Year: 2002

During his Macworld Expo Tokyo keynote, Steve Jobs refuted criticism that independent dealers in the U.S. were getting few of the new flat-panel iMacs, saying the 28 retail stores have received “only 25,000,” or approximately 900 per store, and that “90 percent” were going to other retail channels. Jobs reported Apple has shipped more than 125,000 new flat-panel iMacs since the end of January, but numerous reports from dealers indicate many have gotten anywhere from as few as 10 to as many as 80, and are only now receiving a limited number of mid-range models.

At Macworld Expo Tokyo today, Apple announced that it will be raising the price of the new iMac by US$100 across the board to accommodate rising component costs. The company has also entered into volume production on the system, having shipped more than 125,000 to date. Apple also announced a 10GB iPod, which will sell for $499, or $100 more than the 5GB model. Custom engraving on the back of the iPod will be available as a $49 option.

Steve Jobs’ Macworld Expo Tokyo keynote kicked off about 30 minutes ago with Jobs offering an overview of what will be covered during his keynote: Mac OS X, digital hub, iMac, Bluetooth, Cinema Display, and iPod.

Apple will introduce a 10GB iPod, optional software that allows the iPod to be used as an organizer, faster DVD recordable drives, and a new 23-inch Cinema Display just hours away at Macworld Tokyo, according to c|net. The 10GB iPod will sell for US$499, suggesting that the current 5GB version will continued to be offered. Additional details on the software, DVD-R, and new display are unclear at this point.