an icon of Apple's rebirth. Built around a 15-inch CRT display, the original iMac debuted in 1998 for just under $1300.

Apple continued to sell the old model as an entry-level computer even after launching the flat-panel iMac in early 2002. Pricing for the original iMac eventually dropped to $799, with Apple updating the all-in-one computer over time to include new technologies such as FireWire and CD burning.

Many credit the popularity of the iMac and its brightly colored design for reviving Apple during a time when PC manufacturers reigned supreme amid an aggressive market. But despite its importance to Apple, the classic iMac received a relatively lackluster farewell.

Remnant inventory of the original iMac can still be purchased through Apple's education store, but the sleeker 17-inch eMac has taken over as the primary Mac for schools.

Replacing the original iMac on Apple's online store is a new Xserve designed for server clustering. The slimmed down cluster configuration features dual 1.33GHz PowerPC G4 processors, but lacks three hard drive bays and optical card.

Priced at $2,799 USD, the new Xserve costs the same as the standard single processor unit, but sports only one gigabit Ethernet port and runs Mac OS X with 10 client licenses, as opposed to unlimited.