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.
About Mike Rundle
Jesus Fucking Christ! Apple teaming up with a brain dead punk like 50 Cent (whose name is actually more than this cocksucking PUNK is worth!) whose biggest claim to fame is how many times he’s been shot by other trash! It gives new meaning to the term “cultural rot” and shame on Apple for even considering such a partnership! I guess Stevie will do anything to increase the dismal Mac share though, even if it means associating with a “turd with legs” like 50 Cent!
Yeah, they totally should have went with the guy from Coldplay. LOL.
Oh well, it’s not that bad. After all, everyone’s been clamoring for a cheap mac. a 50 cent mac is about as cheap as i can imagine. thinkg about it, only two quarters!!
If Apple doesn’t, someone else probably will. My question is whether or not the machines will come pre-loaded with his albums. Maybe his next album name will be “Get Smart, or Die Trying.”
You sound like my dad: “…young kids would definitely dig it.”
A 50 cent co-branded mac. Now I’ve heard it all…
It does sound sorta ridiculous using the 50 Cent brand to try and sell to parents.
I mean, it’s all well and good that iPods are associated with U2 and/or Nike because it’s a musical device that is hip and great for taking to gym.
But associating your day-to-day computer with a rapper? It’s a bit of a stretch. It’s not like you can imagine Fiddy firing up TextEdit to jot down a few lyrics and then checking his appointments in iCal.
Obviously some of you guys are missing the point here. 50 is trying to do something for people who can’t normally afford a Mac. I don’t see anyone else stepping up to the plate and doing what he’s trying to do. So why are ya’ll bashing him. If you don’t like his lyrics/music, then don’t buy it or listen to it. You might as well get used to it because 50 is gonna be here for a while doing things like this. Oh yeah, where’s Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears when you want them? Hate it or love it, the underdogs on top! Go 50!
Anyone who can criticize reaching out and making a positive
impact in the lower income community, has to be someone who can
care less about what goes on in the lower income community.
I can’t see this doing anything else but good, even if the patron is Mr.Half Dollar.
I agree with Parodoxical_cold. He contributing to low income homes and making money at the same time. Good for him. He’s a business man making a move with a successfull company. Doing what he nows best to compete with today’s Industry. Affordable pc’s make alot of cents. I’m an volunteer instructor of computer technology and i have students who don’t have pc’s, can’t afford pc’s but bottom line is everone needs a pc. People need to focus their energy on giving back to the community in any way possible.