Apple Revives iMac

Okay, so Apple isn't always on the cutting edge. Sometimes they go back to the fundamentals for financial inspiration, even if basic economics suggest otherwise.

That appears to be the case with CEO Steve Jobs' recent unveiling of Apple's redesigned iMac, the desktop computer and device many credit for the company's comeback. Released long before the iPod or iPhone, many tech consumers will remember the late '90s iMac's simple design graced by bright colors uncharacteristic of the market or even industry.

Today's new iMac boasts a much slimmer design than those rollie-pollie old iMacs of the 'Friends' era. Critics are lauding its glossy 20" and 24" screens and brand new entertainment software, as well. Visuals emanate from the display at an impressive 1680 by 1050 or even 1920 by 1200 pixels (depending on size of screen). The original 17" display, long outdated by today's growing LCD monitors, has been nixed.

With the growing popularity of laptops (I'm writing this article on one right now), prices of most desktop computers have spiralled towards the earth. However, prices for these new, shiny iMacs start at a startling $1,199.

Given the lagging PC sales in the desktop market, it makes some sense that Apple would try to make a name for itself here by reviving the home computer. With enough style and sheer pizzazz, it's entirely possible the Cupertino-based company could rewrite the growing demand for portability.

Further buoying Jobs' surprising initiative is the new software attached to the iMac. Although details are still sketchy, Jobs was more than willing to take credit for the fact that Apple has made its mark by developing hardware and software accessible to the mainstream. In a presentation, he stated, "The iMac has been very successful for us and we want to make it even better". (Source: businessweek.com)

Wall Street might not be buying the move. According to reports, company shares fell 22 cents after the announcement. (Source: money.cnn.com)