In a news article from Reuters about Apple manufacturing plans, a startling number is casually tossed out. The article says that LG Electronics would be providing 2 million iMacs in 1999 in a manufacturing deal. According to Reuters:
"The Korea Economic Daily, quoting industry sources, said Tuesday that LG Electronics would provide two million iMAC computers in 1999, valued at $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion.
A spokesman at LG Electronics declined to comment on the news report. LG Electronics sold monitors and outer cases for one million iMAC computers between last August and December, he said. The newspaper said LG would produce complete iMAC computers in its local plant in Pyongtaek and overseas plants in Britain and Mexico."
Apple had not returned our calls at press time.
The Mac Observer Spin: 2 million units is a very aggressive number for the iMac. It is likely that Apple will continue to roll out new iMac models, including units with larger monitors, packages for businesses, new options and features like DVD, etc., during the next year and this 2 million unit figure likely include these future permutations. Steve Jobs and the management team at Apple must have some very aggressive plans for the iMac to target such a high figure however.
Remember that the iMac is no longer new and imitators will be hitting the market soon. Mr. Jobs has been right on target with everything else he has done during the last year (with the possible exception of killing licensing), so it would be pointless to underestimate him now. A 2 million unit figure would be welcome indeed!
Apple
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