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Apple Launches $1099 21.5-Inch iMac With 3.3 GHz Dual-Core i3 Processor for Educational Institutions

Tuesday March 5, 2013 1:03 pm PST by Eric Slivka
Apple appears to have quietly introduced an updated version of its low-end 21.5-inch iMac for educational institutions, taking advantage of a cheaper dual-core Intel Core i3 processor and integrated graphics to offer pricing of $1099, $200 cheaper than the entry-level pricing for consumer models. The education-only iMac, which carries a model number of ME699LL/A, also includes just 4GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive, while the low-end consumer model doubles both of those figures.
iMac 21.5-inch: 3.3GHz Dual-core Intel Core i3 (Education only model)
Product Number : ME699LL/A

- 3.3GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i3
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 4GB (two 2GB) memory
- 500GB hard drive
- Intel HD Graphics 4000
imac_education_i3
It is unclear exactly when Apple began offering the new iMac for educational institutions, but it appears to be a very recent addition to Apple's lineup. The machine replaces the previous $999 iMac for educational institutions introduced over 18 months ago and is positioned to appeal to budget-conscious schools.

Potential customers should note that the $1099 iMac is only available for purchase by educational institutions and is not available to individuals making purchases through Apple's educational discount program. Orders are currently quoted as shipping in 5-7 business days, slightly longer than the 3-5 day estimates for other models through the Apple Store for Educational Institutions.

Consumer models of the iMac ordered through the regular online store in North America just saw their shipping estimates improve to "within 24 hours" earlier today. Apple has also lowered pricing on the 768 GB flash storage upgrade on the 27-inch Mac, dropping the upgrade charge from $1300 to $900.

Related Roundup: iMac
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macnerd93
73 months ago

Don't know why budget-conscious schools don't buy PCs. PCs are far better than Mac even though I'm a Mac, iPhone, and iPad user. :confused:


Umm my old college had Macs in the design, Art and Media department. I did media at college and used the iMacs. You may think PCS are cheaper, but in the long run they are far more expensive to maintain and keep working properly. I don't recall ever seeing an IT tech doing anything to any of the Macs and we had over 500 in the one building. It was a daily occurrence them going round fixing crashed PCS though in other parts of the college LOL. They also have to run constant updates on the PCS and make sure all anti virus stuff is working correctly.
Rating: 13 Votes
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komodrone
73 months ago
yay. true reason why we needed a thin edge? anti-obesity.
Rating: 13 Votes
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brand
73 months ago

Macs are easier to use and harder to screw up. That's why they're used in schools. Kids know even less about computers now than they did in the 80s.


You really don't have a clue do you?
Rating: 12 Votes
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WestonHarvey1
73 months ago

Don't know why budget-conscious schools don't buy PCs. PCs are far better than Mac even though I'm a Mac, iPhone, and iPad user. :confused:


Why do you use a Mac when PCs are far better?

Macs are easier to use and harder to screw up. That's why they're used in schools. Kids know even less about computers now than they did in the 80s.
Rating: 11 Votes
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Xikum
73 months ago

Actually, it's "Mac", not MAC. Back to school for you friend. :)

And $1099 for a powerful computer is a good price. Back when I was in school, Macs cost upwards of $5000.


This computer is not "powerful", especially considering it costs $1099. It's a desktop computer that doesnt even feature a dedicated GPU! That is astounding terrible, given the price of the thing.

Educational facilities are normally run on highly monitored, shoestring budgets. I simply dont see any normal institution spending this kind of money on something so weak, considering what $1099 will get you when it comes to buying Windows-based machines, subtracting bulk-buy discount.
Rating: 9 Votes
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realeric
73 months ago
Don't know why budget-conscious schools don't buy PCs. PCs are far better than Mac even though I'm a Mac, iPhone, and iPad user. :confused:
Rating: 7 Votes
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amerdian
73 months ago
I really don't know about this model. I mean, if $200 gets you an i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and the very decent GT 640M as opposed to the integrated graphics, I think that any consumer wanting to get one of these iMacs would still choose all of the above over a $200 discount. But this is hardly a discount for schools, it is just a lower-price option.
Rating: 6 Votes
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jrswizzle
73 months ago

If only Apple offered a powerful computer for $1099...


:rolleyes: lol, I'm sure us lowly users of iToys and kiddie iMacs have no clue about what REAL users think is powerful....

Get over yourself.
Rating: 6 Votes
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usersince86
73 months ago

Don't know why budget-conscious schools don't buy PCs. PCs are far better than Mac even though I'm a Mac, iPhone, and iPad user. :confused:


I don't deny that you think they're better, that's cool... but why do you believe that "PCs are far better than Mac [sic]"?
Rating: 5 Votes
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Ice Dragon
73 months ago
Sorry to be a downer though for that price, I am not impressed at all.
Rating: 5 Votes

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