-I don't think it will affect demand," Scott Lovell, National Apple Product Manager told ZDNet Australia. -Demand for the product is still quite strong in the marketplace and will continue to grow."
Apple blame the price rises on increases in component costs, especially the LCD flat screen displays, a shortage of which has created supply problems for the computer manufacturer. Apple now claims to be shipping 5,000 new iMacs a day, but it hasn't quieted the clamour from distributors and resellers, who are still desperate for product.
The new prices come into effect from April 2, raising the RRP to AU$3,195 for the 700 MHz G4 with CD-RW drive; AU$3,695 for the 700 MHz G4 with Combo drive; and AU$4,395 for the 800 MHz G4 with SuperDrive. Apple have promised to honour all existing reseller orders and Apple online store orders place on or before April 2 at the current price.
This price rise may see a change in consumer spending. -So far, the top sellers have been the superdrive and combo machines," said Lovell, -now some consumers will opt for the CD-RW. The price conscious will go for that".
This may cause a further supply problem, according to Lovell, since Apple has decided to concentrate on the high end of the new iMac range and haven't produced a lot of units on the lower end.
The price rise and supply problems have not stopped Apple launching several new products, among them another flat panel display.
The 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, will support 16.7 million pixels and has a 160 degree viewing angle. -This is aimed at the pro-consumer," said Lovell. -It was brought out because the specs on the current graphics card support these kinds of graphics. The new display will be available late April at a RRP of AU$7,599.
Other products released include a 10Gb iPod, which will hold 2,000 CD quality songs, as well as contact information for 1,000 colleagues, family and friends. This will be available early April with an RRP of AU$1,095.
A Bluetooth USB adapter will be available mid April for AU$99, and will work with free software downloaded from the Apple site.
