Re: floppy drive -- This unit is the *i*Mac. It is designed for internet use, with appropriate methods of data storage and file transfer -- USB, IR, Ethernet-Server, Net, etc.
Soup,
I haven't seen a lot of discussion yet on the board about all the ports the iMac has. It seems to me that one can hook a Zip drive, a floppy, a CD, or any other type of input/output device to a USB if the correct attachment hardware is available. In the P&P environment, I don't think it would be very hard for a user to buy this hardware. Consequently, I don't see this model limited in terms of document transfer.
More intriguing to me is the built-in IR and ethernet capabilities. This suggests to me that we may get the other 'half' of this story next week or a little further down the road. I have a feeling that Apple will push this model as its NC. With a Rhapsody based server, it seems perfect for networking in schools or businesses. It is faster than the Pentium II (useful for engineering and database crunching, as well as publishing), and loading software is clearly not a problem with a LAN or internet connection (and I think the USB).
Also, how does Intuit fit into this? They see this machine (I think it is this one??) as a window of opportunity to push their internet sales concepts such as 'do your books online and don't worry about software purchases. What other companies would possibly use the iMac to experiment with internet products?
The possibilities with this machine seem endless to me. Just my 2 cents.
Sam |
