Shades of Fanaticism? iMac Talk Is Colorful

When Apple Computer introduced its jazzy iMac personal computer in August, it not only broke out of the boring oatmeal box with its translucent blue-and-white plastic case, it transformed the way people talk about personal computers. The color breakthrough was so popular that in January interim Chief Executive Steve Jobs unveiled five new iMac “flavors”--blueberry, grape, tangerine, lime and strawberry.

Now, in the online world of the passionate Mac community, on Web sites such as NoBeige andiMacintouch, rumors about color are bubbling up in the very technical discussions. Only a few days ago, the AppleInsider predicted some specific color changes: that tangerine will be replaced by banana, and strawberry (too pink for male customers) will give way to a deeper red (cherry). There is also talk that new resins in the works will offer metallic, opalescent and marble-like surfaces.

At Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., spokesman Russell Brady said the company doesn’t comment on rumors, but “the fact that people are saying, ‘I want a tangerine or a grape’ proves that we have changed the rules about megabyte talk.” As for color, Apple’s suggestion is, of course: Collect all five.