FreeMac Issue

We have covered the FreeMac issue since its inception many months ago. Essentially, 1 million housholds were to get a free iMac if they agreed to run FreeMac's proprietary software to surf the internet. That seemed like a real bargain to us so we signed up for a free iMac. Deadlines came and went with out further word on when the program would actually begin. Then last Tuesday we got the following email from FreeMac:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You are receiving this e-mail because you originally signed up at FreeMac.com and provided us with your e-mail address. To remove yourself from this list, please click here: http://FreeMac.com/cgi-bin/remove.cgi?x=n1&email=x@mgfairfax.rr.com" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It has been about 10 weeks since our last e-mail update, and I wanted to bring you up to speed on where things are at FreeMac.com. As you know, we originally announced our intention to distribute free Apple iMac computers. Prior to making that announcement we had discussions with Apple Computer regarding our business, and had been encouraged to proceed. Unfortunately, Apple Computer had a change of heart and decided not to allow us to purchase Apple iMacs from them at wholesale prices.

"Frankly, we were surprised by Apple's decision, but we were not discouraged. We advised them that we would still be willing to acquire iMacs by paying FULL RETAIL PRICE! And Apple Computer still said no. They did more than say no. They prohibited their major retail accounts from selling us iMacs -- even at regular retail prices! And so we've reached a point where we have to deliver what I know is some very disappointing news to many of you. We simply aren't being allowed to purchase the iMac computers to distribute to you. Apple Computer has left us no choice here.

"We are, however, moving in an exciting direction and I wanted you to be among the first to know about it. In approximately 10 days, we will be re-launching our company as NadaPC.com. NadaPC.com will be providing a FREE Internet appliance to qualified end-users. Soon you will have the opportunity to receive the latest type of Internet connectivity device -- one that makes surfing the Web, enjoying multimedia content and sending and receiving e-mail easier than ever!

"We'll be launching the NadaPC.com web site very shortly. As someone who expressed interest in receiving a free iMac, you will have the 'inside track' on signing up for this exciting new Internet appliance first. We'll give you an e-mail heads-up when it's time to register. And the good news is that with so many different Internet appliance manufacturers in the marketplace, this time we know that we'll be able to deliver.

"Finally, I'd like to thank you for your incredible patience. We never imagined that we would have to change direction like this -- and we were willing to go to any lengths to stay on track -- even paying the full retail price to acquire enough Apple iMac computers to distribute to you. But we're anxious to launch NadaPC.com and we're even more anxious to have you be a part of it all.

"Regards,

Jonathan Strum
Founder & CEO
FreeMac.com"

I didn't get a chance to post the email because I was traveling last week and it came to my cable email address. Strum claims that FreeMac eventually offered Apple full retail price for iMacs but Apple turned him down and more than that, Apple "prohibited their major retail accounts from selling us iMacs -- even at regular retail prices!" Blaming Apple seems weird and several web sites claimed to have a copy of an email from Steve Jobs saying it was bogus. I have been unable to think of a good reason why Apple would not want to visit the business of 1 million iMacs on its retailers. Strum's email does not say why FreeMac didn't simply offer vouchers or rebates to participants and let them pick up their iMac themselves.
Saw something? Send a tip

The archive ran on reader tips. What did you see, where, and do you want the credit?

Read by the editor. Never published without your say.

More in Apple hardware · This month in the archive