Apple Beefs Up eMac Family

Apple Computer Tuesday revised its consumer and education desktop product line with enhancements to its eMac series.

The Cupertino, Calif.-based computer maker said the latest versions of its all-in-one 17-inch CRT desktop start with at $799 for a 800MHz G4 with Combo drive and ramps up to $1,299 for a 1GHz G4 with 4x SuperDrive, ATI Radeon 7500 graphics, up to 80GB hard drives and internal support for AirPort Extreme 802.11g wireless networking.

The eMac also includes built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and 56K V.92 modem for the wired set. With five USB ports and two FireWire ports.

Build-to-order options and accessories include additional memory, AirPort Extreme Base Station and AirPort Extreme Card, and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Primarily Apple’s education vehicle, the desktop units were the last major hardware device to get a speed bump to the 1GHz level. Even before the improvements, the company says its eMac has scored success outside of the classroom because of its inexpensive qualities and included software.

“The eMac has been a hit with both education customers and consumers, and we’ve made it more powerful and affordable than ever,” said Apple Hardware Product Marketing vice president Greg Joswiak.

In addition to Mac OS X version 10.2 “Jaguar,” each eMac also includes AppleWorks, Internet Explorer, Quicken 2003 Deluxe and WorldBook Encyclopedia 2003 Edition. The units all come standard with Apple’s iLife software including iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD.

Noticeably absent is any Bluetooth support, which is present in Apple’s Power Mac towers and its lamp-shaped iMacs through USB.