Screaming Penguin

This is heavy on the speculation side but some analysts are stating that Apple might unleash a $500 range iMac soon. Why? Because of the enormous success of the iPod that has put the Apple brand back on planet Earth (prominently at that) and growing discontent with security issues and problems with Windows PCs by the public at large. The combination of these two factors is what makes the market ripe for an Apple comeback, at least thats the speculation. Its true that the iPod is a HUGE hit and that its quality and ease of use make it the best damn mp3 player PERIOD regardless of price. That and its popularity (due to that?) has indeed made Apple a household name again. And its also true that more and more Microsoft PC users are getting swamped with spyware and so called "viruses" (email "features" in Outlook) and are looking for alternatives. With these factors and OS X Apple has a real viable alternative and as such an opportunity. There are still some issues with the mass move to Apple, like software (especially games, lets face it you still need Windows for a lot of games and its younger folks that might be apt to use mp3 players that also play games, its an important market), familiarity and general change aversion but I would still agree that if ever there is going to be a time for Apple to make a move it is now.