AllHipHop.com has some interesting news from the music industry this morning: it seems 50 Cent and Steve Jobs are currently in talks to bring a lower priced computer to inner city families. Both my parents work in an inner city school district, so I know very well how difficult it is for their students’ families to put food on the table, let alone have a computer that works. This story is interesting for a number of reasons, here are a few I can pull together:
- This new computer could be Apple’s first co-branded machine ever, at least as far back as I can remember. Apple currently is doing deals with Nike and U2 to extend the reach of their iPod, so a computer partnership seems to be the next step.
- Apple seems to be down for doing anything that will sell more iPods, and a partnership with 50 Cent in any way would definitely do that. The entire iTunes Music Store is in place only to sell more iPods (higher profit margin) so why not do a co-branded computer that does the same thing?
- Apple’s current lowend computer is the eMac, however at the moment only educational customers can purchase it.
The New eMac
Back at the end of May, Apple Insider wrote about a new eMac currently in development for launch (presumably) before this year’s school season in August/September. What held the eMac back in the past is that the bulbous and bulky CRT monitor was the most expensive part of the computer to manufacture, and also because of its weight it cost more to ship and pack. In order for the new Apple eMac to be successful and improve the bottomline, Apple is probably going to incorporate existing LCD screens from its current computer lineup (either from the iMac or MacBook) into this new computer. Also, the reduced weight and size with the new LCD screen will save on shipping costs, further driving down the price.
I think that this new 50 Cent partnership is based around the eMac replacement (or whatever they call it…. MacSmall, MacHome, MacCheap, etc.) and will be co-branded in some fashion for a home audience. I highly doubt that schools will want to purchase an Apple 50 Cent eMac, simply because of his lyrics and gangster appearance, but young kids would definitely dig it.