anuary 24th 2009 marks the 25th anniversary for the Macintosh. While we don’t expect Apple to release anything special for the occasion, it’s still fun to speculate on what may come.
Architosh amusingly lists off three products they’d like to see released. First is an all aluminum updated version of the original Macintosh — “would be a “limited edition” run modern Mac redone that had a full blown emulator of all the classic software available on the original Mac,” then a Mac Pro Ultra — “It would be the fastest computer in the world and hold that title for more than a year,” and new Mac touch — “The Mac touch would be Apple’s answer to the rapid rise in the popularity of Netbooks.”
The three ideas are kind of nifty, although I’m not sure what “It would be the fastest computer in the world and hold that title for more than a year,” means. It’s important to remember that a 25th anniversary product wouldn’t necessarily be a widely sold product. It would most likely be a limited edition, or short run product. The 20th anniversary Macintosh, which actually celebrated Apple Computer’s 20th anniversary, not the Macintosh itself, sold for nearly $7,500 and shipped in March 1997. Far too expensive for most to even consider, let alone purchase. Especially with the economy tanking.
So what could Apple do to commemorate the Macintosh’s 25th anniversary? Here are a few ideas:
• Special Run Macbook Air — The Macbook Air is pretty expensive nowadays. So, those purchasing the special edition Air would not be affected by sticker shock. Apple could release an anodized black aluminum Macbook Air with some out of this world specs. Seeing as how the final price wouldn’t necessarily be a hindrance for Apple, they could go nuts with this thing.
• Promotional Sale — Apple’s not known for its blowout sales, so this is definitely a stretch. The 25th anniversary of the Macintosh is a pretty big deal, so dropping some prices could help those potential customers that may be on the fence. Shareholders would welcome the promotion, and all of the marketing would be free. Apple could simply change their website’s homepage and let the internet find out on its own.
• Special Run Mac Pro — Expanding on the Mac Pro Ultra idea, Apple could release a commemorative Mac Pro. This could again be priced as high as they like, it wouldn’t be released with the intention of moving mass units. Apple could incorporate some new aluminum manufacturing methods, maybe make it lighter, and thinner. Maybe the Apple logo on the side could be see through, or glow. Throw in some Blu-ray, HDMI, e-SATA, SSD hard drives and give us top of the line graphics cards as well. For those interested in this machine, price would most likely not be a concern.
• iMac: 25th Anniversary Edition — Apple could draw on inspiration from the original Twentieth Anniversary Mac (video), and unveil a limited edition all-in-one. They partnered with Bose for the speakers on the 20th anniversary mac, so maybe they could do that again (only this time minus the buzz issues). Again, price wouldn’t be an issue, so throw in Blu-ray, HDMI, and all the good stuff.
Apple might not do anything at all come January 24th. Perhaps all we’ll get is a new graphic on Apple.com’s homepage. Either way, it’s a special day, not just for Apple users, but for the industry as a whole.
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