RIP eMac

The eMac, Apple's low-end, all-in-one computer, is no longer. Apple announced today that the CRT-based eMac will be replaced by a low-end $899 version of the iMac, Apple's other all-in-one PC that uses an LCD. The $899 iMac will feature a 17-inch display, a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 512MB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, and integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics. You won't get Apple's SuperDrive DVD burner at this price, but you'll get a 24X combo CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive instead. The $899 education-only iMac will ship with built-in 802.11g wireless networking and Apple's iSight video camera, plus Apple's superior software bundle, which includes Mac OS X 10.4.6, Front Row, and iLife '06.

Released in 2002 and sold exclusively to educators and educatees since last year, the eMac will continue to be sold via Apple's education store until supplies run out. Act now, and you'll likely be the only kid in your dorm next year with such retro Apple styling. It'll look smashing next to your first-gen iPod of the same era.