Apple Reportedly Plans To Offer Cheaper Macs

Losing market share in the U.S. in the face of the netbook craze, Apple (AAPL) is planning to introduce some cheaper Macs, according to the blog AppleInsider . The post says that Apple plans to offer “more affordable” versions of both the iMac and the 13-inch MacBook, citing “people who’ve proven extremely reliable in predicting Apple’s future business direction.” The current MacBook product line starts at $999, while the desktop iMac line starts at $1199. The blog says exactly where Apple intends to price new versions is unclear, but notes that the company has been quietly offering educational institutions a 2 GHz, 20-inch iMac for $899. AppleInsider says the move is an interim step while the company readies a much-rumored Web tablet “which is taking considerably longer to complete than once anticipated.” Apple has repeatedly said it has no interest in the current netbook market. On the most recent earnings call , interim CEO Tim Cook  ... (link)