Apple Dropped the Single-CPU Model from the Power Mac G5 Line but Why?

Last week the single-CPU 1.8GHz Power Mac G5 model was dropped from the online Apple Store in the U.S. without an announcement. The least expensive Power Mac G5 retailed for $1,499, some $500 less than the next level model with dual 2GHz G5 CPUs. The capability of the single G5 model was limited in ways other than the single CPU--it had a slower front-side bus, slower PCI slots and could hold only 4GB RAM. However, it was expandable so that one could add a top-of-the-line graphics card, up to 4GB RAM, more and larger internal hard drives and PCI cards for controlling more drives or other peripheral devices.

Apple's official word is:

"The 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5 is no longer available at the online Apple Store but is available in other channels while supplies last. The Power Mac G5 line is now all dual processor and delivers the ultimate in performance for our most advanced customers."

If one is looking for a single-chip machine, Apple stated that "...the new iMac G5 is a very popular solution."

This is a statement of fact that does not supply a reason, so why did Apple do it?

Money, of course. Making more money is why corporations do anything. There's nothing evil about it, that's just their nature. It's hard to believe that there's more profit in other Apple products like the 17" or 20" iMac G5 with a 2GHz G5 CPU or a dual 2GHz Power Mac G5. But there may be since they are the alternative products. Perhaps sales of the single-CPU Power Mac G5 were so low so as to make the model unprofitable in its own right. The latter is possible since the introduction of the Mac mini and the recent refresh of the eMac and iMac lines which provide far more value, except for expandability, than the former low end Power Mac G5. [Bill Fox]