Monday, Apple launched a low-spec iMac to the educational market.

The 21.5-inch desktop is priced at $999, $200 cheaper than the regular entry-level iMac of the same size. It is available only to education institutions.

The iMac will have OS X Lion preinstalled, and comes with 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i3 processor.

While the computer comes with 2GB of RAM by default, authorized educational buyers configure it via te Apple Online Store to store up to 8GB.

Additional features include:

- AMD Radeon HD 6750 with 256MB

- 250GB storage

- SuperDrive DVD burner

- FaceTime HD webcam

- Stereo speakers

- SDXC card reader

However, the cheaper iMac does not offer Bluetooth nor Thunderbolt port for high-speed data connectivity. Instead, external displays connect via Mini DisplayPort, as per the last-gen model.

Also instead of wireless keyboard and mouse, Apple included wired ones in the package.

Apple has released models targeted specifically at educational institutions in the past. Several years ago, the company introduced the eMac that used a CRT display and had a G4 processor. While it was rolled out for schools, a series of protests made the eMac made available to everyone. In 2009, the company continued to sell its 17-inch iMac for $899, even after the all-in-one desktop had been phased out of public sales in favor of new 20-inch and 24-inch models.

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